This Wilderness Technique will Blow Your Mind: Bushcraft Gadgets, Survival Tools, Primitive Pulley

[@keithnavarro2930]

If there are no square trees, why are we taught so early about square roots? Thanks for another great video.

[@tombrown8800]

Great question !

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

I know square branching trees

[@billmclaughlin8438]

Nice!! Square roots!,🤣🤣

[@joelproulx7130]

Good thinking, got a chuckle out of it, THANKS.

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

Ever heard of a Box- elder?

[@David_Avidmind]

Cut the V notch in the branch before you cut it to length, makes life easier and less bloodsoaked if you have something to hold on to while cutting that v notch.

[@DarrenGerbrandt]

Yeah, watching him hang onto that short piece while cutting into it with the saw made me cringe each time the saw blade slipped. Definitely would have been better to carve the v-grove before cutting that piece to length.

[@thecarpentersarmsbbq7660]

I was just about to say exactly the same. Great idea though,

[@conmcgrath7502]

Absolutely! Loving the expression 'makes life easier and less bloodsoaked'. Kinda like 'did it cut you bad?'.. 'no, no not too deep, fortunately the bone stopped the blade....

[@bdickinson6751]

Yeah those saws make some nasty ass cuts in flesh. Don't ask me how I know. 😂

[@DarrenGerbrandt]

@@bdickinson6751 yeah, I have a silky gomboy and have gotten more than a few bleeding scrapes from it just touching the skin. Don't even remember the blade touching my hand, just a "where is that blood coming from?" and "Why is my hand bleeding?"

[@davejalenderki]

That is pretty incredible. People don't usually understand how much work a pulley or pulley system can save you. Excellent video. Thanks.

[@KDawgKy]

Brilliant idea and practical application...as someone who has had double shoulder surgery and don’t have the strength that I used to, I carry a couple of small pulleys for unknown various situations wherever I go just to reduce wear and tear on my shoulders. Makes things much easier and less frustrating.

[@joeday4498]

Use this to hoist food up out of the reach of certain animals while camping. Or just use it to impress your friends with your mad skills. Love it!

[@shellysadventures2875]

how do you get the pulley up high enough to make this possible without climbing a tree?

[@joeday4498]

@@shellysadventures2875 you may have to throw a rope over a large branch (depending on what you're hosting), or stand on something to reach high enough to loop it onto a hook of some sort.

[@NS-pf2zc]

It never fails to amaze me how I can click on one of your videos and just sit dumbfounded as you create something pretty cool. Ive picked up so many random tips. One helped me the other day moving a fallen branch out of my way that I would never have been able to lift traditionally.

[@stoneysdead689]

You can use tallow or vegetable shortening to lubricate the stick the pulley is spinning around, gets rid of any tendency to stick. When you're trying to lower something that doesn't weigh much from a height it can really be aggravating if it keeps sticking on you. Really cool project- I watched my dad build these when I was younger- he used a hand brace instead of burning the hole in- and spent a lot of time making sure his bearing stick was as round as possible- to prevent sticking, but you still had to lube it up to make it work really well. That's the story of life though isn't it- gotta lube it up or it doesn't work very well.

[@DragonUdo]

or SHTF scenario Bee's Wax 🤔

[@rickcoona]

@@DragonUdo Bees wax is too Sticky/Tacky to work effectively. any animal fat will work well

[@thedaddechannel]

With the strength I gained during the two weeks of drilling with my arms, back, and shoulders, not to mention my core, I finally just ended up throwing the animal up into the tree!

[@mrgallagher7072]

😂 who needs a gym

[@volkardlokisson6292]

A good improvement on this project would be to put a stone point on the drill rather than relying on friction to burn through all that wood. Saves calories, reduces frustration, and the stone tool can be used for many projects. Strongly recommend every bush crafter learn to make stone tools, it's the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving!

[@shakespeare_hall4788]

Everywhere I go I always take my cordless drill and accessories +spare battery , needed it many times camping and fishing Sawsall is also great !

[@DragonUdo]

@@shakespeare_hall4788 Better yet (because it's lighter and for SHTF scenarios) a good Auger tool(kit) would be a Great Idea!!!

