Glossary term
What is Rigging block?
Short answer
A rigging block is a pulley used in a tree to change the direction of a rope and reduce strain while lowering cut pieces.
Rigging block, explained for tree service owners
A rigging block is a strong pulley hung from a rigging point. The rope runs through it so the ground crew can pull or hold from a safe spot, and so the load drops in a smooth, controlled way. A block also lowers the strain on the climber and the rope compared with running the rope over bare bark. Blocks come in different sizes and strength ratings, and crews match them to the weight they expect. A tree service owner should treat blocks as safety gear, not just tools: they get checked often, retired when damaged, and replaced on a schedule, since a failed block can drop a heavy limb onto a home.
Related terms
- Rigging
Rigging is the use of ropes, blocks, slings and friction devices to lower cut tree pieces to the ground in a controlled way.
- Rigging point
A rigging point is the strong spot in a tree, often a high, solid union, where a rope or block is anchored to lower cut wood.
- Aerial lift
An aerial lift is any machine that raises a worker on a platform, such as a bucket truck or a lift mounted on tracks.
- Friction device
A friction device is a tool, often a post or wrap fixed near the base of a tree, that lets a worker control a rope while lowering heavy…
- Outriggers
Outriggers are extendable legs on a crane or bucket truck that spread the weight and keep the machine level and steady.
- Pole saw
A pole saw is a saw on a long pole that cuts high limbs from the ground, so the worker does not need to climb.
- Throw line
A throw line is a light cord with a small weight, thrown over a high branch to pull a climbing rope into the tree.
More terms, A to Z
All 199 glossary terms This term in the A-Z list Learn by topic Our services Pricing
Want to know how your company does on this?
Get a free 5-minute audit of your phone, website and Google profile. We check what you can see from the outside, in plain English. No call needed.
Get my free 5-minute audit