Making a Block and Tackle Wooden Pulley System

Since my shop is so small, I store a lot of the larger tools in my attic. And I've grown tired of twisting my back hauling the air compressor or the winter tires up and down the ladder, so I've made this pulley system.
It multiplies the force four times and most of the components are rated for 1/4 metric ton or more, so it should be good enough for my tools.
But I can't be sure how safe a hoist like this might be so I don't encourage anyone to make one. It's for my personal use and you should not do dangerous things.

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

If you are interested in the tools used in this video: www.thesmallworkshop.com/my-tools If you'd like to support this channel: www.patreon.com/TheSmallWorkshop

[@nicolebrousseau5958]

Moteur v8 5.0 ho

[@victorcastle1840]

Did you take down your " My - tools link" it says it can not be found ?

[@intrepido13]

. B-V

[@kiyochimizuki9356]

Km3672

[@cristobalmartinez4365]

@@nicolebrousseau5958 .

[@robertlangley258]

I hate that I didn’t have the knowledge I’ve picked up over the last five years from folks like this on KZbin when i was young and had the energy. Now I’m too old and don’t have it. But i get a lot of entertainment watching gifted and talented young folk at their best. Thank you sir. Excellent work. Excellent video. And thanks for no music and the wonderful quietness while giving us your videos. 👍👍👍

[@j.ericswede7084]

Reminded me of my Mechanical Engineer Father's shop when I was young and both of your single minded resolve to accomplish a project. Working with your hands is also a good witness to your children. They will never forget the projects Dad accomplished with his hands...

[@jonnyrox116]

As a kid 8-9, my father decided to teach me the mechanics of pulleys and rope...multipliers is what he called them and more than 50 yrs later I still play with them...thanks!

[@ornamentalyouth]

took a reeving class years ago, which i thoroughly enjoyed, enjoyed seeing the fabrication of the components. thank you

[@BrassLock]

Very impressive design and manufacturing process. I use a similar layout with cheap cast iron pulleys to haul many loads per week at my 2-storey house, from laundry to rubbish, bricks and sand, and large awkward shaped objects such as pot plant stands. Everyone who has to climb stairs daily will _love_ your ideas with this model, which will be very suitable for daily use, and especially where alternate pulleys are unavailable. The only problem I've had in 7 years has been the tendancy of the ropes to twist (rotate) about each other and bind tightly together especially under *heavy load* conditions such as bricks. Lighter loads don't cause this to happen. I've tried using sisal rope and different thicknesses of plastic filament rope, but all tend to do this, due to the great height involved, and the residual tension introduced by the rope manufacturing process. Older ropes and shorter lengths are less likely to -get twisted- do the twist.

[@jwstanley2645]

I love block and tackle systems. Many times, they work better than hydraulic or electrical systems. They are simpler, easier, less expensive and much, much smarter. Thanks for the video.

[@raoulcruz4404]

Nice video. No crappy music. No meaningless, boring 5 minute selfie prologue. Fixed mount camera and not nausea inducing POV. I think I"ll give it a try and make a set.

[@generalzugs6017]

Great idea for drilling a hole in the center of a bolt. Nice build as usual. Thanks for posting.

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

Thanks, I was pleased with it myself and included it in the video, hoping someone would find it useful.

[@generalzugs6017]

I definitely found it useful.

[@radarlove007]

Me too

[@mjallenuk]

Agreed that was a smashing trick I've not seen before. Thanks for that little life changer!

[@jarodmorris611]

Did you actually need the hole in the end of the bolt or was it done to demonstrate the technique?

[@scottconnolly6347]

You are like a cross between McGiver and Michelangelo and DaVinci. Love your ingenuity and artistic ability. Keep it up you are an inspiration for me. Thank you.

[@MrSpankymc]

A point from an old middle age farmer and who has a bunch of these, beautiful work, keep your radius in the pulley just a pinch bigger then your rope diameter, to large and it flattens the rope as it rounds the pulley working your rope. ie: 1/2 diameter rope no more then 1/32-1/16 bigger diameter grooves. For play it's perfect.

