Block (sailing) Block (sailing) In sailing, a block is a single or multiple pulley. One or a number of "sheaves" are enclosed in an assembly between "cheeks" or "chocks". In use, a block is fixed to the end of a line, to a spar, or to a surface. A line (rope) is "reeved" through the sheaves, and maybe through one or more matching blocks at some far end, to make up a tackle. The "purchase" of a tackle refers to its mechanical advantage. In general the more sheaves in the blocks that make up a tackle, the higher its mechanical advantage. The
Rigging (material handling) Rigging (material handling) Rigging is both a noun, which is the equipment and a verb, which is the action of designing and installing the equipment, in the preparation to lift, lower, hoist or move objects. A team of "riggers" design and install the lifting or rolling equipment needed to raise, roll, slide or lift objects such as with a crane or block and tackle. "Rigging" comes from "rig", to set up or prepare. Rigging is the equipment such as wire rope, turnbuckles, clevis, jacks and slings used with cranes and other lifting equipment in material handling and structure relocation. Rigging