Q&A for How to Build a Pulley

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  • Question
    What are the 3 types of pulleys?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    The 3 types are fixed, moveable, and compound. A fixed pulley has a wheel and axis that stay in one place, like on a flag pole. Moveable pulleys, such as those used in cranes and elevators, can move up and down. A compound pulley combines fixed and moveable pulleys.
  • Question
    How does a pulley make work easier?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Pulleys help support the weight of an object you are lifting and reduce the amount of force you need to lift it. The more wheels on your pulley, the less force you need to exert!
  • Question
    What are some common uses for pulleys?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Pulleys are used in devices such as elevators, construction cranes, and flagpoles. Many weightlifting machines also involve pulleys that you pull down on to lift the weights.
  • Question
    Are there any easily found materials from my home that I could use?
    Community Answer
    You can use any clothes hanger that could fit a spool. Keep in mind it should be able to spin freely on whatever you use. If you don't have rope, you can twist some yarn together and use that instead.
  • Question
    Can I use any kind of hanger?
    Community Answer
    You can use any closed wire hanger, like the one displayed there.
  • Question
    How can I build a pulley with two or more wheels to make it a force multiplier?
    Community Answer
    Put all four wheels on opposite axes so that the perpetual discharge of the load will cause the force to conjugate the momentum, and the force will become greater than before, thereby creating a force multiplier.
  • Question
    Where can i find a spool?
    Community Answer
    You can find a spool at a local fabric/thread store. There should be one near your location, but if not you can often find spools at thrift stores or on auction sites.
  • Question
    Is there anything other than a spool that I can use for this?
    Community Answer
    Maybe you can hang a paper clip on the hanger and pull the string through the hole in the paperclip.
  • Question
    How do I make a pulley with opposite wheels?
    Community Answer
    Put all four wheels on opposite axes so that the perpetual discharge of the load will cause the force to conjugate the momentum, and the force will become greater than before, thereby creating a force multiplier.
  • Question
    How do I make a heavy-duty pulley out of metal?
    Community Answer
    Use a thicker hanger, a metal loop for the spool and a chain instead of thread.
  • Question
    Where can I get a thread spool?
    Community Answer
    You can get it at your nearest hardware store. If not, then try getting it at a large variety store or online.
  • Question
    What can I do if my pulley is unstable?
    Community Answer
    Use a more balanced hangar or spool- glue object in place- you may need to lighten the load.
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