In physics (statics) pulling force (tensile force) is the term, based on language in everyday usage to describe a force which pulls something ( a mechanical body), i.e. acts on the body on the generator of the force. The SI unit of force is defined as the Newton after the scientist Sir Isaac Newton.
The tensile force acts in the body in the direction from the fixing point to the force application point. In rods; bars, ropes, etc., this is in the longitudinal direction. In this case the tensile force results in a normal (perpendicular) force as part of the load in the bar cross-section.
In statics the tensile force is always defined as being positive (+); a negative tensile force corresponds to a compressive force.
Solid materials (rods, bars, ropes, chains, etc.) can transfer tensile forces until their tensile strength is reached.
Sometimes in practice, the tensile force (e.g. the tensile force of a bowstring) is given in kilograms instead of in Newtons. This information therefore corresponds to the force required to hold a given weight against gravity.