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PSA: I think we're all too quick to blame the gear when a rigging block fails

Had a job in Springfield last Thursday, taking down a big silver maple over a garage. My main rigging block, a solid piece I've had for years, just froze up on me during a critical lower. The rope jammed, the whole thing shuddered, and I had to stop everything. Everyone's first thought is 'bad block, time to replace it.' But after we got the load down safe, I took it apart. It wasn't the sheave or the side plates. It was packed with a gritty paste of old sawdust, dried cambium, and plain old dirt that had built up over months of jobs. I'd been hosing it off, but not taking the time to really clean and oil the pin. I spent 20 minutes with a brush and some light oil, and it spins like new. We talk a lot about gear checks, but I think the real failure is skipping the deep clean. How often do you guys actually strip down your blocks for a proper service, not just a visual once-over?

3 comments

3 Comments

stellanelson18d ago

Ugh, preach. Honestly, I'm guilty of just giving mine a quick wipe down. That gritty paste is no joke.

felix_black18d ago

My buddy's chain seized up after a week of that paste.

logan_ellis18d ago

Yeah, that gritty paste... it's like concrete once it sets up. @stellanelson is right, a wipe down doesn't cut it. So how do you even start a real cleaning routine when you're beat after a long day? Like, do you keep a kit in your truck with brushes and oil, or do you set aside time at the shop once a week? I'm trying to picture actually doing it after a muddy day in the rain, when all you want is to go home.