What are line blocks made from?

29th February 2020


What are line blocks made from?


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		Line blocks are typically made from wood, metal or plastic.

		Hardwood line blocks
		Traditional line blocks are made from hardwood and are usually machined to exact specifications. They are simple, L-shaped pieces of wood with a central groove that allows you to affix the brick line to it.

		Hardwood Line blocks are made from hardwoods such as poplar and ash as they are very dense woods capable of withstanding the strain of daily use, although they may weaken if exposed to the elements.

		Metal line blocks
		This type of metal line block (usually steel) can be attached to the corner of a brick and the brick line can be secured to it via its hooks. The brick line is then fed through the top part of the line block so that it runs in line with the front corner of the brick.

		Steel Steel is a metal alloy created when iron is mixed with a small percentage of carbon. Alloying carbon with iron increases its hardness and tensile strength.

		Plastic line blocks
		Many line blocks are made from plastic (polyethylene). The advantage of a plastic line block is that it will not easily snap, deform or break if dropped or put under great strain.

		Polyethylene Polyethylene (also called polythene) is a thermoplastic polymer and the world’s most commonly used plastic. It is widely used in the manufacture of plastic bags, bottles, ropes, films, packaging and tubing.

		Which material should I choose?
		Although strong, hardwood line blocks are perhaps the least durable as they are vulnerable to damp and rot. However, they are also typically the cheapest, and ideal for moderate to infrequent use.

		Plastic line blocks offer effective durability and resistance to the elements, though they are usually a little more expensive than their wooden counterparts. They are waterproof and shatterproof and ideal for daily use.

		Metal line blocks are often the most expensive but they are also the strongest and most durable of the three. They are ideal for frequent use and, if well maintained, can last a very long time.