In general, pulleys are used to change the directional forces of a rope, cable or other type of pulley belt in an effort to lift something heavy. It is possible to choose the best miniature pulley based on the application, dimension, material, variety and function. Types of pulleys vary to a large degree, and starting with these basic pulley characteristics can help narrow down the search.
Fixed, movable and compound pulleys are often available to perform various tasks. For instance, fixed pulleys may be best used simply to change the direction of a rope, while a compound pulley might be used to provide substantial mechanical force to lift heavy objects. High-quality pulleys provide just the right amount of force for a given application.
The intended use of the pulley should be considered, because it will largely determine the best pulley shape and mechanical design. The best miniature pulley will probably be one made specifically for the desired application. For instance, using pulleys intended for climbing trees would probably fail to work in power transmission arrays. Most of the features, such as pulley size, vary based on the application, though most pulleys use some sort of belt.
Pulley dimensions vary according to the intended application and the type of belt used. The best miniature pulley will likely be compact but large enough to accommodate whatever belt is necessary. Timing systems in engines and other high-precision miniature pulleys will likely require specific pulley dimensions. In addition to dimensions, materials play an important role in shaping miniature pulleys.
Metal, plastics and wood might be the most common materials used to create pulleys. Metal pulleys are often required for high-tension or extreme-force situations and may be accompanied by metal belts. Miniature pulleys made from plastic might be used for low-force situations such as stringing up a tarp. Wooden pulleys, best known for their appearance on ships and docks throughout history, also are common. The best miniature pulley will be made of materials that support the pulley application and cables to be used.
Compared to the others available, the best miniature pulley should be made of high-quality materials, should perform exactly as specified, and should be economical. High-quality materials can help ensure that using a pulley is safe. The best miniature pulley also should perform the assigned task without after-purchase modifications or shortcuts. Costs vary widely, depending on the individual pulley, which can make buying a good pulley a bit more of a challenge.