What is the quickest time an individual could push open an unlocked canal lock?

Question

There obviously wont be a specific answer, I just want to gauge an opinion as me and my friends were arguing over how long it would take the world's strongest man (we had a lot of time on our hands!!)

Answer 1

The safest way is the quickest.

Answer 2

if the lock was empty (ie the water was same level either side of the lock gate) then you are merely just trying to move the water around it, and depending on the size of the lock gate, the height, and the length of the balance beam your probably talking about 2 seconds!

However, if the lock was full then i think (depending on the height difference of the water either side of the lock gate) it would be impossible to move unless it was less than 12" difference - the shear pressure of the water in the lock would mean the balance beam would probably break before it opened!

try playing "I Spy" next time your bored lol!

Answer 3

If you are talking about the gates on a narrow lock with no water differential (Big words) and which are well maintained then a child can open it as quick as a strong man.

If you are on about creaking gates on a wide canal with leaking paddles then it could be almost impossible. So the answer is "it depends!!!"

Answer 4

With or with out water>Seems you 2 have to much time on your hands>