Blocking and Bracing of Components, Attachments, and Accessories

TM 38-260

(7) Counterweights shall be locked and blocked in a manner which will release all tension from supporting cables,

chains, and springs. Concealed counterweights suspended in closed columns shall be removed or securely blocked to

prevent vertical and horizontal movement.

(a) If the counterweight is in a closed column and the machine cannot be skidded and shipped in its normal

upright position, the counterweight shall be removed.

(b) Many machines with the counterweights in a closed column have holes provided in the column for a support

bar.

bar or pipe in the holes provided and wedged against the inside of the column to prevent movement in handling.

(8) Doors shall be secured with steel strapping, tie-rods, or other devices, in addition to mechanical locks or

catches incorporated in the machine tool.

(9) Hand wheels, cranks, levers, and similar controls shall be secured in position by common annealed wire,

steel, or nylon strapping.

8-6. Blocking and Bracing of Components, Attachments, and Accessories

a. General. Whenever size and weight permit, all IPE shall be completely assembled when being prepared for

shipment.

(1) Attachments and components shall be removed and packed separately when it is not feasible to ship a

machine fully assembled.

(2) Projecting parts, such as brackets, arms, motors, and pumps, which are difficult to support or which cannot be

adequately protected by bracing and blocking if left on the machine shall be removed for shipment.

(3) These components shall then be blocked and braced within a wood box, which in turn shall be placed on the

same skid as the basic unit.

(a) IPE shall be prepared for shipment as a single package whenever possible. Size, weight, and difficulty in

blocking and bracing may dictate disassembly or removal of components and assemblies. Whenever possible, all

elements making up an item of IPE should be on a single skid.

(b) Components, accessories, and attachments which are considered part of the item shall be preserved,

packaged, packed, and attached to the skid for the basic item.

b. Functions of blocking and bracing. Blocking and bracing is used to secure items or components so that they

will not shift within a container. Blocking and bracing is also used to

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