Buy Blocks & Sheaves Online in Australia
What is a sheave?
A sheave is the grooved wheel inside a pulley block that the rope or wire rope runs around. The sheave changes the direction of the line and, when used in multi-sheave blocks, multiplies the user's pulling force by spreading the load across several rope falls. AIMS Industrial stocks pulley blocks, snatch blocks and replacement wire rope sheaves from Austlift, Beaver and Yoke for rigging and lifting work.
What is the difference between a sheave and a pulley block?
A sheave is the individual grooved wheel. A pulley block (or simply "block") is the housing that holds one or more sheaves on a common axle, with attachment hardware to a fixed point or a load. Single-sheave blocks change direction only; multi-sheave blocks create mechanical advantage.
What is a snatch block?
A snatch block is a pulley block with a hinged side plate that opens, so a rope or wire rope can be threaded through the sheave without disconnecting it from its termination. Snatch blocks are common in 4WD recovery, winching and any field rigging where the rope is already loaded or terminated. Always use the rated working load — lifting blocks must be WLL-marked and compliant with the applicable lifting standard.
Pulley Block + Sheave Selection — Quick Reference
Pulley block = CHANGES DIRECTION of load + REDUCES EFFORT to lift. Snatch block + travelling block + multi-sheave block. Workshop lifting + rigging + recovery + construction. AS 1418 + AS 3776 + AS 4991 compliance for lifting.
| Block / Sheave Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Snatch Block (Opening Side) | 4WD recovery + winching — see snatch block guide |
| Standard Pulley Block | Lifting + general rigging |
| Multi-Sheave Block (2 / 3 / 4) | Heavier lift + mechanical advantage |
| Sheave Wheel (Replacement) | Block service component |
| Cast Iron / Steel Body | Heavy-duty + workshop standard |
| Aluminium / Lightweight | Reduced weight + recreational |
| WLL-Rated + Marked | Lifting work — MANDATORY |
Critical: Lifting blocks MUST be WLL-marked + AS-compliant. Snatch blocks reduce winch pull by ~50% (single line) + change direction. Inspect before each use. Brand: Beaver, Austlift, Yoke. Companion: lifting equipment, rigging slings, snatch block guide.
Pulley Blocks and Snatch Blocks for Rigging and Lifting
A pulley block changes the direction of a load and reduces the effort needed to lift or move it. That's why they're standard in rigging, construction, and materials handling across Australia. Whether you're redirecting a rope, reducing the pull force on a chain block, or setting up a complex rigging system, the right block selection is fundamental to safe and efficient lifting.
Block Types
- Standard Pulley Blocks — Single, double, or triple pulley configurations. Mounted on a fixed point or lifting line.
- Snatch Blocks — Hinged sides that open, allowing you to thread a rope or cable through without disconnecting. Invaluable for field rigging when you can't remove the load from the line.
Pulley Configuration
Single pulley simply changes direction. Double and triple pulleys create mechanical advantage — with a triple block, you pull at 1/3 the load force (though the rope travels 3 times the distance). This is called the "Fall" in rigging terms.
Load Ratings and Safe Working Load
Every block carries a Safe Working Load (SWL) rating stamped on the frame. This is the maximum safe load under normal use. Never exceed the SWL — it's there for a reason.
Materials and Durability
Quality blocks use ductile iron or steel frames with ball or roller bearings. The range available through AIMS includes trusted Australian brands designed to withstand industrial environments and frequent use.
Used With
Blocks work in combination with chain blocks, wire rope, synthetic slings, and tackle systems. Proper rigging knowledge is essential — if you're unsure about a setup, contact our team for advice.
Wire Rope Sheaves & Wire Rope Pulleys
Wire rope sheaves (also called wire rope pulleys) are the grooved wheels at the heart of every block. The sheave groove diameter and profile must match the wire rope diameter and construction — too small a groove crushes the rope and accelerates fatigue; too large a groove lets the rope twist and bind. Most AIMS lifting blocks (Austlift, Beaver, Yoke) are supplied with the sheave sized to a specific wire rope diameter range — typically 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 19mm and up. Replacement sheaves are available where the original wheel is worn or grooved out beyond its inspection limit. For sheave selection: match wire rope diameter, confirm safe working load (SWL) on the block / sheave combination, and verify groove pitch radius is at least equal to half the rope diameter per AS 1418.5 sheave-to-rope sizing [VERIFY:] edition. For the matching wire rope, end fittings and rigging hardware see wire rope, rigging slings and lifting equipment.