[@canberradogfarts]

When you are left with nothing, stone tools are weapons of mass destruction or construction, your choice. Either way they will get the job done. And theyre everywhere, and free.

[@akbychoice]

@@shakespeare_hall4788try that at TSA

[@alee7043]

I have a brace and bit in my bag.

[@ahaywood89]

Could grease the spindle with fat to help it spin. Also would help the wood weather if left as a permanent set up to prevent cracking and splitting.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Yup, bees wax or vegetable oils are great for that.

[@peterrose5373]

@@SonsOfLorgar Vegetable oil or meat grease seems likely to get your pulley eaten.

[@ahaywood89]

@@peterrose5373 interesting. That's not a problem I would expect. Natives used fats all the time and I am not sure that's a problem they ran into. I keep several tools outside in a shed, some with wooden handles that have fats on them. Like the handle of a knife I don't clean with soap that I use to butcher animals. There are mice in the shed but they leave my tools alone

[@woodspirit98]

Or soak it all in linseed oil. Will waterproof and preserve the rope and wood

[@djmaydraws3862]

Genius

[@jestnutz]

The pulley is on the same level as the wheel. One of mankind's best inventions.

[@jollygrapefruit786]

I mean a pully is basically a wheel

[@Yo_Soy_Pirok]

@@jollygrapefruit786 a magic wheel

[@diggie9598]

On the same level as the wheel? Are you kidding?

[@IliLav]

Pulleys do use wheels after all

[@99959bill]

BTW..... That was amazing !!!! Thanks! Would not have thought of that....Oh and you just mentioned the block and tackle.....

[@joefennell7535]

Can’t stop wondering if I’d have enough bandaids. Good stuff dan.

[@deborahpadgett2417]

Very, very cool. I sure can't wait to try this out.

[@stroys7061]

I have absolutely no use for that, so I may try to make one.

[@LD_Wood_Art]

we are all in this

[@jonnygranville281]

That sums up KZbin for me in general. Bait cannon for ocean fishing? Yes, I need to make one despite living in Tennessee no where near the ocean.

[@stroys7061]

@@jonnygranville281 😂

[@FrankO-ek1ec]

You’re right , something you will probably never need but very cool to make and see function .

[@lansdorf]

This is the sort of stuff you should be tought at school, its good fun and expands your imagination

[@meisamfield1]

might never have to make it but definitely need to know because it's coooooooooool

[@sosteve9113]

Had one make recently for dragging out a canoe,worked perfectly👍

[@davidrobins4025]

Good ideas - thanks for the demonstration.

[@d.od.3463]

It's great! I only wish that I still lived in that environment that is displayed around you. I was born and raised in S.E. Ohio (Coal Country) and seeing your property there, probably taken in November or thereabouts makes me nostalgic! I just today found your channel and must say I thoroughly enjoyed it so am subbing it to my growing list. God Bless!

[@Fighterexplorer]

Nice Katrol , bro.. Thanks

[@18Bees]

I like learning new stuff at your channel. I’m always hiking through the woods hunting for honeybee nests and your ideas come into play a lot every time I return to the woods.

[@MrAaronbill]

Snatch block !! This is fantastic . Thank you .

[@davanders2006]

In the early years, I'm talking about the past thousand years and even in other parts of the world, people would bow drill the openings of door for hinges and other things like a peg to hand things on the walls. Thanks for sharing

[@robmarshallofficial]

Love this, thanks. Will try it out

[@simonwilson6386]

Straight out of Lord Baden Powell's 'Pioneering' handbook

[@jerrycampbell9376]

The "Father of Boy Scouting", if I recall correctly.

[@simonwilson6386]

@@jerrycampbell9376 quite correct, having had a long life in Scouting(now retired but still an outdoorsman) I was famed for my 'sticks and string' and stilllove everything Bushcraft and Fieldcraft, made me smile with delight seeing your video, thank you👍😊

[@clivenewton7609]

@@jerrycampbell9376 to be perdantic he was actually the “Founder” of the scouting movement 😂

[@julianwells6583]

He would have at least made two eyesplices..

