How to Build a Hoist Tripod

A simple but effective tripod hoist can be made with tall wooden poles, hemp rope, and block and tackle. Once assembled this apparatus can lift large objects easily so that they can be loaded onto the bed of a pickup truck or into a wagon being towed behind a tractor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Making the Tripod

Things You’ll Need:

Three wooden poles or framing timbers that are at least 4 inches by 4 inches 1/2-inch hemp rope (about 20 feet) Block and tackle (compound block and tackle can be used for heavy loads)
Three wooden poles or framing timbers that are at least 4 inches by 4 inches
1/2-inch hemp rope (about 20 feet)
Block and tackle (compound block and tackle can be used for heavy loads)

Step 1

Select three poles of equal length and diameter and place them on the ground or where you want to set up the tripod. The center pole should be extended in the opposite direction of the two outside poles. Make sure the poles are sound and strong enough to lift the load that you desire. Slip a board or another short pole under one end of the poles so the poles overhang the board by two or three feet. The poles should be several inches apart.

Step 2

Tie a tripod lashing to the three poles using the 1/2-inch hemp or nylon rope. Inspect the rope to ensure that it is in good condition. Start the lashing with a clove hitch on one of the outside poles about a foot from the top of the pole. Weave the rope through the three poles using a figure eight pathway. Pull the rope tight after you have completed each figure eight and discontinue the weaving when you have weaved the rope through all three poles six times.

Next comes the frapping. This is where you wrap the rope between the poles and around the existing rope. It is important to pull the rope tight after each frap. After three times frapping around just the rope, you can tie the lashing with a clove hitch on the center pole, but this time put the clove hitch below the lashing.

Step 3

Stand the three poles up and spread the legs apart so that a tripod is formed. Make sure the legs of the tripod don't slip after they are set in place.

Attach the Block and Tackle

Step 1

Loop the rope over the top of the tripod and run it through the metal loop that forms the top of the tackle. Do this three times and tie the two ends of the rope together with a square knot. Now your block and tackle is in place.

Step 2

Run a short piece of rope through the pulley mechanism that is part of the block and tackle.

Step 3

Tie one end of the rope to the object that you need to lift and lift the object by pulling on the other end of the rope.

Tips & Warnings

It is best to build the tripod at the location where you plan to use it.

Article Written By Henri Bauholz

Henri Bauholz is a professional writer covering a variety of topics, including hiking, camping, foreign travel and nature. He has written travel articles for several online publications and his travels have taken him all over the world, from Mexico to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Europe.

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