Crank vs. Crankshaft — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
A crank converts linear motion to rotary motion; a crankshaft, containing one or more cranks, transmits this rotary motion to other engine parts.
Difference Between Crank and Crankshaft
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A crank is a mechanical lever attached at right angles to a rotating shaft, primarily used to convert linear motion to rotational motion. In contrast, a crankshaft is a more complex component that includes one or more cranks along its length, integral to the functioning of various engines.
The crank functions by converting the up-and-down movement—like that of a piston in an engine—into a circular motion. On the other hand, the crankshaft not only supports and utilizes the function of the crank but also serves as the main rotating backbone of an engine, transmitting power to other components.
Typically, a crank consists of two main parts: the arm and the shaft, where the arm engages with a moving piston or similar component. Whereas the crankshaft, comprising multiple cranks and additional features like counterweights and oil passages, is designed to manage and distribute the engine's power.
In simpler mechanical devices like hand-operated grinders, a single crank is used to perform tasks such as grinding or drilling. Conversely, crankshafts are found in complex machinery such as automobile engines, where multiple cranks are necessary to handle multiple pistons.
The durability and construction material of a crank can vary significantly based on its application, ranging from hardened steels in engines to less durable materials in less demanding tasks. Meanwhile, crankshafts are generally made from forged steel or cast iron, tailored to withstand the substantial forces of an operating engine.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Converts linear motion to rotary motion
Transmits rotary motion to various engine parts
Components Included
Consists of an arm and a shaft
Includes multiple cranks, counterweights, etc.
Usage
Simple mechanical devices (e.g., hand grinder)
Complex engines (e.g., car engines)
Material
Can vary widely based on application
Typically forged steel or cast iron
Mechanical Complexity
Relatively simple component
Complex, integral part of an engine’s build
Compare with Definitions
Crank
Consists of a lever arm attached at a right angle to a rotating shaft.
The mechanic adjusted the crank to improve the motion transfer.
Crankshaft
A major engine component that contains cranks to convert and transmit power.
The crankshaft in the car engine had to be replaced due to wear.
Crank
Simple in design but critical for motion conversion.
The crank on his bicycle broke, making it impossible to pedal.
Crankshaft
Integral for the distribution of power within the engine.
A smooth-running crankshaft is essential for efficient engine performance.
Crank
Operates by applying force at one end to rotate the shaft.
The old water well uses a crank to draw water.
Crankshaft
Often made from high-strength materials to resist operational stresses.
Modern crankshafts are typically forged from steel for maximum durability.
Crank
A device for converting linear motion to rotary motion.
He turned the crank to operate the old-fashioned ice cream maker.
Crankshaft
Complex in structure, incorporating several cranks and counterbalances.
The V8 engine features a meticulously designed crankshaft to manage eight pistons.
Crank
Used in simple mechanisms to facilitate manual operations.
She used the crank to raise the flag on the flagpole.
Crankshaft
Designed to handle the combined force of multiple pistons.
The engine's crankshaft is engineered to endure extreme rotational forces.
Crank
Turn the crankshaft of (an internal combustion engine) in order to start the engine
The starter motor struggled to crank the engine
Move the pitch lever into the normal range and crank up the engine
Crankshaft
A crankshaft is a shaft driven by a crank mechanism, consisting of a series of cranks and crankpins to which the connecting rods of an engine is attached. It is a mechanical part able to perform a conversion between reciprocating motion and rotational motion.
Crank
Give a bend to (a shaft, bar, etc.)
Paddle styles also vary—long, short, cranked, etc.
Crankshaft
A shaft that turns or is turned by a crank.
Crank
Inject a narcotic drug
He's been cranking up on smack
Crankshaft
A rotating shaft that drives (or is driven by) a crank.
Crank
A part of an axle or shaft bent out at right angles, for converting reciprocal to circular motion and vice versa
A long con rod which acts as a longer lever on the crank
Crankshaft
(of a straight bolt or rod) To deform in such a manner that part of the rod or bolt is displaced sideways, offset from the longitudinal axis of the part, but remains parallel with the part's main longitudinal axis, with the final shape somewhat resembling a crankshaft.
Crank
The drug methamphetamine.
Crankshaft
A rotating shaft driven by (or driving) a crank
Crank
An eccentric person, especially one who is obsessed by a particular subject
I am used to getting crank calls from conspiracy theorists
When he first started to air his views, they labelled him a crank
Crank
A fanciful turn of speech.
Crank
(of a sailing ship) liable to heel over.
Crank
A device for transmitting rotary motion, consisting of a handle or arm attached at right angles to a shaft.
Crank
A clever turn of speech; a verbal conceit
Quips and cranks.
Crank
A peculiar or eccentric idea or action.
Crank
A grouchy person.
Crank
An eccentric person, especially one who is unduly zealous.
Crank
(Slang) Methamphetamine.
Crank
To start or operate (an engine, for example) by or as if by turning a handle.
Crank
To move or operate (a window, for example) by or as if by turning a handle.
Crank
To make into the shape of a crank; bend.
Crank
To provide with a handle that is used in turning.
Crank
To turn a handle.
Crank
To wind in a zigzagging course.
Crank
Of, being, or produced by an eccentric person
A crank letter.
A crank phone call.