[@peterkalo4628]

That's awesome. The more you know the better. Thank you for your time and lessons.

[@EPGunman]

Very cool !!!! I never thought about making a pulley system in the woods. I have used rounds as ground rollers though. Thanks for the added tool for the tool box Dan!!!!

[@albertosantos1134]

That was amazing, do some more.

[@dbasrus]

Used for "Maybe just pulling an animal up into a tree".. So that's why I keep finding cows up in trees.. It's this guy!!

[@albertstien8138]

An absolutely good way to cure beef!!!

[@stevenswenson7041]

Or a Leopard

[@johnreece1415]

Thank you.

[@billywalker9223]

Love this stuff! Reminds me of Swiss Family Robinson. I am addicted to the old ways of doing things. If you get a chance to look at "The Young Millwrights Companion", you'll find some great ideas. I have a copy printed in 1837. I have a powered shop and an unpowered shop, but you are more primitive than I am. You've set the bar. Btw, apple wood is great for wood on wood contact, as it polishes itself as it wears.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Nice Dan. Thanks and take care.

[@GetBusyLiving]

Seriously one of the coolest things I have seen. Did NOT know you could make a hole using a bow drill - makes sense when I think about it but would not have thought to do that. Learning so much from your channel Dan - thanks so much mate.🙏😊

[@paulsymanski489]

I am in terror thinking how much effort I would have to expend to drill that hole.

[@jackiephi6310]

Thanks so much dude for all your videos I love your teaching style well done young man

[@scottca9780]

I was watching an old survival show about some castaways on a deserted tropic isle, and they made a bamboo bicycle-powered washing machine. When are you going to show us how to make one of those?

[@winowarrior9392]

Yes! It is possible. Well, almost anything, is impossile...

[@stephanielight4161]

@@winowarrior9392 That's why they had the professor on the Island 😊

[@dynomitejec]

Just sit right back and youll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip. That started from this tropic port, aboard this tiny ship. The mate was a mighty sailing man, the skipper brave and sure. Five passengers set sail that day for a 3 hour tour... a 3 hour tour. The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed, if not for the courage of the fearless crew the Minnow would be lost... the Minnow would be lost. Their ship set ground on the shore of this uncharted desert isle. with Gilligan, the skipper too... the millionaire and his wiiiiiife. The movie star ("and the rest" or), the professor and Mary Anne... are here on Gilligan's iiiiiiiiisle. I'm sorry it had to be done.

[@im2yz4u17]

One of the more amazing things I have seen lately.

[@TheLastBoyScouts]

As always, great info and very cool project. You just never know when you will need this skill set. Can’t wait to teach my kids this skill.

[@jakedobson3422]

Definitely a fun day in the woods with Dan! Not sure that I would actually use this, but I appreciate your creativity. Like how you think outside of the box.

[@carvedwood1953]

This is awesome. Hopefully one day I will have the space and time to mess with the idea a bit. Couple of thoughts. If you use staghorn sumac for the pulley, the drill might be easier as it has a pithy center. I would also consider using some walnuts or tallow for grease, although you might just get critters destroying your hard work. If I have the time I'll try all of this and maybe even use some beefier cordage with spike hitches and 2 pulleys for mechanical advantage.

[@Growmap]

Do you think sumac is strong enough? I've never thought of it as particularly strong. My horse step on the two types of sumac I have (smooth and winged) and break them all the time. I'll have to check another stand that is taller. Maybe it has stronger trunks.

[@carvedwood1953]

@@Growmap I do think it is strong enough especially as used here. It might not be the first wood you pick for building a bridge but a small circular piece used as a pulley I think it would be plenty strong for. Mostly compression forces in this use case. I imagine that is much less stressful than a horse standing on a living branch and cracking it. Both smooth and winged tend to be smaller than staghorn in my experience. Can't speak specifically to strength differences though.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Pretty cool project. Thanks for the video!

[@blackwillowbushcraft5632]

Now that is awesome! You do some amazing thing's. Absolutely love this channel thank you for all you do 💪👍!!

