How to Make an Improvised Pulley

Industrustrial pulleys use chain instead of rope.

Traditional pulleys are formed with an axle, rotating wheel and a rope. Make an improvised pulley by draping a rope around a circular type object and pulling on the opposite side of the thing that needs to be moved up. Pulleys are useful for moving things up to a tree house or to a higher level of a house. Campground sites frequently suggest hanging food up in a tree to keep bears from getting into it.

Things You'll Need

• Container with a handle
• Rope
• Tree with a high branch
• Weight

Instructions

1. Secure the rope to the handle of the container. If using a cooler with two handles, pull the rope through both handles and then tie it together in the shape of a triangle.

2. Tie a weight, such as a rock, to the other end of the rope.

3. Locate a tree branch and throw the weighted end of the rope over the branch.

4. Lift the container into the air by pulling on the other end of the rope.

5. Keep the container suspended in the air by securing the rope to another tree trunk or lower branch. Release the container by untying the knot and slowly bringing the container downward.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep bears from finding food, BackpackingBuzz.com suggests selecting a tree branch that is at least 20 feet from the ground. The hung food should be at least 6 feet below the branch, 12 feet up from the ground, and 10 feet away from the tree trunk.

• Be careful when throwing the weight over the branch; you wouldn't want the weight to hit anyone as it falls down.

References

• BackpackingBuzz.com: Safe Camping in Bear Country
• PBS Kids: Food Elevator
• Franklin Institute: Simple Machines