How many handbrakes are required to be tied on the end of the equipment not coupled to the locomotive before making a drawbar adjustment?

In railroad operations, particularly when making adjustments to equipment such as drawbars, safety is paramount. The requirement for two handbrakes to be tied on the end of the equipment not coupled to the locomotive ensures that the equipment remains secure and stable during the adjustment process.

Having two handbrakes applied helps to prevent any unintended movement of the equipment, which could lead to accidents or derailments. This additional layer of safety is crucial, as it mitigates the risk associated with the potential forces that may come into play while adjusting drawbars, especially if additional equipment is in motion or if there's a slope present.

In practical terms, relying on a single handbrake could be insufficient to guarantee stability, as mechanical failure or human error might compromise its effectiveness. Similarly, requiring more than two may be unnecessary and could complicate operations without enhancing safety significantly. Therefore, the standard procedure mandates the tying of two handbrakes for proper safety and stability during such operations.