[@dianedegree3615]

Im just here for the "pullin yer leg, nah we're pullin a pulley" line. But seriously, another informative and entertaining video. This guy is such a great teacher!

[@angustownsley5087]

I teach traps with a bushcraft company in the UK to kids, and this could be used for some cartoony fun traps!

[@aleree201296]

If physics interests you, you understand how important/useful pulleys can be. Definitely can be implemented for non-cartoony things as well.

[@charlesbaggett6507]

Wile-e-coyote deadfall for the Roadrunner!

[@bartwisdom8151]

@@aleree201296, can't you just admit cartoony is better?

[@mattw7949]

I particularly like the traps that fling the animal over the horizon.

[@BackpackingFlorida]

More useful than most people realize.

[@frankmosses9121]

I'm far from knowing anything but if you had cut the od groove before cutting the length you would have a better handle to hold on to.

[@jynnandtonnyx]

Agreed!! Especially if you only had a knife

[@tawodi66]

I was going to suggest the same thing I'm glad I read the comments first

[@scottbaker4563]

Many thanks for a fun project to share with my grandson. great stuff for the likes of me, too.

[@heatherthomas7545]

I love this guy and he's even got the Dad jokes.

[@hikerdaven.e.bigfoot9443]

Really great video!!! I love this kind of stuff. Thank you for showing us that. As an Iron Worker I often use lever hoist's chain fall's and the like, and to see how you can make a pully from just your forest surroundings is invaluable. I wish I could give 2 thumbs up.

[@randomgrinn]

When drilling the hole would it help to put a little sand in there?

[@bdavid3965]

Surprised that i did not see anyone else mention this.

[@RockStudioLive]

Definitely helps.

[@6thmichcav262]

Or a sharp rock wedged in a split...arrowhead...etc.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Ancient Block and tackle . Forgotten tech . !

[@thatoneguy454c]

A single pulley is not a mechanical advantage unless it is hooked to the load and moves with it. That is simply a change of direction.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

Very true.

[@marthathompson2012]

He did say you could make a block and tackle system to gain that mechanical advantage

[@renza481]

It's the basic how to make tho... You could make another round section and connect it to the other side. If you get what I mean. 😊

[@nicholasandcynthiahust7074]

Pulleys are highly underrated. Great choice! Thx for it.

[@65x55BPD]

Fraxinus quadrangulata(blue ash) has square twigs which is kind of weird.

[@connormcglynn8870]

Gonna try this, might try to make a fishing reel using somthjng similar, thanks!

[@Liquid_Nitrogen]

Square trees 😂, I'm sooo getting my kids to try and find one of those next time we're out! Great video again my man

[@yvescote9893]

That is a great application to use a marlin spike hitch

[@502deth]

if i ever had to bow drill a hole in a log with a stick to survive, i would die. that had to take you at least 700 days straight. i admire your resolve.

[@Ariel-xz8lg]

My goodness you are a handy little thing. That is brilliant. Thank you for sharing. A dieing art. Knowledge is king! You go there Dan. Way to go.

[@andrewfarnsworth7178]

I am admittedly a little out of practice (it's been 8 years since my tree service days) but splicing eyes in that 3 strand to support the pulley shaft is not really that hard and would greatly increase the lifting capacity of the system. 🤔 Then again how much do you really want to try and lift with a flintstone wheel? Fun project either way.

[@c0mputer]

True, but I would think the axle you use is the weakest link by far. Oh, that would suck to have something up there and then that stick breaks.

[@hollyb1]

A splice should maintain around 100% of the ropes strength, while this is cutting it down to about a 1/3rd strength. A knot typically reduces the load 20-40% so even that would be better.

[@andrewfarnsworth7178]

@@hollyb1 that depends on the knot as well as the rope used actually. A figure 8 will maintain the most break strength in general which is one of the reasons it is chosen most often on a belay anchor knot in rock climbing. The bowline being generally the worst for strength retention. But we are also in this case dealing with a natural fiber rope which looks about 3/8-1/2" 3/8" is for 860-1200 pounds depending on manufacturer at new. Which kinda comes back to "how much do you really want to try and lift with a flintstone wheel?" Probably not 860 pounds personal.😁

[@OldNavajoTricks]

I don't see it so much as how much do I want to lift with it as how easy can I make lifting for myself, plus the ability to tie off a line is comparable to a second/third set of hands.

