FAQ
Article
FlexDry
How many FlexDry do I need in winter storage e.g. for my boat or caravan?
How to dispose the FlexDry?
The FlexDry is made of non-hazardous granules of calcium chloride and starch, so it can be disposed of with household waste.
How does the FlexDry work?
The FlexDry absorbs up to 200% of its own weight in moisture. Depending on the ambient climate, this is effective for several months. Absorbed moisture turns into a gel and is not liquid at any time. Unobtrusive, flexible placement is possible thanks to compact dimensions.
What is FlexDry? Where can I use FlexDry?
FlexDry provides long-term protection against moisture. It reduces high relative humidity in enclosed spaces with little or no ventilation. FlexDry provides protection against mold, corrosion (rust) mildew stains, fogged windows or bad smells.
The scope of application of FlexDry is very diverse. Among other things, suitable for boats, caravans, sheds, distribution cabinets, attics, basements, crawl spaces, guest rooms, checkrooms, garden sheds, safes, laundry rooms, etc.
Blocks
Can I use a wire rope in a standard block?
Absolutely not! Most standard blocks use plastic sheaves, which can not withstand the requirements (steel in the wire rope).
Can I use a wire rope block with a plastic rope?
In most cases, you can use plastic ropes in a wire rope block, because the sheave harmonizes very well with the braided rope.
What advantages does the S-block series have over the old series?
The S-block series is a constantly evolving improved version of the old series. The design has been revised; the recognition value is great.
How do I mount a block correctly?
A block can only function properly if it can move freely so that it always runs in the direction of pull of the cordage or wire. If the block is tilted, so that the cordage is pressed against the block jaw under load, the block will be damaged. In the worst case, the cordage may become jammed between the suspension and the sheave.
Jamming of the cordage in the block can in turn become a major hazard for the ship and crew. Appropriate precautions and checks of the individual block applications are, in turn, urgently recommended.
When do I use needle bearing blocks?
Needle roller bearings - are the best bearings for high quality and loadable blocks. The bearing surfaces are much larger than those of balls. They therefore support higher loads and remain "rollable". Needle roller bearings are therefore used for very high working loads. A needle roller bearing combines the advantages of the plain and ball bearing.
When do I use plain bearing blocks?
In the simple plain bearing, the block washer runs on an axle. The disc material is e.g. nylon or other sliding materials. When using high quality material and an axle with as large a diameter as possible, these "simple" blocks are very durable, maintenance-free and roll uniformly well. Especially for standing loads, this type of bearing is very suitable.
When do I use ball bearing blocks?
Smooth-running ball bearing blocks are very well suited for all areas in which lines are to be hauled through quickly and largely by hand. For example, in the single-line reefing system or when deflecting sheets, as well as for the lines for fetching and heeling the traveler. Especially in light winds, trimming then becomes much more delicate. Especially on small boats, where most of the lines are run by hand, the use of the ball bearing is a significant advantage.
What do the numbers on the blocks mean?
The numbers in the reinforcement lugs indicate the maximum rope thickness.
What are the bearing types for Sprenger blocks?
The Sprenger S block series, is available in three bearing designs.
The bearing type of the block is recognizable at first glance in the reinforcement tab.
Here we find a yellow dot for the plain bearing, a red dot for the ball bearing and a blue dot for the needle bearing.
How can damage to the blocks occur?
Damage to blocks can occur due to overloading as a result of undersizing, patent jibs, but also due to use with cleats - although a swivel would be appropriate.
In such a case, the block is forced into a rotating motion by the sheet, which cannot be compensated by the missing swivel. As a result, the sheet no longer runs over the roller, but into the side part. The resulting forces strongly deform and destroy the block. Therefore, use blocks with swivels whenever possible.
Are Sprenger blocks suitable for use in salt water?
Yes, Sprenger blocks are suitable for use in salt water. Nevertheless, rust may occur especially on the rivet and around the rivet point. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided, but does not affect the quality. It is the smallest/minimal residual particle deposits of the machining tools. However, this "rust deposit" is only superficial and can be easily removed.
What are tackles?
