This is how simple pulley systems work - Rope Access Rigging

Pulley Systems! Always a good topic where we tend to get lost in a lot of complicated riggings on paper where try to calculate complex mechanical advantages. In practice we rarely create these elaborate schemes. So to get this 3 part series started, as usual, we will begin at the most basic setups... The Simple Pulley System.
In this video I also announce the new collaboration between Vrigger and myself. I have used Vrigger since 2015. Created many presentations, WMS and teaching materials with it and now I am using the images in the video to get clear images for you. Vrigger is a product I support. I approached them to see if there was anything we could do to get you a discount on the product and we could and did. Super cool!!! And yes, it is an affiliate type deal. If you use my code TRAC10 to get that discount, I get a little kickback as well and you support the channel. Everybody happy😃👍🏻
Check it out:
My favourite software to create images of my rigging to support in training, web, video and work method statements:
VRigger!
vRigger.com/?RC=RC0135
Use code TRAC10 for a discount! :-)
Make sure you enable cookies!
Video’s mentioned:
Are we building our Z-Rig wrong:
• Are we building our Z-...
Hauling Systems
• Hauling System Awarene...
Friction:
• How much friction does...
Welcome video where I explain the philosophy behind The Rope Access Channel
• Welcome to THE ROPE AC...
Buy me a coffee on Patreon:
bit.ly/3K6Qc1u
Get your gear at:
Industrieel Klimmen - bit.ly/3uomQr4
Your one stop shop for all things rope access.
Use coupon code: TRAC at checkout for a €20,- discount with any purchase of over €100,-
Connect on:
Website: www.theropeaccesschannel.com
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: / theropeaccesschannel
Twitter: / theropeaccessc
Facebook: / theropeaccesschannel
Dapro Safety 10% Discount:
For almost 10 years I have been using Dapro Safety Workwear. They were the first company I encountered who made coveralls specifically designed for rope access. Pockets in all the right places, longer than standard legs and more room to move you arms. Great quality and durability too.
If you follos this link and use code " RopeAccess10 " You get 10% discount
bit.ly/dapro-trac
My favorite loadcell!
LineGrip LineScale 3:
Follow the link below to get yours and support the channel:
www.linegrip.com/?ref=TRAC
A revolutionary digital all-in-one bluetooth dyno / load cell. PPE certified, 1280Hz fast, 30kN WLL, and unique onboard-logging of up to 50 hours. The huge load eyes and 90kN breaking strength make it perfectly suited as a generous master point for any type of rigging challenge.
LS3 Affiliate discount code:
Use code TRAC-w22-XuV on checkout to get 2,5% discount!!
Use for any purchase on Linegrip and support the channel
My favorite software to create images of my rigging to support in training, web, video and work method statements:
VRigger!
vRigger.com/?RC=RC0135
Use code TRAC10 for a discount! :-)
Make sure you enable cookies!
I use Tubebuddy to manage this channel:
www.tubebuddy.com/LXB
Disclaimer:
Some of the links are affiliate links where if you buy through them, you get a discount and you support the channel.
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:10 Two reasons to watch till the end
1:28 How is a pulley system build up
6:16 Disadvantage of a basic pulley system
8:00 A better way of building a pulley system
11:55 Essential in Pulleysystem
13:13 The DANGER of a pulley system
14:40 Get VRigger with a DISCOUNT
16:52 Quiz time

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

How did you do on the quiz? Answers will be on the site on wednesday 😀

[@giyantoorchiezed2629]

Thank you🙏👍

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Welcome 👍

[@masoudamirkabiri2578]

great stuff! thanks

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Thanks !

[@Asapbackup]

Love your videos man. Keep it up. 🙌🏻

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Appreciate it!

[@nsorormatv]

I really enjoyed

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Glad you liked it👍🏻👍🏻😃

[@user-qh3kr4ko7s]

thanks a lot. l finally have a better understanding about how pully system works and way to arrange the pully stuff since l began to watch your videos.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Glad it helped!! :-)! That is why I am doing it!!

