| Block Type | Sheave Range | WLL Range | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| McKissick 680 Snatch Block | 6" - 24" | 5 - 100 tons | Construction, offshore, heavy field rigging |
| McKissick 402/404 Fixed Block | 3" - 12" | Up to 15 tons | Crane assemblies, marine hoist, semi-permanent tackle |
| Yoke Light Snatch Block | 3" – 6" | 2 – 8 tons | General field rigging, recovery, compact applications |
| De Haan Offshore Block | Custom | High-capacity | Offshore, dredging, dynamic load environments |
| McKissick Sheaves (standalone) | 3" – 24" | Per application | Crane boom tips, fairleads, diversion systems |
About Rigging Block Rentals
Renting rigging blocks is the practical, cost-effective choice for project-based and short-duration applications. A construction or offshore campaign requiring 50-ton snatch blocks for three weeks does not justify a capital purchase. High-capacity McKissick 680 Series blocks, 24-inch sheave, 100-ton WLL, are expensive to purchase and maintain for occasional use. Rental delivers the right hardware, inspected and documented to ASME B30.26 and OSHA 1910.184 standards, at a fraction of ownership cost.
Specialized Rental Blocks
McKissick 680 Series Snatch Blocks
-
The McKissick 680 Series is the industry standard for heavy-duty snatch block applications in construction, offshore, and industrial rigging across North America. The opening side plate allows wire rope to be inserted directly into the sheave groove at any point along the rope's length with no end threading required. This is the practical choice for field rigging where the rope is already installed, the line is under tension, or threading hundreds of feet of rope through a closed housing is not feasible.
-
Manufactured from drop-forged alloy steel and rated to ASME B30.26 and API RP 2D requirements, McKissick 680 blocks are proof-tested at the factory and arrive with legible WLL markings a hard requirement under both ASME B30.26 and OSHA 1910.184 before any block is placed in service. All rental units are re-verified on our pre-dispatch inspection checklist.
| Sheave Size | Wire Rope Size | WLL | Attachment Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6" | 3/8" | 5 tons | Hook or Shackle |
| 8" | 1/2" | 8 tons | Hook or Shackle |
| 10" | 5/8" | 12 tons | Hook or Shackle |
| 12" | 3/4" | 15 tons | Hook or Shackle |
| 14" | 7/8" | 20 tons | Hook or Shackle |
| 16" | 1" | 30 tons | Hook or Shackle |
| 24" | 1-1/4" | 100 tons | Shackle |
Single and double sheave configurations available. Bronze bushed and roller bearing sheave options stocked.
McKissick 402 / 404 Series Fixed Blocks
-
Fixed blocks, also called closed blocks, have a sealed housing with no opening side plate. The rope threads from the end through the sheave groove during initial setup. Structurally stronger than snatch blocks at equivalent WLL, these blocks are used in semi-permanent tackle, crane boom assemblies, marine hoisting rigs, and plant turnaround systems where the rigging configuration stays set for the duration of the project.
-
McKissick 402, 404, 418, 419, 430, and 431 series blocks are available in wire rope and natural rope configurations with hook, eye, and shackle fittings. Sheave diameters from 3 inches to 12 inches, capacities to 15 tons. Manufactured and rated to ASME B30.2 and B30.5 crane assembly standards.
Rental use cases
-
Temporary crane boom tip replacement blocks during planned maintenance
-
Plant turnaround overhead tackle for equipment removal and reinstallation
-
Marine hoist and tackle rigs for project-duration work
-
Fabrication project hoisting systems rigged for multi-week campaigns
Yoke Light Snatch Blocks
-
Yoke light snatch blocks are the compact option for general field rigging and recovery where a large-format McKissick block is more than the job requires. Made from high-tensile steel, fatigue rated to a 4:1 safety factor, and compliant with ASME B30.26. Each unit carries a permanent batch code linked to the test certificate for full traceability. Available in 3-inch, 4.5-inch, and 6-inch sheave sizes for 8mm–10mm wire rope, WLL 2 tons to 8 tons.
De Haan Offshore and High-Capacity Blocks
-
For offshore, dredging, and heavy transport applications where standard construction blocks are not rated for the dynamic load environment, Holloway stocks De Haan Special Equipment blocks. Vessel motion, dynamic shock, and marine exposure exceed what a standard McKissick construction block is designed for. De Haan blocks are specified to API RP 2D offshore crane requirements and used in complex rigging programs where load dynamics and environmental conditions are beyond the onshore construction standard.
