How to Change and Reverse Rotation Direction

Mechanical contraptions often require shafts to spin in a specific direction to drive machines properly. You can reverse or redirect rotational power using cogwheels, gearboxes, or redstone-controlled components.

Reversing Direction with Cogwheels and Gearboxes

• Side-by-side Cogwheels: Place two cogwheels directly adjacent to each other. When one cogwheel drives another from the side, the second cogwheel naturally reverses its rotational direction.
• 90-Degree Redirection: Place two large cogwheels at a 90-degree angle to change the axis of rotation to an perpendicular orientation.
• Gearboxes: Insert a Gearbox into your line. Gearboxes pass rotation across four horizontal or vertical faces while reversing straight inline connections, allowing you to branch power in opposing directions simultaneously.

Toggling Direction with a Gearshift

If you need to flip rotation dynamically while a machine is operating, use a Gearshift:

1. Place a Gearshift directly inline with your rotating shafts. When unpowered, it acts as a standard shaft, passing rotation without altering direction.

2. Run a Redstone line (such as from a lever or pressure plate) to the Gearshift.

3. Activate the Redstone signal. The Gearshift will instantly reverse the rotation direction for all components downstream. Turning off the signal restores the original spin.