Pulley vs. Sheave — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 11, 2023
A pulley is a wheel with a grooved rim designed for lifting or moving loads using a rope, while a sheave is the wheel component within the pulley system that interacts with the rope.
Difference Between Pulley and Sheave
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A pulley is a mechanical device consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim that uses a rope to lift or move loads. A sheave, on the other hand, specifically refers to the wheel part of the pulley that the rope interacts with.
Pulleys can be standalone devices or can exist as parts of more complex machinery. Sheaves are always part of pulley systems and are never standalone devices.
Pulleys are often categorized based on their mechanical advantage, such as fixed or movable pulleys. Sheaves are categorized based on their physical characteristics like diameter, width, and groove shape.
In terms of grammar, "pulley" and "sheave" are both singular nouns that can be pluralized as "pulleys" and "sheaves." They can also serve as subjects or objects within sentences.
While "pulley" refers to the entire assembly, including the axle and housing, "sheave" refers only to the grooved wheel component. Often, the term "pulley" is used more broadly, while "sheave" is used in more specialized or technical contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Entire assembly
Grooved wheel only
Standalone
Can be standalone
Part of pulley
Classification
Mechanical advantage
Physical features
Plural Form
Pulleys
Sheaves
Grammatical Usage
Subject or Object
Subject or Object
Compare with Definitions
Pulley
A pulley is a mechanical device for lifting.
The pulley made it easier to hoist the flag.
Sheave
A sheave is the wheel in a pulley system.
The rope glides over the sheave.
Pulley
A pulley uses a rope or belt.
Thread the rope through the pulley.
Sheave
A sheave has a grooved rim.
Make sure the sheave has a deep groove for the rope.
Pulley
A pulley can be fixed or movable.
The system uses both fixed and movable pulleys.
Sheave
Sheave interacts directly with the rope.
The sheave must be smooth to prevent rope wear.
Pulley
Pulley's plural form is "pulleys."
The machine has several pulleys for various functions.
Sheave
Sheaves are never standalone.
The sheave is just one part of the pulley system.
Pulley
Pulley is often used in multiple-unit setups.
The pulleys were arranged in a block-and-tackle system.
Sheave
Sheave's plural form is "sheaves."
Several sheaves were assembled together in the machine.
Pulley
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.
Sheave
A sheave () or pulley wheel is a grooved wheel often used for holding a belt, wire rope, or rope and incorporated into a pulley. The sheave spins on an axle or bearing inside the frame of the pulley.
Pulley
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.
Sheave
Another term for sheaf (verb)
Pulley
Hoist with a pulley
The tree house was built on the ground and pulleyed into the branches
Sheave
A wheel with a groove for a rope to run on, as in a pulley block.
Pulley
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.
Sheave
To collect and bind into a sheaf.
Pulley
A wheel turned by or driving a belt.
Sheave
A wheel or disk with a grooved rim, especially one used as a pulley.
Pulley
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).
Sheave
A wheel having a groove in the rim for a rope to work in, and set in a block, mast, or similar; the wheel of a pulley.
Pulley
(transitive) To raise or lift by means of a pulley.
Sheave
A sliding scutcheon for covering a keyhole.
Pulley
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.
Sheave
To gather and bind into a sheaf.
Pulley
To raise or lift by means of a pulley.
Sheave
A wheel having a groove in the rim for a rope to work in, and set in a block, mast, or the like; the wheel of a pulley.
Pulley
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
Sheave
To gather and bind into a sheaf or sheaves; hence, to collect.
Common Curiosities
What is a Sheave?
A sheave is the grooved wheel within a pulley system that interacts with the rope.
Is a Sheave a Standalone Device?
No, a sheave is always part of a pulley system.
What is a Pulley?
A pulley is a mechanical device used for lifting or moving loads using a rope or belt.
Can Pulley be Used as a Subject or Object in a Sentence?
Yes, it can be used as either.
How is a Pulley Classified?
Pulleys are classified based on their mechanical advantage, like fixed or movable.
What's the Plural of Sheave?
Sheaves.
Is a Pulley a Standalone Device?
Yes, a pulley can be a standalone device.
Is Every Sheave Part of a Pulley?
Yes, sheaves are always part of pulleys.
Is "Sheave" Used in Specialized Contexts?
"Sheave" is usually used in more specialized or technical contexts.
How is a Sheave Classified?
Sheaves are classified based on physical features like diameter and groove shape.
Do All Pulleys Have Sheaves?
Yes, a sheave is a component of every pulley system.
Can Sheave be Used as a Subject or Object in a Sentence?
Yes, it can be used as either.
What's the Plural of Pulley?
Pulleys.
Do Pulleys and Sheaves Always Go Together?
Yes, pulleys always have sheaves as their components.
Is "Pulley" Used in Specialized Contexts?
"Pulley" is a general term and is used in both general and specialized contexts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
