How to Use an Old Barn Pulley

Removing Rust

• 1

  Don goggles, plastic gloves and plastic apron.

• 2

  Place the rusty pulley in the container.

• 3

  Apply rust remover to the rusty areas. Different rust removers will have different application methods and instructions. Leave on the rust remover only until the rust has dissolved. Dissolved rust will turn black and run off the pulley. Wipe clean with a cloth.

• 4

  Grease the wheel with WD-40, applying directly onto the wheel connections. Depress the nozzle two times on each side until the wheel turns freely.

Use a Pulley

• 5

  Measure the length of rope you will need to hang your pulley from the ceiling. Cut that length of rope. Measure the length from the floor to the ceiling for the counterweight. Measure the length that you would like the rope to extend down from the pulley for operational purposes. Measure the circumference of the pulley.

• 6

  Hang the pulley from the ceiling with the rope cut for that purpose.

• 7

  Cut a length of rope that is the length of the floor to ceiling, plus the preferred length from the pulley, plus the circumference of the pulley. Slip one end of the rope over the wheel of the pulley. Leave the rope hanging.

• 8

  Set the counterweight on the floor. Attach one end of the rope to the counterweight. The counterweight will be used to help hold items in place for decorative use. If using the pulley for industrial purposes, attach one end of the rope to the heavy item that requires lifting.

• 9

  Tie the rope to the bucket handle. Fill the bucket with potting soil. Use the trowel to create a hole for planting flowers in the soil. Set the flowers in the hole and cover with dirt. For more practical or industrial use, tie a loop in this end to grip. Pull this end of the rope to lift the item attached at the other end of the rope.