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How to Use Levers & Pulleys

Levers and pulleys are prime examples of simple but effective machines. Each has been designed to utilize efficient energy displacement to work against gravity to move objects. The greatest thing about these pieces of equipment is that -- at their most basic -- they do not require electricity. They can also be portable, easily broken down and easily stored. Using them is simple and will help you to efficiently handle most tasks that require lifting.

Instructions

- 1
  Set up the pulley. The specific set up process will depend on the brand you are using. Be sure to follow specific instructions that come with your pulley, or consult a professional before doing so.
- 2
  Inspect the pulley. Before you lift anything, look over the equipment to make sure the string, rope or belt properly runs through the grooves in the wheel and is securely fastened to the object being lifted. Also check to see that there are no knots or twists in the rope or belt.
- 3
  Secure the rope, belt or string being used in the pulley to the object you intend to lift. Make sure that the rope is securely fastened to the center of the object being lifted, ensuring an even lift without any shift of gravity. For simple pulleys, you only need to inspect the two wheels it is equipped with. However, some pulleys, known as compound pulleys, have several wheels and are designed for heavier lifting. If using a compound pulley, it is important to double check that the rope runs along all the right places so that they pulley will function properly.
- 4
  Use your strength to grip the rope and pull it downward. By pulling your end of the rope downward and through the wheel, you will pull the other rope and the object attached to it upward. If the object is too heavy, use a friend to help you lift. Here you are actually utilizing gravity to help you lift objects you may not have been able to lift otherwise.
- 5
  Move the object. Once the object has been lifted to the desired height, you should be able to use a handle on the pulley to move it to the desired drop spot. The most common type of pulley to utilize movability is a crane. A smaller scale version of a crane can work in the same way to allow you to utilize the pulley to move the object up, down and side to side.
- 6
  Place an object on one side of a lever. Similar to the pulley, you will be using downward force to lift an object upward. A lever, however, does not use rope. Levers often use a platform format. By placing weight on one side of the lever, you lift up the other side of the lever. So if you need an object to be lifted, simply place more weight on the side of the lever not containing the object.
- 7
  Check the position of the fulcrum. The closer the fulcrum is to the load, the less effort is required by the lifter. Levers can be used to lift objects up to a certain point. However you use your lever, be sure to put enough effort onto one side to ensure the load will be lifted properly.

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