[@garychandler4296]

Good advice. I was thinking that a big hole saw would be a bit faster beginning. Lacking a lathe, I'll try my drillpress.

[@josephdomshy4068]

@@garychandler4296 I made a lathe out of an old router, if that gives you any ideas

[@tenkill]

@@josephdomshy4068 love to see those plans.

[@Vintagecoilylocks]

This is an excellent teaching video. You showed such detail that for a person like me who needs to see what is going on I feel I could understand your process. The use of the multiple tools was great. At the end, understand you are using a step ladder or folding ladder as a brace.

[@leegenix]

I'm only just now understanding leverage and the mechanical advantage concept, but building your own block and tackle, is amazing.

[@alonzosanchez8577]

nothing better to wake up to than An alert for a new small workshop video great Job!!!

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

Thank you Alonzo!

[@NewHampshireJack]

We would often find an antique block and tackle set in auction box lots of tools. It was amazing to see the old wood come back to life with a little elbow grease. Occasionally, we would get a set that was so well made and in such great condition we wanted to hang them inside our log cabin for display. I hope you realise that you have created the first in a series of family heirlooms if you continue to enlarge the collection of made by hand custom block and tackle sets. BRAVO on your fine workmanship.

[@kfossa344]

NewHampshire Jack Calm the fuck down

[@rawbacon]

@@kfossa344 LOL You just ruined poor Jack's heirloom dreams.

[@daleredmond]

Beautiful. Just beautiful. I have never seen such skill at work. The choice of materials and awesome collection of tools and machines you have. And that folks is how it is done... Like the video as well nice of you to not talk and to edit out the redundancy. My ADHD thanks you lol. Well done sir.

[@derwentalia]

agree, i think the added charm of his videos is that the pure sounds of his workshop are kept intact. the sounds are so distinct and have their own personality, i sometimes just play the video to hear them in the background :)

[@gomakeamark7459]

Hahahaha Thank you Dale! Not many even think about us with OCD, OR ADHD, OR turettes. Not that I am looking for any special treatment or anything I just think it is funny that you mentioned it and that I understood what you were talking about! :D

[@edanthony4131]

I am watching this because I need a set of pullies and this is perfect for what I need...great presentation. Thanks

[@ILuv2learn]

Well done. Great design and approach to fabricating in a home shop. Minimum wasted materials and no wasted effort. And the same with the video, no wasted time. Thanks, I enjoyed it.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Beautiful work. My take on weight ratings is that if the pulley system is to be used by hand you're limited by your own body weight. That's if you're strong enough to hold that much. So if you weigh 100 kg, you can only handle 400 kg with a 4:1 reduction. The rope has four lines, making it good for a full metric ton. The only question is the strength rating of the other components. I like the bolt centering method. I should have thought of that. The only thing I would change would be washers on each side of each pulley wheel to reduce side friction and to provide space to add oil.

[@advancednutritioninc908]

Very good work flow systems!! Excellent design and fabrication!! Thanks !! Liked!!

[@s0nnyburnett]

Always appreciate the quality you put into your work.

[@WireWeHere]

Enjoyed your video. I too HAD several wood bits, from the family of Augers as yours, who fought me at every turn. Eventually we couldn't even look at each other until one day Grinder offered a peace agreement. In return for the Augers letting chips pass freely I would stop the name calling and provide flute extensions up each of their shanks. After Grinder did her magic we've been working together regularly. Peace has been restored.

[@bunkstagner298]

On a boat it is called a "handy billy" and it is great for lifting a heavy out board motor from the dingy to the motor bracket, Beautiful work nicely done. Thanks for posting and BTY that ain't no "Small Workshop" it is a beautifully complete one.

[@ChiefRRoss]

Not just an amazing job making an outstanding product, but that was the BEST KZbin Video quality I've ever seen anyone take the time to do. EXCELLENT All Around Video, content and quality.

[@dreadcat7756]

That was super interesting! I wanted to make one of those for several years. Now I know how to make one. Thanks for sharing.

