LEGO Winch Mechanism

As with all LEGO projects a variety of parts can be used. We've listed all the parts we chose but you should use what works, or what you already have on hand when possible.

For instance, here are two alternative wheels/rims that could work.

LEGO Wheel 43.2 X 18 (86652)

LEGO Rim 56 X 34 with 3 Holes (15038 / 44772)

Any wheel/rim with an "H" or "V" shaped groove should work. Avoid the ones with raised ribbing in the groove part.

Besides the specified LEGO parts you'll need a LEGO baseplate, a few standard LEGO bricks, a 360 degree continuous rotation servo, and some string.

We'll start by adding some "feet" to the servo so we can attach it to the baseplate.

Use the following parts:

LEGO Technic Brick 1 x 4 with Holes (3701) You'll need two of them.

LEGO Axle 4 with End Stop (87083)

LEGO Technic Bush 1/2 with Teeth Type 1 (4265)

Once you have the "feet" for your servo you can attach it to a LEGO baseplate.

Make note of the orientation of the servo. Since the shaft is not centered you want it higher up in the assembly.

Next we'll attach the shaft and wheel/rim to the servo. You'll need an axle connector added to the servo shaft to start.

Use the following parts:

LEGO Axle Connector (Smooth with 'x' Hole) (59443)

LEGO Axle 6 (3706)

LEGO Wheel 43.2mm D. x 26mm Technic Racing Small with 3 Pinholes (41896)

Don't worry about the position of the wheel/rim on the shaft, since we can slide it into the correct position later.

Next we'll add the parts to hold up the other side of the axle.

Grab two standard LEGO bricks and another LEGO Technic Brick 1 x 4 with Holes (3701).

Once assembled place it on the baseplate to hold the axle in place.

Next we'll add a simple guide for the string to feed through so it doesn't get tangled.

We used two small LEGO bricks and a LEGO Technic Brick 1 x 4 with Holes (3701).

Line it up with the wheel/rim as close as you can, then slide the wheel/rim so it is centered to match the guide hole.

If everything looks right you can pull the wheel/rim off to add on some string.

Tie the string tight onto the wheel/rim and wind it around a few times.

If your string isn't wound enough times it may not wind up properly if you let too much of it out. You can also add a small piece of tape to hold the string in place if your knot is not tight enough.

Place the wheel/rim back onto the axle and feed the string through the guide hole.

Your winch is ready to go!