A simple pulley is a machine that reduces the amount of work required to lift or move an object using only one rope, chain, or belt. It consists of a wheel, an axle, and a rope. Archimedes invented it in the 3rd century BC. One or more pulleys can be used to lift heavy objects. […]
Timing pulleys are used with timing belts and have teeth for driving power. They come in Gilmore and HTD styles. Timing belts are preferred due to their slim construction and lack of heat retention. Gilmore belts are popular for high performance applications due to the whining noise they make. Measuring a timing belt is different […]
A chain pulley is a mechanical tool that uses physics and geometry to increase lifting efficiency. It consists of a connected chain, metal housing, and sprockets. Chain size varies depending on the job, and the housing is made of durable metals. The more sprockets added to the pulley system, the easier the lifting process. Chain […]
A locking pulley is a type of pulley that can lock the cable in place. It has two wheels and is commonly used for home window blinds. The larger wheel locks the mechanism when pushed outwards, and unblocking is done by pulling the rope inward. However, frequent use can damage the cable and make it […]
A locking pulley is a type of pulley that can lock the cable in place when manipulated correctly. It is primarily used in home window blinds but also has limited commercial and marine uses. It has two wheels instead of one, allowing for a blocking function. The operator can lock the cable in place by […]
Tensioner pulleys reduce tension on belts or chains in pulley systems. They engage when the belt is in place and work based on the amount of tension applied. Examples include the serpentine belt system in cars and the gear mechanism in bicycles. A tensioner pulley can be considered one of the more complex forms of […]
The water pump pulley connects the water pump to the timing belt, controlling accessory systems in a car. It can be hard to replace and misalignment can cause problems. Signs of issues include overheating, leaks, and unusual noises. Mechanics recommend replacing parts connected to the timing belt when replacing the belt. A water pump pulley […]
A fan pulley is a grooved wheel that transfers power from an engine to a fan, which moves air to cool the engine. Proper belt tension is important for high-speed pulleys. Fans and pulleys have been used for centuries, with humans as the original motors. A fan pulley is, as the name suggests, a pulley […]
A crank pulley is located at the end of the crankshaft in an automobile engine and transfers energy to non-moving parts of the vehicle. It drives the serpentine belt, which powers other components. Aftermarket pulleys can increase horsepower by reducing weight and transferring less energy to other parts. A crank pulley is used within an […]
A driven pulley is connected to a belt and reacts to a drive pulley powered by a motor. It cannot drive the system alone and is subject to wear. It can be used to control other components and transmit power. In a two-pulley system, the speed of rotation depends on pulley diameter and position. Driven […]
A supercharger pulley is made of cast iron or alloy metal and uses a spoke design to cool the pump. It has multiple belt grooves for non-slip operation and is commonly used with an electric motor. The spoke design reduces frictional heat and keeps air moving through the compressor intake filter. An electric clutch drive […]
A pulley tool changes the direction of force and can handle weights beyond human capacity. There are three types: fixed, movable, and compound. They consist of a wheel, axle, and rope or belt. Pulleys can also multiply mechanical advantage. Fixed pulleys have a mechanical advantage of one, while movable pulleys have a mechanical advantage of […]
A pulley remover is a tool used to remove non-tapered pulleys from shafts. It uses mechanical advantage to pull the pulley off without breaking or distorting it, making removal relatively easy and non-destructive. There are two main types of pulley removers: one with claws and a bolt, and another with a two-part half-shell clamp for […]
Flat belt pulleys are used to drive machinery with a single power source. They have a slight pitch and work with an opposite pulley to keep the belt on the equipment. They were used in early manufacturing plants to power all machinery with a centrally located motor, saving costs and reducing heat. Flat pulleys can […]
Machine pulleys are used in various industries, including exercise machines, washing machines, and industrial machines like circular saws and conveyor belts. Pulleys reduce the amount of work required to lift loads and offer benefits to speed and efficiency. A machine pulley is any type of pulley used in an industrial, automotive, commercial, or manufacturing machine. […]
Serpentine pulleys transfer mechanical power from a motor to other devices using a serpentine drive belt. They can be smooth or grooved and are used for movement, powering accessories, or providing tension. Grooves increase gripping force and allow for more complex systems. A serpentine pulley is a component that can be used to transfer mechanical […]
Power pulleys are modified drive pulleys that reduce parasitic power loss in car engines. They replace standard pulleys on alternators, water pumps, power steering, and air conditioning units. They increase horsepower ratings but can cause issues if not fitted correctly. Weight savings are achieved through material-saving cutouts and high-strength alloys. However, bypassing manufacturer features can […]
A rope pulley system uses fiber ropes and wheels to lift or move objects. The number of pulleys varies based on the purpose, and wire ropes or chains are used for heavy-duty applications. Rope pulleys are used in various settings, from rigging on ships to lifting bikes in garages. A rope pulley is a system […]
The V-belt pulley is a pulley system that uses a V-belt, providing quiet operation, simple replacement, and an effective grip. It is widely used in automobiles and industrial machinery, and adjustable pulleys are available for changing the pitch diameter. Variations in pulley diameter affect the speed ratio and torque, and similar measurements increase efficiency. A […]
Pulleys can be aligned with the naked eye, a straight edge, or a laser. Laser alignment is the most effective and safest method, as incorrect alignment can lead to wear and safety hazards. There are basically three different methods of aligning pulleys. These are with the naked eye, with a straight edge or with a […]
