A
sheave, is a
pulley with a
grooved wheel for holding a
belt,
wire rope, or
rope. The grooved wheel spins inside the frame of the sheave. This allows the wire or rope to move freely minimizing wear and abrasion on cable. Sheaves can be used to redirect a cable or rope, lift loads, and transmit power. The words
sheave and
pulley are sometimes used interchangeably.