Snatch Block Rating?

[cbvet]

Had this in another thread, but got no response.
I'm hoping I can use this with a Deuce winch.

>I picked up a snatch block today, but it has no load rating on it.
Made by "Bestco Blocks".
Sheave OD is 6".
Looks to be good for 1/2" cable.
Center bolt/ sheave axle is about 1" diameter, 1&5/8 hex head.
Weighs 20 pounds.
Actually looks exactly like Ebay #360167157602.
Sound familiar?
Any idea on load rating?
Thanks guys.<

 

[cattlerepairman]

As you undoubtedly suspected, there is something inherently evil about looking at a part and guessing its breaking strength.

I can offer a few assumptions that may or may not be useful:

Sheave diameter should be at least 10 times cable diameter, preferably more. So, with a half inch cable and 6 inch sheave you would be looking at 12 times the diameter. Bigger is better for a reason - even a block/sheave reduces the breaking strength of a rope or cable.

I would estimate that with your block, you would have about 80% of the cable strength left. That is ok-ish.

The block must be able to handle 10 tons...so a 6 inch sheave is a tad small. If the sucker weighed, oh, about 60 pounds, then I'd probably be comfortable maxing it out. I guess the fact that yours is relatively lightweight scares me the most. Really high quality blocks can be a little lighter, maybe 40 pounds or so, but 20 is decidedly wimpy.

This is assuming it is Made in USA/civilized world and not from Asian mystery metal.

 

[4x4 Forever]

As you undoubtedly suspected, there is something inherently evil about looking at a part and guessing its breaking strength.

I can offer a few assumptions that may or may not be useful:

Sheave diameter should be at least 10 times cable diameter, preferably more. So, with a half inch cable and 6 inch sheave you would be looking at 12 times the diameter. This is good for a reason - even a block/sheave reduces the breaking strength of a rope or cable.

I would estimate that with your block, you would have about 80% of the cable strength left. That is ok-ish.

The block must be able to handle 10 tons...so a 6 inch sheave is a tad small. If the sucker weighed, oh, about 60 pounds, then I'd probably be comfortable maxing it out. I guess the fact that yours is relatively lightweight scares me the most.

This is assuming it is Made in USA/civilized world and not from Asian mystery metal.

went looking through the net and found bestco in the UK and in ASIA.
If you cannot confirm where it was made, assume the worse. Its not worth getting someone hurt.

 

[rmgill]

The thing to look at is the anchor attachment point as well. Make sure that when you rig these that the anchor points are up to the challenge for the multipoint anchors. If you do a 3:1 pull, and your final attachment point at the stuck vehicle is a shackle held on by 2 bolts, make sure they're on properly and up to the task.

 

[rosco]

The thing that happens when you get into a "stuck", is that you use what you have. Almost by defination, you do what you have to to get out. Often, you don't have all that you need either. That block you have will be welcome, and will probably do the job. Just be real careful what your doing, so that nobody gets hurt - that goes for the equipment too. Also, most of us will pack around the block that you have, but would you pack around the 40# one? As you gain experience winching, you'll come to know what you can get away with. I'm talking about winching, not Wenching".

Lee in Alaska

 

[cbvet]

Thanks for the help guys. This snatch block has definitely been around for a few years, judging by the layers of paint on it.
I suspect it is very strong, but should probably consider it as being for emergencies only. And used with extra caution.
I paid $20 locally for it so I think I got a good deal.

Rosco,
"Also, most of us will pack around the block that you have, but would you pack around the 40# one?"

Kinda like "the best gun is the one you have with you" theory?

 

[timntrucks]

looks just like my duece snatch block.. nice an light

 

[rmgill]

When I had the chance to get these, I bought three of them. Stored on the 5 ton tool box bolted in the front of the bed of the truck.

 

[cranetruck]

Here is a comparison of some winch hardware, note that the hook and chain on the 5-ton truck winch (20,000#) is only rated 5 tons, which would be like using 3/8 in chain/hook on the deuce...

Edit: The 10-ton snatch block in the image weighs 58 lb and has a sheave dia of about 8.5 inches.