the life of a rigging block

Blevins

Blevins

Location
PA
I've got an isc spring lock aluminum block that I've used for 7 years of full time tree work. I couldn't even guess how many tens of thousands of lbs of wood this thing has lowered safely to the ground for me. At what point is it time for a new one? There's no visible damage and it still performs perfectly. Its probably had at least 3 new slings in its life as well. Just curious what others thought about they're serviceable and safe lifespan.
 
Cycles to failure is always a consideration. I am not sure it applies to mechanical devices the same as it would with ropes and slings. This is a good question. I have dropped tens of thousands of pounds on my little Pinto pulley. It only failed because I used the wrong Biner without the spacer. Without a proper sac of the block in question, who's to know?
 
I think that cycles to failure is a factor with all materials, whether its ropes, slings, or aluminum/ steel blocks and pulleys. When they're used properly they'll obviously last longer. Usually when I think of metal being fatigued or weakened though there is bending or movement involved. Is my block weaker today than it was 7 years ago? I have had the same ground man the whole time who is always on the ball. 95% of the time everything is left run as much as possible so shock load is minimized. In its life though its probably been shocked hundreds of times. Typically low in the tree....over a roof, where there's no room. I'm 200 bucks and a click away from a new block. It just sparked my curiosity because over the life of this block litrerally everything else on my truck has been replaced. Will it last the life of my career? I'll will replace it at one point just to eliminate any chance of a accident. Just interested in others thoughts.
 
I'd imagine that if your gear inspection indicates good integrity, you're probably ok. I can only think that the block would have to show signs of wear before it would suddenly catastrophically fail. If you start to see signs of fatigue, then you could potentially expect failure.

Maybe you could look into purchasing something different to add to your kit that might give the block some other uses. Maybe get some rigging rings and run those (or a second block), using the block in question as an interior/opposing redirect or something.
 
I'm guessing you could probably tell if your block needs to be replaced similar to car bearings. Just give it a turn and if it does not feel smooth then you should replace. Or if there is too much slop or wobble in the sheave.
 
IN other industrial applications bushings are super simple to press out and replace. Nothing complicated.

A bearing supply house would be able to help you out. No sense in spending money on the aluminum parts if they're still in good shape.

ISC would be very likely to give you some guidance about life span and wear.
 
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