Crank
Liable to capsize; unstable.
Crank
(slang) Strange, weird, odd.
Crank
Sick; unwell.
Crank
Liable to capsize because of poorly stowed cargo or insufficient ballast.
Crank
Full of spirit; brisk; lively; sprightly; overconfident; opinionated.
Crank
A bent piece of an axle or shaft, or an attached arm perpendicular, or nearly so, to the end of a shaft or wheel, used to impart a rotation to a wheel or other mechanical device; also used to change circular into reciprocating motion, or reciprocating into circular motion.
I grind my coffee by hand with a coffee grinder with a crank handle.
Crank
Clipping of crankshaft
Crank
The act of converting power into motion, by turning a crankshaft.
Yes, a crank was all it needed to start.
Give it a forceful crank.
Crank
(archaic) Any bend, turn, or winding, as of a passage.
Crank
(informal) An ill-tempered or nasty person.
Billy-Bob is a nasty old crank! He chased my cat away.
Crank
A twist or turn of the mind; caprice; whim;
Crank
A fit of temper or passion.
Crank
A person who is considered strange or odd by others. They may behave in unconventional ways.
John is a crank because he talks to himself.
Crank
A baseball fan.
Crank
(informal) An amateur in science or other technical subjects who persistently advocates flawed theories
That crank next door thinks he’s created cold fusion in his garage.
Crank
Synonym of methamphetamine.
Danny got abscesses from shooting all that bathtub crank.
Crank
(rare) A twist or turn in speech; word play consisting in a change of the form or meaning of a word.
Crank
(obsolete) A sick person; an invalid.
Crank
(transitive) To turn by means of a crank.
Motorists had to crank their engine by hand.
Crank
(intransitive) To turn a crank.
He's been cranking all day and yet it refuses to crank.
Crank
To turn.
He's been cranking all day and yet it refuses to crank.
Crank
(transitive) To cause to spin via other means, as though turned by a crank.
I turn the key and crank the engine; yet it doesn't turn over
Crank it up!
Crank
(intransitive) To act in a cranky manner; to behave unreasonably and irritably, especially through complaining.
Quit cranking about your spilt milk!
Crank
(intransitive) To be running at a high level of output or effort.
By one hour into the shift, the boys were really cranking.
Crank
To run with a winding course; to double; to crook; to wind and turn.
Crank
A bent portion of an axle, or shaft, or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft, by which motion is imparted to or received from it; also used to change circular into reciprocating motion, or reciprocating into circular motion. See Bell crank.
Crank
Any bend, turn, or winding, as of a passage.
So many turning cranks these have, so many crooks.
Crank
A twist or turn in speech; a conceit consisting in a change of the form or meaning of a word.
Quips, and cranks, and wanton wiles.
Crank
A twist or turn of the mind; caprice; whim; crotchet; also, a fit of temper or passion.
Violent of temper; subject to sudden cranks.
Crank
A person full of crotchets; one given to fantastic or impracticable projects; one whose judgment is perverted in respect to a particular matter.
Crank
A sick person; an invalid.
Thou art a counterfeit crank, a cheater.
Crank
Sick; infirm.
Crank
Liable to careen or be overset, as a ship when she is too narrow, or has not sufficient ballast, or is loaded too high, to carry full sail.
Crank
Full of spirit; brisk; lively; sprightly; overconfident; opinionated.
He who was, a little before, bedrid, . . . was now crank and lusty.
If you strong electioners did not think you were among the elect, you would not be so crank about it.
Crank
To run with a winding course; to double; to crook; to wind and turn.
See how this river comes me cranking in.
Crank
A bad-tempered person
Crank
A whimsically eccentric person
Crank
Amphetamine used in the form of a crystalline hydrochloride; used as a stimulant to the nervous system and as an appetite suppressant
Crank
A hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle
Crank
Travel along a zigzag path;
The river zigzags through the countryside
Crank
Start by cranking;
Crank up the engine
Crank
Rotate with a crank
Crank
Fasten with a crank
Crank
Bend into the shape of a crank
Crank
(used of boats) inclined to heel over easily under sail
Common Curiosities
Can a crank function without a crankshaft?
In simple devices, a crank can function independently, but in engines, it is part of the crankshaft.
How do I know if my crankshaft needs repair?
Common signs include engine vibration, noise, and decreased engine performance.
What is the primary function of a crank?
The primary function of a crank is to convert linear motion into rotary motion.
Is the crankshaft replaceable if damaged?
Yes, crankshafts can be replaced, but it's a complex and costly repair often requiring professional handling.
What types of machinery use cranks?
Cranks are used in various machinery, from simple hand tools to complex industrial machines.
Are all crankshafts made the same?
No, crankshafts vary greatly depending on the engine type and its specific requirements.
How do cranks and crankshafts impact engine performance?
Both are crucial for the mechanical motion and overall efficiency of an engine; malfunction in either can lead to significant performance issues.
What does a crankshaft do in an engine?
A crankshaft translates rotary motion to various parts of an engine and helps distribute power.
What materials are used to make a crankshaft?
Crankshafts are usually made of forged steel or cast iron, chosen for their strength and durability.
Why are crankshafts designed with counterweights?
Counterweights help balance the crankshaft, reducing vibration and wear during engine operation.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
