block and tackle (redirected from blocks and tackles)

block and tackle: see pulley.

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block and tackle

Combination of pulleys with a rope or cable, commonly used to augment pulling force. Two or more of the pulleys are attached to a fixed block, and the remaining pulleys are free to move as well as rotate. A block and tackle can be used to lift heavy weights or to exert large forces in any direction. Higher force ratios may be obtained by the use of more pulleys, but this advantage may be offset by increased friction.

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block and tackle

a hoisting device in which a rope or chain is passed around a pair of blocks containing one or more pulleys. The upper block is secured overhead and the lower block supports the load, the effort being applied to the free end of the rope or chain

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block and tackle [‚bläk ən ′tak·əl]

(mechanical engineering)

Combination of a rope or other flexible material and independently rotating frictionless pulleys. Also known as block and fall.