Pulley of the blocks and threaded through the two sets of pulleys form a block and tackle. A block and tackle is assembled so one block is attached to fixed mounting point and the other is attached to the moving load. The ideal mechanical advantage of the block and tackle is equal to the number of parts of the rope that support the moving block. In the diagram on the right the ideal mechanical advantage of each of the block and tackle assemblies shown is as follows: A rope and pulley system—that is, a block and tackle—is characterised by the use
Block and tackle blocks. Frictional losses also mean there is a practical point at which the benefit of adding a further sheave is offset by the incremental increase in friction which would require additional force to be applied in order to lift the load. Too much friction may result in the tackle not allowing the load to be released easily, or by the reduction in force needed to move the load being judged insufficient because undue friction has to be overcome as well. A block which is open or can be opened to engage with a bight, without the necessity to thread the