Plastic Cable Pulleys
Retlaw Industries is a leading US manufacturer of high-performance plastic cable pulleys and idlers, engineered for exceptional durability and smooth operation. Whether you know them as a cable guide pulley, an idler sheave or a simple cable roller, our components are designed to minimize friction, extend the life of your cable or wire rope and provide reliable, maintenance-free performance.
From heavy-duty industrial systems to residential applications, our pulleys deliver the quality and precision your project demands.
Why Choose Retlaw's Plastic Pulleys?
Our thermoplastic pulleys and sheaves offer significant advantages over traditional metal alternatives, providing superior performance and a lower total cost of ownership.
- Extend Cable & Rope Life: The naturally low-friction coefficient of our plastics means cooler running temperatures and less wear on your cables.
- Engineered for Precision: We mold our pulleys around high-precision ABEC-1 ball bearings (+/- 0.007 T.I.R.), ensuring perfectly smooth, balanced rotation without wobble or premature failure.
- Superior Durability: Our single-piece construction eliminates the possibility of separation or rivet fatigue commonly seen in two-piece metal pulleys.
- Chemical & Corrosion Proof: Our pulleys will never rust and are highly resistant to solvents, oils, and chemicals, making them ideal for any environment.
- Proudly Made in the USA: Every pulley is manufactured and inspected at our Hartland, Wisconsin facility.
The Right Pulley for Any Application
Our components are trusted across a wide range of industries where reliable cable guidance is critical.
- Fitness Equipment & Gym Machines: Functioning as durable and quiet deflection pulleys for high-use weight machine cable systems.
- Garage Doors & Gate Systems: Ensuring reliable, long-lasting performance for residential and commercial doors.
- Wire Rope & Rigging Systems: Acting as strong, lightweight wire rope sheaves for theatrical, marine and industrial rigging.
- Conveyor Systems: Used as guide rollers to manage cable runs in automated machinery.
- Agricultural Equipment
- Ziplines and Recreational Systems
Choosing the Right Material for Your Application
The material of your pulley matters. We work with a variety of thermoplastics to match the specific needs of your application.
Glass-Reinforced Nylon for Wire Rope Sheaves
Nylon is our strongest and most durable option. Its exceptional tensile strength and abrasion resistance make it the ideal material for a heavy-duty wire rope sheave, significantly outlasting standard plastics when used with steel cable.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Known for its excellent durability and resistance to moisture and chemicals, HDPE is a versatile and cost-effective choice for a wide range of outdoor and general-purpose applications.
Custom Material Options
We can also produce pulleys from other materials like ABS or polypropylene to meet your specific project requirements.
Retlaw Sizing Info
Retlaw Industries manufacturers several types of products. If you are interested in an adapter or idler pulley size that is not currently on our size chart, please contact us.
Product Specifications & Customization
Our standard cable pulleys are available in a variety of sizes, but we specialize in creating custom solutions.
- Standard Diameters: 2.5", 3.0", 3.5", 4.0", 4.5", 5.0", and 6.0"
- Groove Sizes: Designed to perfectly accommodate 3/16" and 1/4" diameter cable or wire rope.
- Bore Size: Standard 17mm bore designed to fit our full range of pulley adapters.
Don't see the size you need? Contact our engineers. We can create custom tooling for your specific diameter, groove profile, or bore size.
Your US-Based Cable Pulley Supplier & Manufacturer
Retlaw Industries is your direct source for American-made plastic cable pulleys. As an OEM partner to hundreds of companies, we understand the importance of quality, consistency and reliable delivery. When you work with us, you are working directly with the manufacturer, providing you with expert support and competitive pricing.
