SMC Apex Direct 1.1 Pulley

The SMC Apex Direct 1.1 pulley is a compact, rescue-grade pulley that tree crews use for redirects, haul systems, and light rigging. It sits in the same family as the standard Apex, so check the configuration against how you plan to clip it into your system.

What it does on the job

On a tree crew a small pulley gets used constantly: redirecting a lowering line around a stem, building a 3:1 to tension a tag line, or hauling a saw up to the climber. A compact rescue-style pulley handles these tasks with less friction than a carabiner and less weight than a full rigging block.

Before buying, compare the Apex Direct with the standard Apex and other options in our rigging pulleys so the attachment style suits the way you rig.

A pulley that lives on the saddle or in the rigging bag gets used far more than one left in the truck. Its small size means you can carry it all day and reach for it whenever a rope is rubbing over a limb or a pull needs a cleaner angle.

Care and checks

Keep loads inside the marked rating and use rope within the marked diameter range. Do not use a compact pulley as a block for blocking down heavy wood.

Check the sheave for smooth spin, the side plates for cracks or burrs, and the axle for play before each use. Wash out sap and grit and let it dry. If it goes into a climbing or rescue system, life-support use must follow ANSI Z133, the manufacturer's instructions, and your training.

Store it dry and away from chemicals, and keep track of its history. A pulley that has been dropped from height onto rock or concrete should be retired unless the maker says otherwise.