Lever vs. Pulley — What's the Difference?

A rigid bar pivoting about a fixed point to amplify force.

A tool that can provide mechanical advantage with multiple wheels.

Simple machine that offers mechanical advantage.

Simple machine altering force direction and magnitude using ropes.

Mechanical principle present in various everyday tools.

A wheel with a grooved rim where a rope runs to change force direction.

A lever ( or US: ) is a simple machine consisting of a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fixed hinge, or fulcrum. A lever is a rigid body capable of rotating on a point on itself.

Mechanical device used for lifting or moving loads.

A rigid bar resting on a pivot, used to move a heavy or firmly fixed load with one end when pressure is applied to the other

Device pivotal in various industries for load handling.

Lift or move with a lever

A pulley is a wheel on an axle or shaft that is designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable or belt, or transfer of power between the shaft and cable or belt. In the case of a pulley supported by a frame or shell that does not transfer power to a shaft, but is used to guide the cable or exert a force, the supporting shell is called a block, and the pulley may be called a sheave.

A simple machine consisting of a rigid bar pivoted on a fixed point and used to transmit force, as in raising or moving a weight at one end by pushing down on the other.

A wheel with a grooved rim around which a cord passes, which acts to change the direction of a force applied to the cord and is used to raise heavy weights.

A projecting handle used to adjust or operate a mechanism.

Hoist with a pulley

A means of accomplishing; a tool

A simple machine consisting essentially of a wheel with a grooved rim in which a pulled rope or chain can run to change the direction of the pull, for example to lift a load.

To move or lift with a lever

A wheel turned by or driving a belt.

To move (oneself, for example) in a manner resembling the use of a lever

One of the simple machines; a sheave, a wheel with a grooved rim, in which a pulled rope or chain lifts an object (more useful when two or more pulleys are used together, as in a block and tackle arrangement, such that a small force moving through a greater distance can exert a larger force through a smaller distance).

To fund at least in part with borrowed money; leverage.

(transitive) To raise or lift by means of a pulley.

(mechanics) A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; — used for transmitting and modifying force and motion.

A wheel with a broad rim, or grooved rim, for transmitting power from, or imparting power to, the different parts of machinery, or for changing the direction of motion, by means of a belt, cord, rope, or chain.

Specifically, a bar of metal, wood or other rigid substance, used to exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is usually named as the first of the six mechanical powers, and is of three kinds, according as either the fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P, respectively, is situated between the other two, as in the figures.

To raise or lift by means of a pulley.

A small such piece to trigger or control a mechanical device (like a button).

A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope

(mechanics) A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece to turn it.

(mechanics) An arm on a rock shaft, to give motion to the shaft or to obtain motion from it.

A crowbar.

(rare) A levee.

(transitive) To move with a lever.

To use, operate or move (something) like a lever (physically).

To use (something) like a lever (in an abstract sense).

To increase the share of debt in the capitalization of a business.

(obsolete) Rather.

More agreeable; more pleasing.

Rather.

A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; - used for transmitting and modifying force and motion. Specif., a bar of metal, wood, or other rigid substance, used to exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is usually named as the first of the six mechanical powers, and is of three kinds, according as either the fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P, respectively, is situated between the other two, as in the figures.

A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece to turn it.

A rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum

A simple machine that gives a mechanical advantage when given a fulcrum

A flat metal tumbler in a lever lock

To move or force, especially in an effort to get something open;

Tool using a fulcrum to change force direction and magnitude.

Device with three classes based on load, effort, and fulcrum positions.

Pulley systems can provide a change in force direction and can be easily scaled with multiple wheels for greater mechanical advantage.

It's determined by the relative positions of the fulcrum, effort, and load.

A Lever amplifies force using a rigid bar pivoting about a fixed point called a fulcrum.

Yes, there are single Pulleys and systems with multiple Pulleys, like the block and tackle, each offering different advantages.

Yes, Lever and Pulley systems can be combined in machines for various mechanical advantages.

The fulcrum's position determines the Lever's class and its mechanical advantage.

A Pulley uses a wheel and rope, allowing the force to be applied in a direction different from the load's movement.

Common examples include seesaws, scissors, and bottle openers.

Multiple Pulleys, when used in tandem, reduce the effort required to lift or move a load.

Both Lever and Pulley are versatile in their own right, with varied applications based on specific requirements.