How to Raise a Net With Pulleys

Pulleys are used to provide mechanical advantage when hauling or lifting heavy items. You can place multiple items into a net and then lift them with pulleys, which keeps them together at the same height. This is a particularly useful technique when camping in bear country and the food needs to be kept above the ground. Also, lifting nets with pulleys is common on fishing boats.

Things You'll Need

  • Two pulleys
  • Two 2-inch nylon webbing anchors -- closed nylon loops
  • Nylon 8mm cord
  • Four wire-gate carabiners
  • One large, steel rescue-locking carabiner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach two pulleys on a heavy branch or pole at the same height and approximately 4 feet apart. Use 2-inch nylon webbing anchors as the attachments on the pole or branch. String the 8mm nylon cord through both pulleys. Most pulleys have a sliding face plate that pushes open to expose the rope guides. Push this over and thread the rope onto the rollers. Let the rope hang off of each pulley and down to the ground.

    • 2

      Spread the net out under the two pulleys. Attach a wire carabiner at each corner of the net. Fill the net starting in the center with the goods to be lifted. Bring all four corner carabiners up to the center of the net and clip them into the large, steel locking carabiner. Screw the locking gate on the steel carabiner clockwise all the way, then turn it back 1/4 turn counterclockwise.

    • 3

      Tie one side of the cord to the steel carabiner. Use a square knot. Grip the other side of the cord and pull down on the cord, going hand over hand. Make sure to keep one hand in contact with the cord at all times until the desired height is reached.

    • 4

      Wrap the cord around a tree or pole, and tie it off with a trucker's hitch or double-square knot.