How to Build a Pulley

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Pulleys are simple machines that make lifting heavy objects easier. They distribute weight to reduce the amount of force it takes to lift something up. With a compound pulley, you can lift an object using half the force it takes to lift the same object with a simple pulley. You can easily make either type of pulley using a few simple objects around your home!

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Building a Fixed Pulley

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  1. Use a pair of scissors or wire cutters to cut through the bottom of a wire hanger. Make sure your cut is directly in the middle of the hanger so you can easily put your spool on. Leave the top of the hanger intact so you can hang it when you use your pulley. [1]
    • If you don’t have a wire hanger, you can make the axle for your pulley by propping a broomstick between 2 tables or counters instead. Secure it in place by setting a heavy object on one end of the stick.
  2. Gently pry open the cut you made in the hanger and slide a thread spool on it. The size of the spool doesn’t matter as long as it fits onto the hanger. Slide both parts of the hanger through the center of the spool and use pliers to bend the ends into hooks to keep the spool in place. [2]
    • You can buy a spool from a craft store, or you may reuse one that you already have from thread or twine.

    Tip: If you don’t have spools, you can buy wheels made for pulleys from your local hardware store.

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  3. Look for an open rod or dowel in a closet, or set one up between 2 tables. If you need to, set a weight on top of the rod to prevent it from spinning or moving around. Use the hook on the hanger to hang it on the rod or dowel. [3]
  4. Cut a piece of string or twine so it’s about twice as long as the distance from the floor to the bottom of the wire hanger. Drape one side of the string over the spool so both sides are the same length. [4]
    • If you plan on doing a lot of experiments with pulleys, you can tie a small metal hook to one end of the string so it’s easier to hang weights. [5]
    • You can also use twine if you want your pulley to be slightly stronger.
  5. Use things that are lightweight, such as a few washers or a thin textbook, as your weights. Tie the end of the string around your objects so they don’t fall out while you’re lifting them. Let the loose end of your string hang down freely on the other side of the spool. Set the weight on the floor to start your experiment.
    • Pulleys make your work easier by distributing the weight and forces across the different sides of strings.
    • Be careful not to choose anything too heavy since it will cause the metal hanger to bend and deform.
  6. Grab the loose end of the string and pull it straight down. The spool will rotate around the hanger and reduce the amount of friction, making it easier to lift the weight on the other side. Tie the loose end of the string to a sturdy object if you want to suspend your weights in the air. Keep trying the pulley with different weights to see how much you can lift. [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making a Simple Compound Pulley

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  1. Use 2 boxes that are the same size and thickness, such as cereal or packing boxes. Set the boxes on a flat surface, like a table, so they’re about 5–6 in (13–15 cm) apart. Make sure the edges of the boxes are parallel with one another. [7]
    • Thicker boxes will be able to support more weight while thinner boxes are more likely to rip while you use your pulley.
  2. Use an old wooden spool or one that you bought from a craft store. Slide a pencil through the center of the spool to create an axle that it can rotate freely around. [8]
    • You can also buy pulley wheels from your local hardware store if you don’t have any spools.
  3. Sharpen a different pencil and slowly poke the point through one of the boxes. Make another hole in the second box that lines up with the first hole you made. Make another set of holes 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) from the first set. [9]
  4. Feed the eraser end of one of the pencils through the hole in one box and the pointed end in the hole across from it. Then put the pencil with the spool in the other set of holes. Make sure the boxes are spaced about 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) apart and the spool is in the center of the pencil. [10]
    • Make sure the pencils fit tightly in the sides of the boxes. If it doesn’t, use modeling clay inside the boxes to hold it in place.
  5. Cut your string so it’s twice as long as the height of your boxes from the floor. Loop the string around your pencil and tie a knot to secure it in place. Drape the loose end of the string over the spool on the other pencil. [11]
    • You can also tie the string around the pencil before you put it in the box.
  6. Feed the other end of your string through the center loop of the paperclip. Keep sliding the paper clip down the string until it’s between the 2 pencils. Let the paper clip rest on the table surface for now. [12]
    • If you don’t want the paperclip to move around, you can tie a knot in the string to secure it in place.
  7. Bend open the paperclip to form a small hook and slide a few small weights on it, such as washers or metal beads. Make sure the weight rests on the table surface and isn’t suspended in the air. [13]
    • Try using the same size weight that you used on your simple pulley so you can compare the difference between the 2 of them.
    • Heavier weights may rip through the boxes or break the string.
  8. The spool will rotate around the pencil and make the weight easier to lift. Since the other end of your string is tied to the pencil, you will use half the force that it would take to lift it with a single pulley. [14]
    • Because the weight is distributed between the string and the spool, you can move the weight twice as far with the half the amount of force.
    • You can add more spools and pencils to make lifting the weight easier.

    Tip: Use a spring scale to see how much force it takes to lift the weight. Tie the end of the string to the hook on the spring scale and pull it. Look at the reading on the side of the scale to measure the force it takes to lift it.

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  • Question
    What are the 3 types of pulleys?
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    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.
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  • Question
    How does a pulley make work easier?
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    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    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!
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    What are some common uses for pulleys?
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    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.
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      Warnings

      • Be careful while handling the cut ends of a wire hanger since they may be sharp and could hurt you.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Building a Fixed Pulley

      • Wire hanger
      • Scissors or wire cutters
      • String or twine
      • Wooden spool
      • Weights
      • Pliers

      Making a Simple Compound Pulley

      • 2 cardboard boxes
      • 2 pencils
      • Thread spool
      • String
      • Paper clips
      • Washers or other weights
      • Clay (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-pulley-children-5896241.html
      2. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-pulley-children-5896241.html
      3. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-pulley-children-5896241.html
      4. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-pulley-children-5896241.html
      5. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-pulley-children-5896241.html
      6. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-pulley-children-5896241.html
      7. ↑ https://www.teachengineering.org/lessons/view/cub_simple_lesson05
      8. ↑ https://www.teachengineering.org/lessons/view/cub_simple_lesson05
      9. ↑ https://www.teachengineering.org/lessons/view/cub_simple_lesson05
      1. ↑ https://www.teachengineering.org/lessons/view/cub_simple_lesson05
      2. ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/lighten-the-load-with-a-pulley/#
      3. ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/lighten-the-load-with-a-pulley/#
      4. ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/lighten-the-load-with-a-pulley/#
      5. ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/lighten-the-load-with-a-pulley/#

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      A pulley is a simple machine that makes it easier to lift heavy objects, and you can make your own at home with just a clothes hanger, a pair of wire cutters, a spool, a rod, and a piece of string. First, cut the clothes hanger using wire cutters and place the spool onto the wire of the clothes hanger. Then, bend the wires to close the spool onto the clothes hanger. Hang the clothes hanger from a rod or dowel, like one you'd find in a closet. Finally, loop the piece of string over the top of the spool on the pulley. Now that the pulley is complete, attach lightweight objects to the end of the string to test how the machine works. For more tips on how to build a pulley, like how to make a simple compound pulley at home, read on.

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