How do you build a pulley for a science project?

Answer 1

InstructionsDifficulty: Moderately Easy Things you'll need:

• Work Gloves
• Wire Clothes Hangers
• 20 To 50 Feet Ropes
• Buckets
• Old Bike Wheels
• Pliers

Making the Pulley

Step 1:

Get an old wheel from a bicycle.

Step 2:

Remove the tire from the wheel.

Step 3:

Bend a coat hanger into a U shape that extends from the axle on one side of the wheel, around the outside of the wheel and to the other axle. The U should leave a 3-inch gap at the rim, and 4 inches of extra wire at each axle by which to attach it.

Step 4:

Use pliers to wrap the ends of the coat hanger tightly around the axles. Make sure the wheel is still able to spin.

Step 5:

Use the pliers to twist a loop into the gap of wire at the rim.

Hanging the Pulley

Step 1:

Select a strong beam, rafter or branch to hang the pulley from.

Step 2:

Attach the pulley to the beam by running a cord or rope around the beam and through the loop in the support wire.

Step 3:

Run a cord or rope around the rim of the wheel and underneath the support wire. This is the lifting rope, and it will need to be twice as long as the height you plan to lift.

Step 4:

Make sure the lifting rope can roll easily around the wheel without snagging on the support wire.

Using the Pulley

Step 1:

Tie the item to you the end of the rope - this is the load side. Attach a bucket to the load side of the lifting rope for lifting large items.

Step 2:

Tie a knot before pulling.

Step 3:

Pull on the end of the rope until the load reaches the desired height. Keep on lifting the rope to avoid dropping the load.