wilserbrewer
BIAB Expert Tailor
I did a thread years ago detailing procedures for hoisting a BIAB bag with a ratchet pulley. The thread is a little dated, and we have also added a double pulley option. I've used the double pulley a few times and find it a pleasure to use. With BIAB, I have found that a successful and enjoyable experience is all about "bag management". Having an easy and neat way to remove and drain the bag is paramount IMO to a good BIAB brew session.
1st pic is of the new double pulley, showing one option of installing the second pulley on the hoist cord on a loop with the attachment hook. Everyone's brewery is different so I will give a few different rigging options.
Next option is simplest, the additional pulley is installed on the same hook as the pulley hook.
Next option is for those with high ceiling / attachment point, rather than replacing the hoist rope with a longer rope, a short lenght of rope is attached at the ceiling, and the short down rope enables adequate travel of the ratchet pulley to clear the kettle rim.
Attaching the Bag to the Hoist
Simplest and easiest is to hook the ratchet pulley to the bag drawstring. This works well, but can result with the rathet pulley quite high. Removing the bag can be tricky if the pulley hook is above your reach.
Next "better" option IMO is to place a simple not in the bag drawstring and hoist from the now shortened drawstring.
The most height friendly method for those with large kettles / bags and lower pulley attachment points, is to use a short 6-8" tied loop of strong cord. Happy to include with your order if requested...
As the bag is gathered and readied for hoisting, the loop of cord is wrapped around the bag twice and fed back thru the loop, and pulled tight prior to attaching to the ratchet pulley.
1st pic is of the new double pulley, showing one option of installing the second pulley on the hoist cord on a loop with the attachment hook. Everyone's brewery is different so I will give a few different rigging options.

Next option is simplest, the additional pulley is installed on the same hook as the pulley hook.

Next option is for those with high ceiling / attachment point, rather than replacing the hoist rope with a longer rope, a short lenght of rope is attached at the ceiling, and the short down rope enables adequate travel of the ratchet pulley to clear the kettle rim.

Attaching the Bag to the Hoist
Simplest and easiest is to hook the ratchet pulley to the bag drawstring. This works well, but can result with the rathet pulley quite high. Removing the bag can be tricky if the pulley hook is above your reach.

Next "better" option IMO is to place a simple not in the bag drawstring and hoist from the now shortened drawstring.


The most height friendly method for those with large kettles / bags and lower pulley attachment points, is to use a short 6-8" tied loop of strong cord. Happy to include with your order if requested...

As the bag is gathered and readied for hoisting, the loop of cord is wrapped around the bag twice and fed back thru the loop, and pulled tight prior to attaching to the ratchet pulley.