-
Contact our rigging team to discuss De Haan specifications and availability for your offshore project.
McKissick Sheaves
-
Holloway rents McKissick (Crosby) individual sheaves for crane boom tips, fairleads, and custom line diversion applications where only the grooved wheel is needed without a full block housing. Roll-forged steel construction with flame-hardened grooves rated to 35 Rockwell C minimum stronger under shock loading than cast alternatives.
| Bearing Type | Design | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze Bushed | SAE 660 self-lubricating bronze | Slow line speeds, high static loads, deflection rollers |
| Roller Bearing | Precision-machined bore | Higher line speeds, frequent cycling, crane replacements |
| Bore Ready (Plain) | Machined bore for shaft or bearing install | OEM replacements, custom machinery configurations |
How Holloway Supports Safe Lifting
Safe rigging starts with equipment you can trust. Every rental block dispatched from Holloway Houston passes a documented pre-dispatch inspection before reaching your job site.
Complete, Inspected Kits
We configure complete rental kits - blocks, rated shackles, hooks, and supporting hardware, matched to your load and rope specifications. Nothing arrives mismatched or under-rated.
Certified to Industry Standards
All rental blocks are inspected and documented against ASME B30.26 (rigging hardware), ASME B30.9 (wire rope and slings at the sheave contact zone), and OSHA 1910.184 before dispatch. Offshore blocks meet API RP 2D requirements. Every unit ships with current inspection records supporting your on-site compliance file.
Expert Guidance on Block Selection
Our rigging specialists calculate total anchor block load, match sheave groove to rope diameter, and verify D/d ratio before your rental is confirmed, so the right block ships the first time.
Pre-Dispatch Inspection — What We Check on Every Block
Sheave rotation — free movement, no binding or cracks. Sheave groove — matched to rope diameter, no wear. Side plate — opens, closes, locks; latch tested under load. Housing — no cracks or corrosion. Attachment hardware — shackle or hook pin condition per ASME B30.26. WLL markings — legible; illegible blocks are removed.
Match WLL to System Load - Not Just the Lifted Weight
This is the most important and most commonly missed selection rule.
In a block and tackle system, the anchor block carries more force than the load weight because it supports multiple rope parts simultaneously. In a two-part line, the anchor block must be rated above the load weight plus the standing part tension, approximately 1.5× the load weight at the anchor point. Under-rating the anchor block is a leading cause of block failure in the field and a direct ASME B30.26 violation.
Always calculate the total force at every block attachment point before selecting a WLL. Our rigging specialists run this calculation with you before your rental is confirmed.
Match Sheave Size to Wire Rope Diameter
The D/d ratio compares sheave diameter (D) to rope diameter (d). An undersized sheave forces the rope into a tight bend at the contact zone reducing the rope's effective breaking strength, accelerating outer wire fatigue, and shortening rope service life. Wire rope manufacturer specifications and ASME both govern minimum D/d ratios for each rope construction type.
| Wire Rope Diameter | Minimum Sheave Size | Recommended D/d | Rental Block |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8" | 6" | 16:1 min | McKissick 680-6 / Yoke 3" |
| 1/2" | 8" | 18:1 min | McKissick 680-8 |
| 5/8" | 10" | 18:1 min | McKissick 680-10 |
| 3/4" | 12" | 18:1 min | McKissick 680-12 |
| 7/8" | 14" | 18:1 min | McKissick 680-14 |
| 1" | 16" | 20:1 min | McKissick 680-16 |
| 1-1/4" | 24" | 20:1 min | McKissick 680-24 |
Verify against wire rope manufacturer specifications and the applicable standard for your application.
Technical Guide for Selecting the Right Rental Block
A block redirects a rope or wire rope. Run a crane line through a snatch block anchored to a fixed point and you can pull in a completely different direction from where the crane sits no mechanical advantage, just direction change.
Two blocks create mechanical advantage. Connect a traveling block to the load and an anchor block to a fixed point, run the rope between them, and you have a block and tackle. Two rope parts supporting the load equals 2:1 mechanical advantage, you pull with half the force. Four parts equals 4:1. This is how rigging teams move loads that exceed what a winch or crane can pull directly.