[@dakotafrantz4179]

I appreciate what your doing I have been trying to have these conversations with ppl and find myself getting nowhere. Your bringing the information I need to have an informed understanding of MA

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

That is great to hear. Thank you🙏🏼😃🙏🏼

[@cosminjulinschi1184]

Thanks for all your video, it's really helpful for everyone. I will love to see a video about using an oversize harness and all the disadvantages wath comes with. I'm a lvl 1 rope access technician and I try to make a idea. Thanks

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Great suggestion! But the answer is simple. Not comfortable and things like chest ascender positioning can be weird. Gear loops on the wrong places and maybe in case of an accident you might not last as long..

[@jsblachly]

Your didactic methods are fantastic. For the first time in my life, I've understood why a crevasse rescue traditional Z-drag is 3:1. Everything has become clearer now, and I feel that I can more intuitively set up more complex hauling systems in the mountains when tired or stressed. Can't thank you enough.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Great to hear!

[@rollinginthedeep6900]

I'm studying for a physics exam so probably not your target audience but still this video was incredibly clear and I think you are a great teacher! Awesome video!

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Wow, thank you! That is great to hear!!

[@technoheld1989]

You never fail to impress me. they try very hard. Thank you very much. 5:1 A... 5:1 B... 6:1 C... I'm really looking forward to the resolution in the next video. kind regards from Germany.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Wow, thank you! Answer will be in next weeks video 👊🏻

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@paulnormandy6247]

Simple 5:1. Compound 6:1, and Complex 5:1. 🤘

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

👍🏻

[@academiadeacessopordacordas]

Parabéns pela explicação. Muito bom.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

thanks!!

[@jennywhite1425]

Hi Alex - great video! A= 5:1CD simple, B = 6:1CD compound, C=5:1 complex

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

I'm not saying 😉😉. Solution in next weeks video

[@zwigoma2]

Smart arse 😂

[@Cmo18]

Correct

[@butaionel3915]

A.5:1 B.6:1 C.5:1 Tanks from Romania for all your videos .

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

You are welcome

[@sinajjensen57]

A 5:1 B 6:1 C 5:1 Hope and Nice Clip

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

👍🏻

[@htahermaram]

A 5:1 CD, B: 7:1 CD, C: 6:1 thanks you for this video

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

My pleasure and almost, answers will be in next weeks video ;-)

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@richskater]

(5:1,6:1,5:1) All the examples have a CD, if that CD wasn't important for the job, but you needed more MA, you could flip all of these "upside down" and gain +1:1. Just a fun fact of a CD. The last one gives the illusion of using the CD as advantage, but you'd still get more MA pulling with the load, as always. In all of them there is more MA to the anchor than the load. Anytime you pull against the load this is true, even if you try to cleverly "input" the CD into the system. Pullies are fun, I'm loving this series already.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Correct on all points and thanks for adding to the conversation🙏, Moving the CD into the system in the last example does add to the MA. That is not an illusion. We go from a 3:1 Simple to a 5:1 Complex. adding 1/5th of the load towards the anchor should put anything in the system in the danger zone. Otherwise I think you are rigging wrong anyway and have more pressing concerns. Same goes for the 3:1 CD by the way. I think the only reason to put a CD in is to make pulling easier or go in a direction we can get more hands on the rope (in horizontal movement). Otherwise a CD makes no sense. And pulling direction can make more difference than adding more MA. For instance a simple 2:1 with a CD where you pull down is easier to haul then a 3:1 pulling up. On paper switching the system around might seem "lighter" while in practice it is not. (when hauling in a vertical plane which I was drawing out here) Pullies are fun ;-)👊✌😀

[@richskater]

