Recent Blogs
Locking Pliers: Over-Centre Link Geometry Explained
Explore a locking-pliers toggle and its main components. Calculate angle and axial projection for a selected local link length and past-center offset.
Shears with Winch or Tackle Block: How It Works, Diagram, Formula & Rigging Uses Explained
How a shears lifting rig works — the geometry, the tackle block math, and how riggers use it to set heavy loads on bridges, masts,...
Tongue-and-groove Pliers: Adjustable Pivot and Assumed Force Ratio
Explore selectable jaw spacing and multiply an entered handle force by an assumed ideal ratio. The result is an arithmetic comparison, not actual grip force.
Slip-joint Pliers Mechanism Explained: How the Slot-and-Pin Pivot, Lever Ratio, and Jaw Geometry Work
How Slip-joint Pliers work, the pivot geometry behind the two jaw positions, and how plumbers, electricians, and mechanics use them on real jobs.
Bolt Cutters Mechanism Explained: Compound Leverage, Diagram, Animation, Calculator and FAQ
Explore compound bolt-cutter motion and compare jaw-contact force from hand force, two entered stage ratios and assumed overall efficiency. Tool capacity is separate.
Tread Mill: Static Gravity Moment and Rim-force Equivalent
Explore a treadwheel with a static point-load model. Calculate gravity moment and equivalent rim force from mass and horizontal offset, without predicting power.
Screw Pair Mechanism: How It Works, Diagram, Lead Formula, Parts, and Uses Explained
Screw Pair explained — how helical threads convert rotation into linear motion, with lead/pitch math, real applications in machining, and design tradeoffs.
Differential Screw (compound Pitch) Mechanism: How It Works, Diagram, Formula & Uses Explained
Explore two same-hand screw leads acting through fixed and guided nuts. Calculate signed output travel and ideal motion per degree from their lead difference.
De-sta-co Toggle Clamp Mechanism: How the Over-Centre Linkage Works, Parts and Uses Explained
Explore an equal-link push toggle passing through center to a stop. Calculate knee offset and setback, then compare an applied holding load with an applicable...
The Wedge: Ideal Geometry and Force-ratio Calculator
Explore a symmetric wedge and calculate its included angle, displacement ratio and ideal per-face lateral force. Friction, cutting and material failure are not modeled.
Resolution of Suspension: Ideal Two-leg Tension Calculator
Resolve a centered static load into two equal leg tensions using the included angle. The tool illustrates equilibrium and does not select rigging or establish...
Spanish Windlass Mechanism: How It Works, Diagram, Formula, and Rigging Uses Explained
How a Spanish Windlass works — the rope-and-stick tensioning mechanism used by riggers, arborists, and sailors to generate huge force from almost nothing.
Rope Twist Lever (Spanish Windlass) Mechanism: How It Works, Diagram, Formula, and Uses
Rope twist lever explained — how Spanish windlass tensioning works, the force formula, and real worked examples for rigging, arborist, and shelter applications.
Rope Grip Hook Mechanism Explained: How It Works, Parts, Wedge Friction Formula and Diagram
Rope grip hooks lock onto a rope under load and release when slack. Learn the physics, sizing formulas, and rigging examples used in arborist and...
Lifting Jack: Rotating-Screw Animation and Work-Ratio Calculator
See how a rotating screw moves through a fixed nut. Compare handle path, screw lead and entered efficiency to calculate an idealized axial-force ratio.
Lever Windlass Mechanism Explained: How It Works, Diagram, Parts, Formula and Uses
Compare the ideal lever-to-drum radius ratio and reciprocal hand-to-rope travel. The animation shows rope take-up and the holding pawl during handle reset.
Lever Sector: Circular Sweep Animation and Arc-Length Calculator
Calculate circular sector arc length, endpoint chord and travel per degree from radius and sweep angle. See the fixed-radius motion in an interactive animation.
Lever Paradox: Hiscox Item 10 Balanced-Linkage Viewer
Explore the lever paradox with a connected double-beam diagram. Compare three illustrated postures and equal-weight relationships without a structural capacity claim.
Lever and Ratchet: Ideal Force Ratio and One-Tooth Indexing
An ideal lever-force comparison with an animated ratchet cycle that separates drive, holding and reset phases without implying a product capacity.
Inclined Plane: Sliding Force and Work Calculator | FIRGELLI
Calculate constant-speed uphill force and work from mass, rise, slope length and an assumed sliding-friction coefficient. Includes the ideal force-distance relationship.
Compound Weight Motor Mechanism: How It Works, Diagram, Parts, Formula and Uses Explained
Explore three falling weights on a continuous rope. Calculate ideal rope tension, drum torque and the torque change through two optional gear stages.
Chinese Shaft Derrick Mechanism Explained: How It Works, Parts, Diagram and Mechanical Advantage
Explore a differential windlass with overhead guide sheaves. Calculate ideal force multiplication, input torque and bucket rise from the two drum radii and handle effort.
Chinese Windlass Mechanism Explained: How It Works, Diagram, Formula, Parts and Uses
Compare two drum diameters on one shaft. Calculate ideal hand force, shaft torque and rise per turn, and see why closer diameters give slower lift...
Block and Tackle Mechanism: How It Works, Parts, Formula, and Mechanical Advantage Explained
How a Block and Tackle multiplies lifting force using rope and pulleys. Mechanical advantage formulas, rigging examples, and real sailing and crane applications.
Wedge Cam Mechanism: How It Works, Diagram, Formula, and Industrial Uses Explained
Explore ideal wedge-cam geometry. Compare follower lift, ramp length and frictionless force ratio from horizontal travel and ramp angle.