Block & Tackle - 608 bearings, 550 paracord

Simple light block & tackle

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Description

A simple block & tackle using 608 bearings and basic hardware store nuts & bolts.

Materials and methods

You will need the following hardware to make a single unit (2 units are required to lift):

3x 1-5/8" 8-32 threaded rods or bolts. (I did not use bolts because the threaded rod was available in the perfect length. I just used superglue to cement one of the nuts to one end of each rod and "made" them bolts.)
6x 8-32 nuts
10x #8 flat washers
3x #8 lock washers
2x #608 common "skateboard" bearings
Printed parts: 2x Pully, 2x Bearing Insert, 2x Pully Cover, 1x B&T Core

You will also need a length of 550 weight "paracord" (Remember you will need 5-6x as much cord as the distance you want to lift. So a 20' lift would use up 100' of cord.)

Print all the pieces in whatever infill you desire. I find that anything over 20% is excess, but it's your choice. I made the "B&T Core" part a little a little heavier than the others since it will be bearing the most load.

You will need to "seat" the "Pully" and "bearing insert" pieces into your bearings. This is tricky because all printers are a little different. I suggest printing one of each to test the fit, then adding or subtracting 5% resize and trying again.

I stacked the center section as: "Nut/washer/cover/washer/pully/washer/core/washer/pully/washer/cover/washer/lock washer/nut" so that the bearings have plenty of space to slide.

I added the "Nut Driver" as a simple wrench I could store with the unit in my camping gear.