Rigging - Block and Tackle

Pulleys are simple machines that make lifting loads easier. Ropes and pulleys allow people to lift objects much higher than they could with just their arms, provided there is a supporting structure to hang the pulley from and the rope is long enough. Using a system of multiple pulleys makes it easier to lift heavy loads. This course focuses on compound pulley assemblies called block and tackles.

• Describe the purpose of pulleys
• Define mechanical advantage
• Calculate the mechanical advantage for a system of pulleys or a block and tackle
• Identify the parts of a block and tackle
• Describe how to select the right block and tackle
• Describe how to inspect a block and tackle