Tackles are a combination of blocks and rigging designed to make work easier. They are used in a variety of ways as mainsheets, stretchers, boom vangs and on the traveler of dinghies. With our Sprenger blocks, a wide variety of tackle combinations are possible. You will also find a selection of already complete tackles in our assortment.
Fittings
For which boats are Sprenger fittings suitable?
Sprenger fittings are for boats and yachts up to about 10 m length over all. Here we have a wide range of products.
Why should I choose Sprenger fittings?
With Sprenger you have the fittings with the best price / performance ratio on the market. In tests of the well-known magazines YACHT and SEGELN Sprenger blocks were each test winner or achieved the highest scores. Tested were the working and breaking loads, the catalog data in accordance with the actual values and the corrosion resistance.
Perhaps you are familiar with the well-known sailor Wilfried Erdmann. In 1984, he circumnavigated the globe in about 330 days. About 20 years later he repeated this single-handed circumnavigation, this time even against the prevailing wind directions. Not only did he use the same boat for both circumnavigations, but for the most part he also used the same blocks from Sprenger. Is there any better proof of the durability and quality of Sprenger fittings?
But our fittings are not only highly valued by circumnavigators. Sprenger products are also highly sought after by cruising and racing sailors.
Sheet clamps
What are sheet clamps used for and how do they work?
Sheet clamps are designed to allow quick loading and easy unloading of running rigging.
By loading the line in one direction, the toothed jaws of the clamp close and block the rope with a special spring mechanism that presses the jaws against the inserted rope. To release the rope, pull the end of the rope upwards and it will run freely again. This eliminates the need to load the rope at the cleat. The release is therefore very fast and the line can be pulled in the occupied state.
VC® 17m
How can VC® 17m be painted over?
1. recoating with VC® Offshore EU
a. The simplest option is to recoat with VC® Offshore EU. The hard antifouling is compatible with VC® 17m. The latter must be roughened thoroughly with sandpaper. Apply 1 coat of diluted VC® Offshore EU with 5-10% VC® General Thinner. Apply the second and possibly third coat with little or no thinner. The drying time between the individual coats is 1.5-2 hours.
2. remove VC® 17m and recoat with VC® Offshore EU
a. Remove VC® 17m with coarse sandpaper and apply two new coats of VC® Tar to the old VC® Tar. Apply the first coat of VC® Offshore EU at a temperature of 23°C between 3h and max. 6h after the last coat of VC® Tar. Apply the second and third coat after 1.5-2 hours.
3. remove VC® 17m and recoat with International® Ultra 300
a. Remove VC® 17m with coarse sandpaper and apply two new coats of Gelshield® 200 to the old VC® Tar coat. Then apply 2-3 coats of International® Ultra 300.
4. change to biocide-free antifouling B-Free Explore
a. Sand VC® 17m with 80-120 grit sandpaper, then apply 1 coat of B-Free Conversion Coat, followed by 1 coat of B-Free Tiecoat and 2 coats of B-Free Explore.
What can be used to replace VC® 17m?
1. the simplest option is to paint over with the hard antifouling VC® Offshore EU. Alternatively, you can switch to the biocide-free B-Free Explore. This silicone-based antifouling prevents fouling due to the smooth surface, has a positive effect on fuel consumption and is self-cleaning when moving in the water.
General
What is the difference between safe working load and breaking load?
The safe working load indicates the load with which a block can be permanently stressed without becoming non-functional. The breaking load, on the other hand, describes the load at which the object (block) breaks or the function is no longer given. We recommend a safety factor of at least four.
Example: Breaking load specification in the catalog: 1000 kg corresponds to a working load of 250 kg (breaking load:4).
This fourfold safety is the basis in the chain industry. I.e. with a determined breaking load of, for example, 1,000 kg, 50% of this is taken as the basis for the test load. At this value, no remaining deformation should occur. Half of the test load is then the safe working load, in our example 250 kg.
How can I recognize Sprenger products?
All Sprenger products are stamped with the HS logo "HS-Germany". This stamp is considered the recognition feature of every Sprenger product and stands for quality "Made in Germany".