Blocks for winches - Operation and installation.

**Pulley Block**

A pulley block is one of the most helpful devices for pulling or hoisting vehicles and objects. It serves to increase the pulling force in manual, hydraulic, or electric winches. A pulley block can also be used to change direction when a vehicle cannot be pulled in a straight line. It is most commonly used in warehouses, transportation companies, industrial plants, workshops, and many other locations where heavy objects are moved. In recent years, the use of pulley blocks during off-road rallies has become very popular, where time, reliability, and safety are crucial. This device is useful wherever various types of objects are transported using ropes.

**Construction of a Pulley Block**

The construction of a pulley block includes yokes, a rope sheave, a single or double bearing hook, all of which are suspended on a load-bearing line. The traverse of the hook and the sheaves are housed within the body of the pulley block. In the case of rope pulley blocks that must provide a high load capacity, they may incorporate multiple sheaves in their design, known as multi-sheave pulley blocks. This design allows the weight of the object to be distributed over the surface area of the rope contact.

**How a Pulley Block Works**

A pulley block can be used in many ways, but it’s important to remember that much depends on the terrain and weather conditions, as the rope mounted on the pulley block behaves differently. As we know, a pulley block operates on the principle of changing the direction of pull and increasing the pulling force of the winch. With this functionality, we can pull objects that resist more than the nominal pulling force of the various types of winches. It should also be accounted that the pulley block stabilizes the operation of the device, extends the life of the winch, and, above all, facilitates work.

**How to Install a Pulley Block on Winches**

A pulley block can be mounted on manual, hydraulic, and electric winches in two ways:

- to the vehicle being towed

- to any possible anchoring object (tree, rubble, pole, etc.)

The installation of the pulley block is very simple and intuitive. It involves fastening a metal element to a stable part of the vehicle, an object, or another stable item. Then, wrap it with the rope that is held on the pulley block. It is essential to remember that the anchoring point must be solid and safe, with its strength suited to the resistance of the towed vehicle or other object. In a situation where you want to pull a vehicle out of marshy terrain without any anchoring object to attach the block and rope, mount it to a fixed part of the car.