Abstract: A fluid operated actuator for activating the clutch mechanism of a clutch-operated cable drum is disclosed wherein the clutch mechanism rotates with a shaft upon which the cable drum is journalled and is operable to engage the cable drum for rotation with the shaft by axially displacing a portion of the clutch mechanism. The actuator, which is cylindrical in geometry and includes a cylindrical bore, is engaged to the end of the rotating shaft with one endwall of the actuator extending radially outward from the rotatable shaft and being adjacent to the axially displaceable portion of the clutch mechanism. A piston is slidably retained in the actuator bore and a number of circumferentially spaced apart thrust pins that are slidably retained in openings of the actuator endwall structurally link the piston with an annular plate that is positioned between the actuator endwall and the axially displaceable portion of the clutch.