Mechanical advantage force applied at "A" the end of the rope, and let "F" be the force at "B" on the moving block. Like the velocities "F" is directed downwards and "F" is directed upwards. For an ideal block and tackle system there is no friction in the pulleys and no deflection or wear in the rope, which means the power input by the applied force "F""V" must equal the power out acting on the load "F""V", that is The ratio of the output force to the input force is the mechanical advantage of an ideal gun tackle system, This analysis generalizes
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