@@TheRopeAccessChannel No doubt, agreed on all accounts. We're sort of speaking from different worlds is all. You use these things daily and are always thinking about the practical side of how you would use it in the real world. I'm just a nerd who loves pulley systems, the practicality is never a concern when I think about this stuff. Obviously if adding a CD is going to overload your anchors, you need to reconsider what you're doing. I just meant it as more of a mathematical statement, no matter how complicated you rig it, it's a "law of pullies", kind of deal, not that it's more practical to flip the rigging "upside down". It's sort of the same deal with the "illusion", perhaps I worded that poorly. Moving the CD from the anchor to the rope clamp definitely adds to the MA. The point I was referring to is it doesn't get you around the fact that adding a CD only adds to the MA to the anchor. You did go from 3:1 to 5:1, but you also went from 4:1 to 6:1 on the anchors. Even though you moved the CD from the anchor to an "input" of the system, it still shows up in the end, that's what I meant by illusion. It was just again reinforcing the idea that no matter how complicated you get, if there's a CD in the system, there's more MA to the anchor than the load. And again, purely as a mathematical/theoretical thing, not a "you should do this in the real world thing". I do need to remember this is a rope access channel and not a math channel, sorry about that. But, we're definitely on the same page here, we just might be reading the book in different languages.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

@@richskater I see what you mean and in that context you are absolutely correct. You are putting more strain on the anchor point with a CD. But not as much as I how i read it. When I read (past tense) what you wrote it looked like we went from 4x the load on the anchor to 6x the load. My bad... Here is how I drew the situation out. We start with a 3:1 lifting, we add a CD because the direction of pull is easier and we can put our weight in it. A 100kg load in a 3:1 CD means in order to start moving the load, the anchor will see a little more than 132kg. As you said, a 4:1 on the anchor. 33x4=132 We want a little more MA and change it to a Complex 5:1 by moving the CD onto the rope. Turning that into the Complex 5:1 will make the load on the anchor less, it would be 120kg. Your general statement is true. Pull with the load and the anchor sees less than pulling through a CD. The way I see it is that if that little increase or decrease in force will blow out an anchor you have a lot more things to worry about! (Like you said). That is why we have safety factors in place right. But I am not a wilderness rope rescue tech working with cam placements to build anchors. When I work we are aiming for 15kN per anchor and we need two independent ones. Adding a couple of kilograms should not make a difference. It still is important to know though so like I said, thank you for adding to the conversation and giving valuable information 🙏🏼👊🏻🙏🏼

[@benediktmayr3465]

Lets try! A) 5:1 B) 6:1 (3*2:1?) C) 5:1? Btw I want to thank you very much for your time and effort to create these interesting and educational videos. Looking forward for more. PS: C) is not as easy as I first thought but I will understand in the next video Im sure.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

My pleasure, the solution will be in next weeks video ;-)

[@EricNietofilms]

A=5 B=6 C=4 Very Nice video

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Incorrect. Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@EricNietofilms]

@@TheRopeAccessChannel ooh yeah, I just checked the web and I understood why I failed! Very nice videos! thank you a lot! some weeks ago I started making some R+D with an other rigger friend and we are doing similar things also with an LS3 and 2 simple load cells. and this videos help a lot to give us ideas and understand why sometimes we get strange numbers.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

That is great! If you have any questions you can always shoot me an email👍🏼

[@johngo6283]

A: 5 to 1 simple. B, 4 to 1 compound. C, 5 to 1 complex. It’s a little sneaky, because the title of your video is simple pulley system is, but then at the very end you ask about compound and complex in the quiz. But hey I’m curious to read all the answers in your explanation in the next videos. Excellent presentation, thanks for putting this up. 🤙

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

It is not sneaky I think... I spend 15 minutes explaining Simple Pulley Systems. And then a little quiz with two teasers in there to just to get the mind to think on the other possibilities and tease a little for the next two video's of course ;-)

[@johngo-jl3uz]

@@TheRopeAccessChannel OK, fair enough. I’m looking forward to your next episodes on compound and complex.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

@@johngo-jl3uz the worst thing is I am not even going te explain the complex one. That is for the third video.😜. I’m sorry, I’m only giving bite sized pieces👊🏼

[@caotropheus]

A 5:1; B 6:1; C 5:1. This was the first time I heard about complex pulley systems like in example C. So, I had to test it to confirm my calculations. I set a pulley system like in example C, I lift a load of 18 kg and "to stabilize" the system , I had to apply a "counter weight" of 3.5 kg. 18/3.5 = 5.14. For measurements, I used simple hanging spring scales that are not very precise ...

