Whether you’re in a home workshop, a construction site, or teaching a physics class, pulleys are a simple but powerful way to redirect force and make work easier. This list gathers common and specialized types so you can quickly identify the pulley that fits a build, repair, or demonstration.
There are 18 Examples of Pulleys, ranging from 3D Printer Timing Pulley to Window Blind Pulley, showing the spectrum from precision toothed wheels to everyday household hardware. Each entry is presented with concise specs organized as Type,Mechanical advantage,Typical load (kg) so you can compare capacity and function at a glance — you’ll find below.
How do I pick the right pulley for my project?
Match the pulley type to the load, required mechanical advantage, and the connecting medium (rope, belt, or cable). Check the Typical load (kg) and shaft size, consider friction (belt type and groove profile), and factor in a safety margin; for precision systems like 3D printers choose toothed timing pulleys, while for lifting or redirecting loads simple sheaves or block-and-tackle arrangements work best.
Will adding more pulleys always let me lift heavier loads?
Adding pulleys increases mechanical advantage but also adds friction and complexity; each additional sheave reduces the effort needed but requires stronger rope and larger anchor points. Calculate the theoretical mechanical advantage from supporting rope segments, then subtract expected losses for friction to size components safely.
Examples of Pulleys
| Name | Type | Mechanical advantage | Typical load (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagpole Pulley | Fixed rope pulley | 1 | 5 |
| Well Pulley | Fixed rope pulley | 1 | 20 |
| Window Blind Pulley | Fixed cord pulley system | 1 | 2 |
| Gym Weight Machine Pulley | Fixed or compound pulley system | 1-2 | 150 |
| Crane Block | Block and tackle / Compound pulley system | 4-20 | 20,000 |
| Engine Hoist | Block and tackle pulley system | 4-8 | 1,000 |
| Sailboat Block and Tackle | Compound pulley system | 2-8 | 500 |
| Rescue Pulley | Movable or compound pulley system | 2-9 | 2,500 |
| Garage Storage Hoist | Block and tackle system | 4-6 | 50 |
| Serpentine Belt Pulley | Belt pulley (idler or tensioner) | 1 | 10 |
| Engine Timing Pulley | Timing belt pulley | 1 | 25 |
| Conveyor Belt Pulley | Belt pulley (drive or idler) | 1 | 1,000 |
| Washing Machine Pulley | Belt pulley | Varies | 15 |
| Clothesline Pulley | Movable rope pulley system | 1 | 10 |
| Elevator Sheave | Compound pulley system with counterweight | 1 | 5,000 |
| 3D Printer Timing Pulley | Timing belt pulley | 1 | 1 |
| Rock Climbing Pulley | Movable rope pulley | 1-2 | 1,500 |
| Theater Fly System Pulley | Fixed or compound pulley system | 1-2 | 250 |
Images and Descriptions
Flagpole Pulley
A simple pulley at the top of a flagpole used to raise and lower a flag. It only changes the direction of the force, making it much easier to pull down on the rope to hoist the flag up.
Well Pulley
Found on old water wells, this fixed pulley allows a person to pull down on a rope to lift a heavy bucket of water up. Its main benefit is providing a more ergonomic pulling direction.
Window Blind Pulley
A small, fixed pulley or set of pulleys used in Venetian or Roman blinds to raise and lower them. It simply redirects the cord’s path, allowing for smooth operation with a simple pull.
Gym Weight Machine Pulley
Used in cable-based exercise equipment to guide the cable from the user to a weight stack. Some machines use compound systems to effectively halve the weight felt by the user for finer control.
Crane Block
The massive hook block on a construction crane contains multiple pulleys (sheaves) to lift extremely heavy loads. The mechanical advantage is determined by the number of rope lines supporting the load.
Engine Hoist
A portable crane used by mechanics to lift engines out of cars. It uses a block and tackle system, often combined with a hydraulic ram, making a 300 kg engine feel much lighter.
Sailboat Block and Tackle
Essential on sailboats for controlling sails and rigging. This system allows a sailor to manage the immense forces generated by wind on the sails with much less physical effort.
Rescue Pulley
A specialized, high-efficiency pulley used by climbing and rescue teams to create hauling systems. They are designed to be lightweight, strong, and minimize friction for lifting people or equipment.
Garage Storage Hoist
A simple pulley system mounted to a garage ceiling for lifting and storing items like bicycles or kayaks. It makes it easy for one person to hoist and lower bulky objects out of the way.
Serpentine Belt Pulley
Found in a car engine, this pulley guides the serpentine belt that powers the alternator, water pump, and A/C. A spring-loaded tensioner pulley keeps the belt tight for proper operation.
Engine Timing Pulley
A toothed pulley that engages with a timing belt to perfectly synchronize the engine’s crankshaft and camshafts. This precise timing is absolutely critical for an internal combustion engine to run.
Conveyor Belt Pulley
Large, cylindrical pulleys at the ends of a conveyor system that drive and guide the belt. They are the workhorses for moving goods in factories, airports, and mining operations.
Washing Machine Pulley
Connects the main motor to the drum using a V-belt or ribbed belt. The size difference between the motor and drum pulleys creates a speed reduction and torque increase to tumble heavy clothes.
Clothesline Pulley
A simple system that allows you to hang clothes on a line and move the line back and forth without walking its entire length. It uses two pulleys and a continuous loop of rope.
Elevator Sheave
The large grooved wheel at the top of an elevator shaft that guides the hoist cables. It works with a heavy counterweight to dramatically reduce the energy needed to move the elevator car.
3D Printer Timing Pulley
Small, toothed pulleys used with timing belts in 3D printers and CNC machines to precisely control the movement of the print head. Their accuracy is the key to achieving high print quality.
Rock Climbing Pulley
A small, lightweight pulley used by rock climbers for hauling gear or in rescue scenarios. Though simple, it must be incredibly strong and reliable, often made from high-grade aluminum alloy.
Theater Fly System Pulley
Part of a theater’s “fly system” used to hoist scenery, lights, and curtains. Multiple pulleys in the grid above the stage allow operators to move massive set pieces safely and quietly.