[@larrybailey43]

Cool ! Thanks !

[@anonymousbosch9265]

I’m reminded of the classic trap making scenes in the original “Predator” and how much effort this would save

[@daves2822]

I ain't got time for pulley systems

[@danphariss133]

@@daves2822 Nailed it.

[@360icon]

Dang Thats amazing burning thru that!

[@Incubansoul]

When you bring an engineer out into the woods for the weekend lol

[@daphneraven9439]

Coalcracker Bushcraft: The was my conversion video that won my subscription. This pulley certainly will prove to be useful! By way of giving back: you also have the option of working those ends back through the main rope, using a splicing-type technique, to secure them neatly. :)

[@johnruckman2320]

Now that would be something Alley Oop would make after all his time traveling.

[@davidtyndall3786]

This is amazing and beautiful craftsmanship. Answers to the past . Cheers.

[@douglashopkins8070]

Any reason not to carve the v-notch prior to cutting the bored section off the log?

[@VWgrinch]

Just found your page and this was the first video I watched of you. I bit and you set the hook nicely with this one. There goes another Sunday morning as I’ll be binge watching more of your videos. Memories of me dragging a saw across my index finger flooded my brain as I watched you. The scar is still visible after 40+ years. My mom freaking out and my dads like, his fingers still attached, he’s fine! 🤣

[@roblane8953]

That's pretty cool, think I'll try to make one to hang at my tree stand, easy way to raise my pack...

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

Or descend from your Tree Stand, You and Pack via controlled gravity decent (weapon unloaded).

[@thedaddechannel]

@@HighSpeedNoDrag " Not for climbing", see this is why we have to put stupid labels on everything. LOL

[@stevenswenson7041]

@@thedaddechannel If it works or not... He'll successfully descend.

[@trailtrashoutdoors8173]

Your channel is one of my favorites because I'm always learning something new! And even if it isn't new it's just explained a lot better

[@dandycat2204]

Hi Dan, Great video, just out of curiosity have you done a "block and tackle" video? Would love to see it if you have so could you provide a link? Cheers, and stay cool, Man. Peace,

[@MartinBruleJr]

This is the type of stuff I like to see! The more uncommon tools one can craft. Excellent!

[@SoloRenegade]

Looks like something from the Flintstones, but i like it.

[@KDawgKy]

🤣🤣🤣🥃👍🏻

[@Reactivate100]

Except with the flint stones it would be stone not wood 🤣

[@SoloRenegade]

@@Reactivate100 I was just waiting for someone to say that. Wondered how long it would take for someone to chime in with the obvious. Never fails on social media to leave anything, even the obvious, unsaid. I was thinking about warding off such comments in my own, but figured i'd run an experiment instead.

[@leojoseph6385]

Awesome frontier tech and a good reminder of what can be done with rope and a sharp edge!

[@canadafree2087]

For those remote cabins where making a pully is faster than driving to the nearest hardware store. :)

[@JesusSaves86AB]

Or when we can no longer buy or sell.

[@GunnerAl9]

Wish I saw this video when I was a BoyScout Leader, could have made it a skills day test for the Scouts... Drilling is a lot of tired long work - you must have determination to see it through. Putting animal grease on your rod where the pulley cog connects lessens the friction and will help wear down the rod evenly. Great video! You speak well! Very clear voice and you don't add any unnecessary dialogue or go off subject...

[@Karen_Mkrtchyan_Horquri_Gandz]

"There is no such thing as a square three" Minecraft players: Liar!

[@wrathamis]

It’s called “cubed”

[@daverush2426]

Use lard and grease the inside of the pulley to keep it from sticking, good video please keep em coming.. thanks.