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Thats a great way of finding out. Good test to get in the ball park. You got a tiny bit more than what the ideal mechanical advantage would be with a practical test, so I agree with you that the scales are not very precise. But for ballpark measurements definetely super good enough

[@mkuik4156]

A) 5:1 CD B) 4:1 CD C) 3:1 CD

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Incorrect. Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@wfd144]

A: 5:1 w/ CD Simple B: 6:1 Compound C: 5:1 Complex

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

👍🏻

[@gallant_hung]

A) simple 5:1 with CD B) compound 6:1 with CD C) complex 5:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

👍🏻

[@dunnkruger8825]

Placement of. Petzl Pro progressive capture traxion in the 20:10 configuration, please?

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

20:10 is the same as a 2:1 so only one pulley in play. Easy choice right.

[@micahpearl2021]

A: 5:1+CD B: 6:1+CD C: 9:1 Ideally with auto blocking integrated A is 5:1 and CD B Is 2:1 on 3:1 and CD (1/2×1/3=1/6) C Is 3:1 on a 3:1 super efficient (1/3×1/3=1/9)

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Almost got it. Answer will be in next weeks video ;-)

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@amilrulasyrafsyed4347]

A: 5:1 simple system CD..B :6:1 Compound CD C: 5:1 Complex CD

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Sounds about right

[@dennisflynnsr.6888]

Excellent content, delivery and explanations....however I'm still confused on when you 'add up' a system vs 'multiply' a system to get the MA. Watched this and next video several times and looked at comments: but don't see an explanation to C: of the first quiz.... how is it a 5:1? recently joined volunteer Fire service and recently learning these systems. can you point me toward answers of why C: is a 5 to 1? to be 5 it has to be product of addition ...yes?

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Its been a while since I published this and I think C was more of a teaser of what was to come in later video's.. The T-method video should explain all of it. Globally (not the right English term) when you have an MA pulling on an MA you multiply and they move at different speeds. When they move in opposite directions towards each other you add up. That is for complex systems

[@thumperkreck]

Hello, respecfully as I am new to your channel. But is it not true that if there is only one rope tied to the load, regardless of multiply pulleys above load, should we not worry about strength of single rope when in one case mentioned, the forces to lift applied to upper portion of line we as only 25% of single line. And that would regardless of a jam situation. Thanks, but know it's a while ago, but great information.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

There is some information getting lost in translation here. THe load is distributed over multiple strands of rope. The thing we should be mindful of is what happens at our anchor point. When the load would jam into something the forces of our pull are multiplied onto our load (which could be a casualty and cause bodily damage) or the anchor point. Does that answer you question?

[@thumperkreck]

Yes, and thank you so much for answering in a way that helped me get to that "got-it" understanding.

[@ralphm5273]

A=5:1 B=6:1 C=4:1? 🤓 great vid btw.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Thanks, answer in next weeks video!

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@mikekollross8810]

For C the last pulley does move (mechanical advantage) but not same speed as load (compound) MA at the first rope grab is 3:1, and MA at the second rope grab is 2:1 so that makes it a 6:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

And not in the same direction as the load making it a complex system.....

