Crosby McKissick blocks lead in efficiency, durability, and dependability.

From a 2-ton capacity snatch block to a 6,000 metric ton crane block, McKissick is a name that has been associated with quality lifting tackle for more than 70 years. With more 100 patents and the first to develop the first wireline guard, which allows for reeving of the block without disassembling, Kito Crosby continues to manufacture the highest quality Crosby McKissick blocks available to meet the lifting needs of the industry.

The Purpose of a Snatch Block

The primary purpose for the snatch block is to change the direction of the wire rope. The system is used to change the direction of force or modify the amount of force. It is designed to increase the results of your efforts. This is one of the most effective and frequently used work systems for moving loads today.

Components of a Snatch Block

The block consists of one or more sheaves within a holder, which may have an eye, hook, shackle or hanger attached to it. The sheave inside the block housing is a wheel that rotates around the center pin. Another important part of the sheave design and one that plays a key role in maintenance and inspection is the groove around the outside of the sheave. The purpose of the groove is to support the wire rope and keep the line from slipping off the sheave.

All components of Crosby McKissick snatch blocks, including hooks, shackles, and yokes, are forged, quenched, and tempered. Our snatch blocks are designed for fast and easy line changes. For example, the opening feature of our Crosby McKissick snatch blocks permits easy inserts of the wire rope into the sheave with the removal of one bolt, while the bolt retaining spring ensures no lost bolts.

They can be furnished with bronze bushings or roller bearings. And, selected sizes feature sheaves that can accommodate multiple sizes of wire rope. In addition, sheave bearings are lubricated through a grease fitting located on the center pin for easy maintenance. They can be furnished with a hook latch and all McKissick snatch blocks are fatigue rated.

Industry-Preferred Snatch Blocks

The industry-preferred Crosby McKissick snatch blocks are used in diverse markets that include:

Features Include:

Seal Tapered Roller Bearings: This extends the life of the center pin in bearings, allowing for faster line speeds.

Easy Maintenance: Bearings are easily lubricated through a convenient grease fitting located on the center pin.

Recessed Side Plates: The block contains recessed side plates that are designed as a redundant feature to capture the sheaves.

A Lower Bolt: Designed to support the full working load limit of the block and may be used as an anchor when used as a foot block.

Additional Attachment Point: An opening in the side plate provides an additional attachment point for securing to a structure if desired.

Hoisting Personnel: It is acceptable for hoisting personnel. The block contains the working load limit at a 10 to 1 design factor.

Note: Kito Crosby strongly advises that using the block for hoisting personnel is contingent upon all employees, including the winch operator, being trained to follow any applicable federal, local, and industry standards.

Flame Hardened Grooves: All blocks 14 inches and larger, feature Crosby McKissick Roll Forged Sheaves with flame hardened grooves.

Quenched and Tempered: Forged steel swivels, tees, yokes, and shackles are quenched and tempered.

Positioning: Shackle fitting swivels provide for easy positioning.

Bearings Selection Process

If the snatch block calls for:

  • Slow Speeds
  • Moderate Loads
  • Infrequent to Intermittent Use

A bronze bushing in the sheave would be adequate in these operating conditions.

If, however, the application of the snatch block calls for:

  • Slow to Medium Speeds
  • Moderate Loads
  • Intermittent but More Frequent Use

A roller bearing in the sheave would be the selection of choice under most normal operating conditions.

Accidents can result from failing to use the proper capacity winch, choosing wire rope with too low a breaking strength or selecting the wrong capacity blocks or sheaves.

If your operating conditions require any of the following, please contact Kito Crosby for assistance in selecting bearings you might require for optimal performance:

  • Lifting or moving heavy loads
  • High speeds
  • Continuous use

Snatch Block for High Speed Applications

Kito Crosby does manufacture a snatch block designed for higher speed operation. It comes equipped with sealed tapered roller bearings in the sheave that extends the life of the center pin and bearings. It also allows for faster line speeds.

Scrapyard Blocks

The durable design of the scrapyard block allows them to be used in manners that require longer continuous duty cycles.

Such as: Scrap Handling, Lifting Magnets and Drop Balls

Oilfield and Tower Contractors

We provide snatch blocks that are specifically designed for oilfield and tower contractors to meet their challenging and demanding needs. They provide the dependability and the features that make it perfect for applications requiring faster line speeds.

Maintenance and Inspection

As with all lifting and rigging hardware, a frequent inspection of the bearing condition is required each day before its use. If a block is not maintained properly, it can become a safety hazard.

First Point of Inspection: Visual Observation

Second Point of Inspection: Disassembling

If a block or any of its components such as shackles, hooks, eyes, or wire rope, show signs of permanent deformation, significant wear or damage, it should be taken out of service. Never use a block component which shows signs of permanent deformation, significant wear, or damage.

Side Plate Inspection:

The side plate of any block is an important point of inspection. If a side plate is bent or curved from its original shape or holes in the side plate are stretched, the block should be taken out of service. There should be no play or looseness in the side plate. If a side plate is loose, this is likely a sign that the nuts and/or bolts used to hold the side plate to the block have loosened or are missing. Tighten all nuts and bolts until the side plate is attached firmly to the block housing. Never use nuts or bolts with stripped threads and replace all damage components with genuine Crosby McKissick parts.

Any fitting exhibiting deformation or ware in excess of 10% of its original dimension should be taken out of service.