How to Make a Pulley String Tube

Pulley systems are often used to operate curtains.

A pulley string tube can serve two functions. It can be used to protect and guide the string, preventing tangling and catching as it travels to and from the pulley. The tube can also serve to protect children and pets from the pulley strings that are present on curtains and blinds. Place the string inside the tube while it's not in use to avoid a strangulation hazard. If desired, you may opt to camouflage the pulley string tube with paint or it can be wrapped with wallpaper prior to installation. The length of the tube will vary according to the location and length of the cord or rope. The tube must be long enough to contain the pulley cord or rope.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Level
• 1/2-inch diameter PVC pipe
• 2 U-brackets for 1/2-inch diameter pipe
• 4 screws
• Screw gun

Instructions

1. Mark out guidelines on the wall with a pencil and a level. Position the level so it's perfectly vertical and place a vertical pencil mark in the area where the top of the tube will sit and make a second mark near where the bottom of the tube will be positioned.

2. Position the pipe on the wall using the pencil marks as a guide. If necessary, ask a helper to hold it in place during the installation process.

3. Install the U-brackets around the pipe to screw them to the wall. The pipe will sit in the curved part of the horizontal "U." Place a bracket at each end of the pipe and use a screw gun to run a screw through the plates, positioned at the end of each of the "U" legs.

4. Run the pulley string through the tube if you're using the tube to protect the rope from tangling or catching. Place the cord inside the tube if you're using the tube to prevent a strangulation hazard. For the latter, you'll need to remove the cord from the tube in order to operate the pulley.

Tips & Warnings

• The location for the tube will vary according to the pulley type. To protect the pulley cord for stage curtains, position the tube on the wall near the edge of the stage. To cover a pulley cord for curtains or blinds, place it alongside the window frame.

• A 1/2-inch diameter pipe is appropriate for curtains or blinds. Use a larger diameter if the pulley utilizes a thicker cord or rope.

• Drywall anchors are not required for a small diameter PVC pipe, as it's fairly light. For larger tubes or metal tubes, use drywall anchors.

• If the tube is longer than six or eight feet, consider adding U-brackets for improved stability.