What indicates that the Spanish windlass is tight enough during setup?

In the context of setting up a Spanish windlass, the indication that it is tight enough is observed when the first picket begins to move. The Spanish windlass operates by applying tension through a twisted rope, creating enough force to lift or lower a load. The movement of the first picket signifies that the necessary tension has been achieved to begin affecting the load being worked on. It shows that the system is properly applying force and that the tension from the windlass is effectively exerted on the anchors.

While the absence of slack in the windlass and secure anchors are important aspects of a successful setup, they do not directly indicate that the tension is adequate to adjust the load. Similarly, the sound of the rope straining may suggest tension but isn’t a definitive indicator of the operational readiness of the system. Thus, the movement of the picket serves as a practical and observable confirmation of sufficient tension in the windlass setup.