Block and tackle systems. A block is a set of pulleys or sheaves mounted on a single frame. An assembly of blocks with a rope threaded through the pulleys is called tackle. A block and tackle system amplifies the tension force in the rope to lift heavy loads. They are common on boats and sailing ships, where tasks are often performed manually. In the diagram shown here, the number of rope sections of the tackles shown is as follows: Note that the gun tackle, double tackle and threefold purchase all have the same number of pulleys in both blocks (one, two and three,
Hoist (device) Hoist (device) A hoist is a device used for lifting or lowering a load by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wraps. It may be manually operated, electrically or pneumatically driven and may use chain, fiber or wire rope as its lifting medium. The most familiar form is an elevator, the car of which is raised and lowered by a hoist mechanism. Most hoists couple to their loads using a lifting hook. The basic hoist has two important characteristics to define it: Lifting medium and power type. The lifting medium is either wire rope, wrapped