Pulleys Key Terms

Get to know the terminology of pulleys

Pulleys are a key component in industrial machinery. Pulleys are also used in other settings such as automotive repair and warehouses. There are many types of pulley systems, specialty pulleys and custom fabricated pulleys available. Get to know the basic terminology of pulleys so that you will have a better understanding of how they work and which one is right for your business.

 

Types

A basic pulley system consists of a wheel with a rope or chain wrapped around it. Objects are fastened to the rope and the operator pulls on it to move the object. The act of pulling down makes moving an object easier than lifting it. Two basic types of pulleys are fixed and movable. Another type, a combination pulley, uses two pulleys to make lifting easier.
Try: See the Summerland Group for detailed information about types of pulleys and pulley physics.

Fixed pulley

In a fixed pulley system, the base stays in place and only the load moves. A fixed system requires more effort to move the load, but it can still be pulled easily.
Try: See LEGO Education for a definition and more information on fixed pulleys.

Movable pulley

With a movable pulley system, the load and the pulley move when the rope is pulled. This requires less effort, but the pulley must be pulled or pushed.
Try: See ThinkQuest for diagrams and a definition of movable pulleys.

Idler pulleys

Idler pulleys act as rollers, moving a chain around a curve or reducing slack. Examples of idler pulleys include industrial idler pulleys and metric idler pulleys. Styles include cable, plain, V-belt and flat.
Try: See GlobalSpec for more information about idler pulleys.

Deflector pulley assemblies

Deflector pulley assemblies are used in industrial applications to support wire over long lengths or to change wire direction.
Try: Visit Rand Machine & Fabrication to see examples of deflector pulley assemblies.

Industrial

There are many types of pulleys designed for specialty industrial applications and machinery. They include taper lock pulleys, variable speed pulleys, flat pulleys and timing pulleys.
Try: Check out B.V.Transmission Industries to see listings of various types of industrial pulleys.

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