Trnaround
2011-11-20 23:17:18
Just joined the forum and thought I'd add my 2 cents worth of advice on gear maintenance that can make it last a little longer. There was a discussion about wire kinking on the float lines and what caused it. If you are having that problem it is your blocks. Eventually the blocks quit running freely and even though they look like they are turning they are allowing the wire to slip over them which puts that curl in the wire. It is the same thing that happens when you run a ribbon between your thumb and the scissors. New blocks go well with new wire, saves time and money in the long run.
Another discussion was regarding SS hooks breaking after being used then left over the winter. If you crimp your hooks on to a barrel swivel, which I do, the first time the hook hits saltwater corrosion begins between the swivel and the hook. Unfortunately the hook looses to the swivel and the strength of the hook diminishes. That little rust spot appears and when you put a channel lock on the hook it snaps. It is expensive to replace all of these hooks every year that you have used and are still good. You can extend the life of the hooks on swivels by rinsing them in freshwater and them storing them antifreeze until you are ready to use them. Always best to put the channel lock on the hook sideways and test it before tying it up. Anyway there you go, hope that helps save a little.
John Murray
2011-11-21 20:54:14
Thanks for post turaround I think your on to something on the blocks.Wondering what wears out on blocks and if there are replacements one could aquire?I would think the bearing goes out.Then the block starts getting creaky,I really noticed that after I ran flasher gear.Kept a bottle of soapy water to lube the block but that is a temporary fix at best.If the manufacture of the blocks would sell replacement parts...
Trnaround
2011-11-22 14:19:32
John, I don't know what goes wrong with those blocks. I use the nylon Kohlstrand blocks and I have taken them apart but I never really could see the problem. I think it is the bearing inside the shiv that turns on the main bolt but I don't know I just replace the whole works now rather than risk another wire. Once the problem starts you can't unkink the wire. it happens on the heavies too but you don'[t notice it so much because you always always have tension on them but it is weakening the wire and shortening the life. I struggled with that problem for a couple of years and hundred splices before tumbling to simply replacing the blocks. Problem solved. I guess a call to the manufacturer would be in order maybe there is a simple fix. I'm always looking for ways to keeper cheaper.
Sea Breeze
2011-11-23 09:06:45
Does the size of the blocks make a difference? Is there standard size one uses or what determines the correct size of blocks?
Trnaround
2011-11-24 17:30:59
Most people are using 5 or 6 inch blocks (diameter). I have been using 5 inch with a V shaped shiv hanging on chain if that helps.