The Power of the Pulley | Simple Machines Series Part 2 of 7
Could you lift a heavy box of supplies up to a treehouse using just your hands?
Tough work! But add a pulley, and suddenly the job is much easier. That’s the magic of this simple machine.
This post is Part 2 of our exclusive seven-part Simple Machines series — exploring the six basic mechanical ideas we use every day: the lever, pulley, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, and screw.
Simple machines are everywhere: the hidden helpers behind playground fun, kitchen gadgets, heavy lifting, and even sweeping the floor.
We’re moving on to one of the most useful lifting helpers: the pulley. Humans have used pulleys for thousands of years, from hauling water in wells to raising a flag up a flag pole. Even though it’s simple, a pulley makes heavy lifting easier by redirecting force.
Why Are Pulleys So Useful?
Pulleys make lifting easier by helping us move heavy objects safely and efficiently.
Instead of lifting something straight up, you can pull down on the rope — which is often much easier to do. Pulleys also help spread the weight of heavy loads, making big jobs more manageable.
That’s why they’re used everywhere and we might not even notice!
Where Do We Use Pulleys Today?
Pulleys are used in many jobs and industries today.
They help builders lift materials, sailors raise sails, and stage crews move theatre scenery. Firefighters and rescue teams also use pulley systems to lift people or equipment safely.
Even everyday items like washing lines and window blinds rely on pulley systems to work smoothly.
👉 Once you start noticing them, you’ll see pulleys everywhere!
Quick Science Link
A pulley works by redirecting force. Instead of pulling a heavy load straight up, you pull down on the rope — and gravity helps you. With multiple pulleys, the effort needed is shared across the ropes.
👉 This all links back to the science of forces: a pulley shows how redirecting force can make lifting feel easier — that’s force in action!
🪝 Coat Hook / Door Handle Pulley
Using a coat hook or door handle as a pulley point allows pupils to explore how pulling down on a rope can lift an object upward. This simple demonstration helps them understand how pulleys make lifting easier, safer, and more efficient.
You need:
- String
- Small bag or weight
- Door handle or wall hook
How to do it:
- Loop the string over the handle/hook.
- Attach weight to one end.
- Pull the other end down.
Talk with the class about how it felt pulling down on the rope compared to lifting the weight straight up.
🏗️ Crane in Action
In real-life situations, pulleys are often used to lift objects that are far too heavy or awkward to raise by hand alone.
This video shows a crane in action, demonstrating how pulley systems are used to lift heavy loads safely and efficiently.
🪝 Have fun exploring pulleys with your class — they’ll never look at a flagpole or crane the same way again!
Explore More with Our Forces Series
✨ Want more simple machines learning? Explore our Forces — Second Level pack →
Part of the Simple Machines series →