[@billc6087]

I really liked this both for the visual production and for the tool itself. Thanks!

[@maryimhof]

Beautifully designed final product and enjoyable to watch!

[@Remaggib]

Amazing job. Looks like more time than what I could put into something at the moment but I at least have this to look at now when I do have time. This is awesome.

[@anirudhsripadakoundinya543]

Thank you. I wanted to see block and tackle system of pulley after studying about it in class.

[@jackneely6187]

You are awesome! Finish product looks just like the antique barn pulley I have with some my other toys at my desk at work.

[@ronbelote]

Enjoyed your knowledge,skill, and talent . Great vid !

[@RobertMilesAI]

Fun watching this workshop gradually become less small :)

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

Thanks! The tool number is growing, but the space seems smaller than ever! :)

[@JesusAlvarez-gw7uy]

Yes, I am a kid that loves these little inventions there really cool to watch him do it

[@garychandler4296]

@@JesusAlvarez-gw7uy That makes you more of an adult than a "kid", Keep exploring!

[@jtsather4535]

@@TheSmallWorkshop I'm in the midst of building my workshop now. Well, not right now, as the weather is not my friend in da Yoop. I had first designed it 20x20. I have a mill and I extended it to cut 22' logs, so I then decided to build the shop 22x32. After laying out the floor joists, I decided that wasn't big enough. Now I've got the floor joists all laid out and built at 22'x40', monitor barn style. When I set the beams and started building walls, I figured I had better build a second story in the middle of it at 16'x22', and then it snowed...and snowed. This spring when I get back to it I'm going to finish it at these final dimensions, but I've also left myself the ability to easily expand it to 40'x infinity. hahaha It doesn't matter how big a shop starts out or finishes, it's never big enough. Good thing I've got acres of forest to make my own lumber, or this thing would cost me a fortune! p.s. Great job on the block and tackle. I'll be making these, for sure.

[@daveatkinson3576]

Mad shop skills and a big thumbs up for mad video editing skills which are much appreciated.

[@jednx01]

I just randomly stumbled across this video.. That was vastly more entertaining than I was expecting...

[@marcomolo]

this is amazing! well done, very well designed and constructed. now i want to make one to lift rocks too!

[@minaveca]

Excellent illustration thank you for sharing; people like you make KZbin invaluable.

[@aubreyj.tennant1123]

I’ve been trying to figure out a way to elevate my 75lb electric fat tire Ebike to work on it. You’ve inspired me to create this! Nice work and super presentation! 🙏🏼

[@xraystudios3693]

It's nice to see him using that vintage marking knife he made, feels like a crossover

[@tonyholt90]

That was an interesting vid, and complete with demo at the end! Nice work!!!

[@David-yh5po]

Love your video's. Thanks for sharing. You are a great craftsman. I would love to make one.

[@tommyschulte2577]

Great video. No talking, just do it. I enjoyed that. And i even learned a few things.

[@govmentsucks2323]

great vodeo editing and filming. great project and a craftsman at that. ... vids like this is why i luv youtube... ty ;)

[@brucesannino6181]

Very well done. What you made is a set of double sheeve blocks. The way you have them rigged is a gun tackle lift. Very well done indeed.

[@caigner]

Great video! I want to build myself a wooden pulley system. Thanks for motivating me. :-)

[@joshuarobinson2698]

Very slick way to make your own mandrel! Great job!

[@bocco49]

You sir are a true craftsman I just seen your channel very impressive pulley and a nice shop God Bless

[@fynbo1007]

Beautiful made, I like your project. Thank you for sharing your amazing video

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

Thanks for watching!

[@GiacoWhatever]

Fantastic video!

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

Thank you Giaco!

[@chefquantorino7823]

Wtf its giaco

[@fanfanlabricole13]

Great job man I'm really impressed 👏

[@TheFixer1965]

Nice work! Reminds me of a project my dad and I worked on. He made wooden block and tackles and mounted them to a large sheave that he also made for a lamp base. They turned out to be very good looking table lamps. It was a lot of fun for both of us!

