Inventory: Lever

We have long moved away from mechanical items in Minecraft, such as those related to redstone. However, this week we focus on an item that is essential for both simple and complex builds—the lever. It not only provides remarkable power but also offers precise control.

Levers were introduced in Minecraft during its early stages. They made their debut in version 1.0.1 alongside doors, pressure plates, and redstone dust. A texture update was released in version 1.7, and then in 1.14, the developers revamped the appearance of the lever once more. Version 1.13 brought a shiny particle effect, but no further updates followed. To craft a lever, you will need a stick and a cobblestone block. It’s not necessary to use a 3×3 crafting grid for this recipe. If crafting seems too laborious, you can find levers in jungle temples and woodland mansions.

Once you have at least one lever, you can attach it to almost any surface by right-clicking. However, if you attempt to place it on the top, side, or bottom of any opaque block, it will not work. The direction the lever faces will depend on the player’s position.

After placing the lever, you need to activate it by clicking on it. When it’s turned on, it powers any redstone system, redstone comparator, or repeater that is directed towards the lever. The lever can serve as a connection between components like pistons and also provide power to the block it is attached to. The lever was invented around 5000 BC in regions now known as the Middle East. It consists of a solid stick balanced at a central point—known as the “fulcrum.” The longer the lever, the easier it is to lift a load. “Give me a long enough lever and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world,” said the ancient Greek scientist Archimedes. So far, no one has taken advantage of his idea.

Nonetheless, the lever in Minecraft Bedrock resembles a switch—an electrical device that turns a circuit on and off. It can interrupt the flow of electricity within a circuit or redirect it from one location to another. In our daily lives, we all utilize switches, such as turning lights on and off, pressing a button on an electric kettle, or setting our phones to silent mode.

In appreciation for all the hard work that levers do, allowing us to drink, eat, and play Minecraft with minimal effort, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of all humanity!