Each sheave introduces friction from the rope bending at the contact zone. Industrial blocks use bronze bushings or roller bearings per ASME B30.2 and B30.5 crane standards to minimize this friction. The real-world mechanical advantage is always slightly less than theoretical because of this friction factor.
How to Rent - 3 Simple Steps
Consultation : Call 1-888-496-4700 or request a quote online. Provide your load weight, wire rope size, application, and rental duration. Our rigging specialists match block type, WLL, and sheave configuration to your job - and calculate anchor block load so nothing is under-rated.
Quote and Confirmation : We confirm availability, build your complete rental kit - blocks, shackles, and any supporting hardware - and provide your daily, weekly, or monthly rate options.
Pickup or Delivery : Pick up same-day from our Houston warehouse or arrange delivery to your Gulf Coast job site. Nationwide overnight shipping available for urgent requirements. Every rental block ships with current inspection documentation.
Rigging Blocks & Sheaves Applications by Industry
Oil & Gas
Construction
Marine & Offshore
Heavy Lifting
Aerospace
Petrochemical
Military
Mining
Brands We Carry
The safety of your lift depends on the quality of your hardware. We exclusively stock the world's most trusted manufacturers:
Crosby McKissick
McKissick rigging blocks are widely specified across oil & gas, construction, and marine sectors, built with drop- forged, heat-treated construction and rated to ASME B30....
View More
De Haan Special Equipment
De Haan blocks are designed for offshore, dredging, and heavy marine applications where dynamic loads, vessel motion, and harsh environments are critical.
View More
Related Equipment and Services
Spreader Bars
Single-point and multi-point lifting beams for below-the-hook load control
Web Slings
Flat nylon and polyester slings for general lifting
Chain Slings
Alloy steel chain slings for high-temperature and abrasive environments
Chain Hoists
Industrial chain hoists for demanding lifting tasks.
Load Measuring Equipment
Load cells, load shackles, and running line tensiometers for tension monitoring in block and tackle systems
Related Articles
ASME & OSHA compliant
Proof certs with every order
In-house fabrication
Same-day Houston delivery
ISO 9001:2015 certified
Frequently Asked Questions
If you couldn't find your answer, please write to us at wirerope@hollowayhouston.com
A snatch block redirects a wire rope or winch line without threading from the end. The opening side plate lets you insert the rope at any point along its length. It is used to change the direction of a pull, double the effective pulling capacity of a winch, and create mechanical advantage in a block and tackle system. Common in construction, offshore deck rigging, and recovery operations.
A snatch block has an opening side plate for mid-span rope insertion — faster to rig in the field. A fixed block has a sealed housing requiring end threading at setup. Fixed blocks are structurally stronger at equivalent WLL and are used in crane assemblies, marine tackle, and semi-permanent rigging systems. Both types are governed by ASME B30.26.
Never select WLL based on lifted weight alone. In a tackle system, the anchor block carries the load weight plus the tension in the standing part of the line — approximately 1.5× the load in a two-part system. Our rigging team calculates total attachment point force before confirming your rental to ensure nothing is under-rated.
Yes. Every block dispatched from Holloway Houston is pre-inspected against ASME B30.26 criteria and ships with current inspection records. WLL markings are verified legible before dispatch — a requirement under both ASME B30.26 and OSHA 1910.184.
McKissick 680 Series snatch blocks cover wire rope from 3/8 inch (6-inch sheave, 5-ton WLL) through 1-1/4 inch (24-inch sheave, 100-ton WLL). Yoke light snatch blocks cover 8mm–10mm wire rope. Sheave groove diameter must match rope diameter — an undersized groove reduces rope service life and is a removal-from-service condition under ASME B30.9.
Yes. Holloway stocks McKissick high-capacity snatch blocks and De Haan Special Equipment offshore blocks. De Haan products are built to API RP 2D offshore crane requirements. Contact our team to discuss project configuration, offshore certification documentation, and availability.
Yes. Describe your mechanical advantage requirement and load — we configure the full assembly including anchor blocks, traveling blocks, shackles, and supporting hardware, matched to your system and delivered ready to rig.
Daily, weekly, monthly, and project-duration rental terms are all available. Short single-day rentals through extended multi-month project campaigns are both supported.