[@fredmiller1577]

Fun to watch, so graceful and efficient. One suggestion: put a thin washer on each side of the pulley wheel, and you'll eliminate friction between the wheel and the casing. It could be a noncorrosive metal or hard plastic.

[@isaaclawson3126]

Thanks for the build. I can really use this in my barn

[@billymessimer9854]

Very nice set of tools and machines for an awesome workshop.

[@mihumus]

Very cool idea, great work man!!

[@petrokemikal]

This was unbelievably satisfying to watch !! I'm off to the shed for a bit !

[@jjjvclub]

Great job, loved the pulley!

[@DoAndBrewDIY]

First time stopping by your channel. Great video and really nice build! Liked and subscribed!

[@rlewis1946]

That’s exactly what I did! Beautiful work, first rate video production and end result. Congratulations on a project well done?! RL Buffalo, NY. USA

[@commando340]

very good workmanship, thanks for posting.

[@61tree_VR_Gliding]

I'm not a craftsman by any means but subscribed to your channel. Thoroughly enjoyed this video!

[@MarkMcCluney]

lovely tidy vid mate and good job. enjoyed that, thanks for sharing.

[@ccicinstallers5036]

Awesome video. I learned A lot of techniques for other projects.

[@nix33xin]

Perfect...Thanks for your detailed work.

[@markbonham3477]

Nice job. Wish I had a shop to do all that stuff in but for now watching will have to do!

[@tomt9543]

The part the rope attaches to is called the becket. Really beautiful project!

[@loadzofhobbies4219]

why on earth would anyone dislike this? did a great job.

[@gravesbroderick928]

Loadzofhobbies He really did! I guess there are some people out there who have such little talent themselves, they can't appreciate the artistic novelty of making something with your own hands.

[@PoxyBear]

My thoughts exactly. The people down voting this probably lack the skill set to build their own tools.

[@jonjohnson102]

Because there was no "small"

[@gomakeamark7459]

I agree!

[@budgillett9535]

I agree!

[@GeorgeAlexa]

Just wonderful. I missed lessons along the way! I would have loved to work side-by-side with you for a few years. I can only imagine the things you have created without my subscribing.

[@bairvalentin3261]

great vodeo editing and filming. great project and a craftsman at that. ... vids like this is why i luv youtube... ty ;)

[@Mikhandmaker]

Well done mate!

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

Thanks m8!

[@gdfggggg]

Ay ay capn!

[@aakashbuttanda5936]

you got a magical hands bro, such nice work 👌

[@petek210]

Superbly filmed and edited.

[@justinzaharko7735]

Great build by the way gave me a few good ideas thank you

[@garyfisher1503]

excellent, love the build quality, nice one.

[@pheenix42]

Straight to the favorites list!

[@jeffforbes3772]

First time viewer, now a subscriber. Cool video and a very useful one to boot. Thanks.

[@ChathamJackTar]

So well done. Brilliant!

[@RickRabjohn]

I love it! Nicely done!

[@user-hx2qs3xg8j]

Rick Rabjohn 丷

[@simonbrown9401]

I think i lack the skill to ever make one of these but the how to video was very enjoyable to watch - almost therapeutic in a ways

[@MrLibertyordeath]

Another well done project. Fantastic job friend.

[@schwarzermoritz]

Great video! Pulleys are an ancient tool and probably the first thing to be optimized for mass assembly. keeping that in mind, your design comes pretty close to the real deal. If you make another one, you need a system of spacers that allows you to tighten the bolts without squeezing the sheaves. And try to make the sheaves out of a slippery, hard-wearing plastic like Delrin. It will make for far less friction. Regarding the loads: with synthetics rope strength per diameter has gone up so much, that you mostly select rope for different criteria than breaking load. With synthetics rope, the rope typically far exceeds the correctly sized blocks in breaking strength. For hauling by hand, rope that's about 12 to 15mm diameter is far more comfortable to grip, which means you can pull with more force comfortably. Always select the biggest diameter that you can get away with. Also sheaves for anything but exotic cored rope should have a slightly elliptical profile, with the radius at the middle only slightly larger than the radius of the rope. In your case, that works out well. the sheaves you made are oversized for the rope you bought. Go to the hardware store and find the largest diameter rope that just fits easily on your sheaves. It will be far easier to grip. You might have made the groove to deep, if that's the case and the rope binds on the shoulders of the sheave, turn down the outer diameter a bit and make the groove a bit more elliptical. Then reeve the pulley in a right angle reeving. slideplayer.com/slide/9260274/27/images/19/Reeving+methods.jpg. It will prevent the pulley from twisting and give you more hauling height and less friction.