[@salimufari]

First tip to improve this. Shape your pulley shiv gullet before you cut it free of the original stock. Second tip, Use candle wax if you have it to lubricate the spindle so it doesn't wear through too fast. Third tip instead of opening the line for the pulley tie the line with a combination clove hitch & a bowline. Tie this so the clove is on the spindle where the cross is at the bottom of the shaft. Tie both sides this way & the spindle or Arbor won't free spin & you don't have to place the knot right next to the pulley. If you must make sure the rope you hang it from doesn't rub the side of the shiv or it will cut through your suspension loop.

[@michaeldean5787]

Excellent!! Well worth making before the trip

[@johnekare8376]

Great video! Just one reflection: with only one pully I think the only advantage over throwing the rope over a branch would be reduced friction. Not a bad thing in itself and will definitely make things easier, but with two pullies you can reduce the force needed to lift something as well: anchor one end of the rope to a high branch and slide one pulley on to the rope before threading the rope through the second pulley fixed at the same height as the anchor, but a small distance apart; the loose pully should be positioned between the anchoring point and the fixed pulley, upside down. Think of it like a V shape where the loose pulley is at the tip of the V. Whatever you want to lift is attached to the free moving pulley. The idea is that you reduce the force needed by elongating the distance. If you pull the rope 2 meters, the free pulley will only lift 1 meter off the ground, but the amount of force you need to lift it up will be halved by doubling the distance. Work done (Energy) = Force x Distance. Science is awesome!

[@johnekare8376]

And also, with more pullies you can increase the force even more.

[@chrisphares4772]

There is no right or wrong way to do this project.Dont overthink it.

[@PeterQuentercrimsonbamboo]

@@chrisphares4772- well, it’s not about right or wrong - the comment is about making a pulley that enables you to lift things too heavy for you to lift with just your natural body strength -

[@pjf883]

I could see in Bear conutry hanging Ursack . Thats cool

[@davids.3725]

I've seen 4x4s at Home Depot, there's definitely square trees

[@clintonm2357]

Great creation. Pullies are endlessly useful!

[@classifiedagent8807]

Now this thing just helped me to do a flag pole that uses a pulley system.

[@marybrunner9392]

I was just thinking the same thing!

[@marybrunner9392]

I was just thinking the same thing!

[@V13-u1c]

Well done! Finally I understand the pulley system. 🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️👍

[@jtsather4535]

Would've liked to have seen a block and tackle made with these.

[@johnh.8987]

Great job. Excellent challenge for a bushcraft project.

[@shaunhall1838]

Bush craft people: I can make this with a knife and some string. ❤️

[@308dad8]

Cool! Mankind has been using pulleys for thousands of years, no reason to stop now. I could see a couple uses for them. Dragging and hanging/lifting.

[@kd7jz]

Just because I like terminology, the thing you carved is called a sheave.

[@bentalley7277]

i think a sheave is used in conjunction with a pully

[@joedart1465]

Bringing in the sheaves...bringing in the sheaves.... we will come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves.

[@nicolasrodrigo9]

Very useful self made natural gadget!

[@markpoore3260]

I’m gonna see if I can use it to pull the motor Out of my wooden car I built out in the woods LOL

[@chevelless1428]

Awesome video my friend...stay in the woods and be safe

[@wishiwasalumberjack]

"Square trees dont work too good" Am i a joke to you? -minecraft.

[@ElectricalExistence]

damn you beat me to it

[@hadmatter9240]

Actually, yes. Sincerely, Pacman.

[@joedart1465]

Correction: Those square trees don't work too well.

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

super nice project. thanks for posting. Jim Rodgers

[@WhoThisMonkey]

If a square tree is in the woods, does anyone see it?

[@tylerfoss3346]

And if it falls, does it make a sound?

[@mab1120]

If you see a square tree and no one else sees it, have you been eating the mushrooms again?

[@TheBlackSheepDiaries]

@@mab1120 Haha, nice!

[@jonmccormick6805]

​Only if it's Iron wood

[@MrMigido]

You would need to triangulate it to find it again.

[@sandstorm6605]

Man, always keep those bloopers in. They make the videos. If I can learn something, and laugh my butt off, I’m endlessly intrigued.