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

And with a complex system we don't multiply

[@NickyHendriks]

A: 5:1 B: Not sure but I think 4:1 C: I think its a 3:1, the added rope clamp acts as a change of direction, nothing more if I understand correctly.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

It does add something because it is moving ;-)

[@NickyHendriks]

@@TheRopeAccessChannel yeah that was the part that was bugging me in the calculation 😅

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

​@@NickyHendriksCheck out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/ The how of it will be in next weeks video

[@schnitzelblick4712]

A: 5:1 B: 4:1 C: 5:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Incorrect. Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

Great video. A, B, and, C. Well well, the change of direction is misleading and makes you want to say 4:1 on A? I'll have to watch it again ( of course). Thank you, Jim

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Thanks Jim, the solution will be in next weeks video 👍🏻

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Hi Jim, the correct answers are on the site: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/ After next week you will understand the Complex one as well👍🏻👍🏻

[@pandytbox]

A5:1 B5.5:1 C5:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Incorrect. Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@stogueseguridadenalturaeiz7163]

A: 5-1 B: 6-1 C:9:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

That is incorrect. You can find the answers here: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@balhatchet]

A 5:1 B 6:1 C 5:1

[@SavannahIngersoll]

Ouch, I fell. 😒 For you 😏

[@SavannahIngersoll]

😂😂

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Hahaha Finally got it hahaha. Thank you!!

[@SavannahIngersoll]

@@TheRopeAccessChannel I have more if you want more just tell me to do More lines I can

[@cosminjulinschi1184]

A=5:1 B=4:1 C=3:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Incorrect. Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@alhassanabdul-lateef555]

hello man, I want to study Rope access technician level one, how can you help me to your or any institution. thank you.

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Use the links in the description. If you want to sign up, maybe send me an email and I’ll get things going for you. Email address is on the site and here at KZbin

[@biggs8729]

A= 5:1 B=6:1 C=5:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

The answers are on the website: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/#searchwp-modal-652ea0d21b1427a1bfa685e40d9bc1de

[@fredericangeloz8667]

A: 5:1 B: 5:1 C: 5:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

It has been a while and I am pretty sure those answers are partially incorrect. You can find the answers on the site..

[@arunrathinam8131]

Hi sir plz explain to team rescue cross hauling rescue plz would explain sir

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Most cross hauls are done with a basic Z-Rig or 3:1 on each end. One lifts a bit and stops. the other end lifts then and the first end lowers out at one point. that would be the easiest description. Longer video will come next year... I just published a reel on IG showing a crosshaul.. instagram.com/p/C0hQ_hkote6/ Did that help??

[@alhassanabdul-lateef555]

A is 5:1 number. B is 4:1 and number C is. 3:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

You can find the answers here: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@oscaralmeida8772]

A is 5:1 system B is a 4:1 system and C one is a 3:1 system

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Only A is correct. B and C are incorrect. Answers are on the website👍🏼

[@brianbodnar3969]

6, 6, 9 🤷‍♂️

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Incorrect. Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@galahador]

A = 5: 1 B= 3 : 1 C = 3 : 1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Incorrect. Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@garymarsden7031]

A - 5:1 .... B - 6:1 ...... C - 5:1 😄

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

👍🏻

[@Carlosdpg1]

A) 5:1 B) 6:1 C) 6:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Answers are on the website and in some of the comments. I don’t remember them of the top of my head ;-)

[@evertongatto8944]

A) 5:1 CD B) 6:1 CD C) 5:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

👍🏻

[@jcar1417]

5:1, 6:1,9:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Incorrect. Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@kactusman6410]

A 5:1 B 6:1 C 9:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

The last ons is incorrect. Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Almost got it. That last one though.... Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/

[@infbajuk]

A 5:1 B 6:1 C 5:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Correct: If you want the answers, check out the top comment on this post: bit.ly/3hM2Hai

[@gustavoperez9289]

A=5:1 B=5:1 C=5:1

[@TheRopeAccessChannel]

Incorrect. Check out the top comment here for the answers: www.theropeaccesschannel.com/this-is-how-simple-pulley-systems-work-rope-access-rigging/