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

WOW! Thank you very much for your advice! I used this rope because I already had it, but I turned the pulleys so they would accept larger diameters without rubbing. But when I went to the hardware store, man, rope prices grow exponential with diameter. This rope I used (8 mm) is 3 bucks, the next one (10 mm) costs 10 bucks and the next one costs 25 bucks and so on. For now the 8 mm one works fine, I've used it a lot this weekend and for the tools I use it it works fine. But I am going to give the right angle reeving a try, I had no idea that was a possibility, and it looks more suited for the long height I use it for. Thanks!

[@gomakeamark7459]

Theres always a critic. Probably get one who tells me that my Theres is wrong. Well...Duh!

[@gdfggggg]

You know your shit and I like it 👍🏻

[@oleguy5705]

@@gomakeamark7459 and someone just can't let the issues go by. SAD

[@Kevin-gx8lc]

Very well done Sir! Greetings from Southport UK.

[@mikewagenblast8504]

Great craftsmanship - thank you.

[@RHC_NYC]

That was fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

[@seapilot4042]

Well thought out build, I enjoyed watching,

[@pavski]

very cool to see new projects from you, I enjoy your videos.

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

Thank you Pawel, happy you liked it!

[@RyzawaVT]

I was researching microphones and somehow ended up in a rabbit whole of these awesome videos.

[@kclevitt1]

A rabbit 'whole'? Shop class- A English- D-

[@flavio5046]

@@kclevitt1 This expression probably came from "Alice in Worderland", to refer to a situation where one thing leads to another and the end is nothing you could've guessed. It's like a journey that takes you somewhere crazy or very different than the start point. Or maybe rabbit holes are actually very deep in real life and inspired Alice's movie first....dunno

[@jeffmauldin2841]

@@flavio5046 I'm pretty sure he knows the expression, he's referring to the fact that the original post used the wrong version of hole (whole), hence the "D" in English.

[@oneshotme]

Enjoyed watching plus nice block and tackle and would enjoy owning them just for looks

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Great project! Really enjoyed it.

[@TheSmallWorkshop]

Thank you!

[@khosrowjalali7898]

Fun Video , In the end all came together really well.

[@toms4123]

Great work well filmed. Very enjoyable.

[@SamuelNasta]

If every "Small workshop" had every single conceivable tool in the world, it would be very very nice :D

[@stevecobham9682]

Samuel Nasta Damn, I must go and buy some spanners as I have everything else.

[@caroleast9636]

Have some spanner’s...need a few other things!

[@ValdenorRSantos]

Gosto muito deste tipo de vídeo, parabéns, muito didático!

[@crowznest438]

That's impressive and do-able. Great vid! Subscribed.

[@cleberfreitas2468]

Very good woodwork. Greetings from Brazil.

[@timestandingstill]

Thanks for sharing! Great Job!

[@davidalejandro871]

Thanks for watching? Gracias a vos por subirlo!!

[@patdemabaro]

Bravo, très belle vidéo, beau boulot et super équipement...!!!

[@2000fer]

Great job! Amazing!

[@danieljj39]

Ok, that was pretty darn cool. Out of the ordinary.

[@Escatonic]

Thank you for this video. Very interesting.

[@troymcconnell5832]

beautiful work ... although some may call it a rig job ))) FROM VIDEO TO CAPTIONS TO QUALITY TO ECT.... GREAT JOB! ... thank you for sharing!

[@MLFranklin]

Very cool. Functional and elegant.