Rope is a mechanical component whose origins are difficult to trace. It is so frequently used that it is not simple to define. In ancient times, ropes were made by hand out of natural fibers by very long, laborious processes requiring many people’s work. 
Leonardo solved that problem. With his stranding machine, a single operator could carry out the whole operation, thus cutting production costs. The worker stood behind the strander, which was secured to the floor – the hook will readily be seen in the drawing – and moved a crank to operate the pulleys that wound the ropes.