Sunday, March 28, 2010

Brake Block Kit



With the start of the zip line season we have had many questions on adding a brake to an existing zip line. We have added a new brake block kit to our website, click here to view brake block kit. http://stores.cmplaygrounds.com/-strse-268/Brake-Block-Kit/Detaill.bok We have also added installation tips online for viewing as well @ http://site.cmplaygrounds.com/Zip-Line-Tips.html The brake block kits are towards the bottom of the page underneath the zip line install tips.
Step 1
First you will need to unscrew the 4 screws holding the plastic protector on the front of the brake block. Next unbolt the 4 bolts holding the brake block together and pull brake block apart.
Step 2
Bolt the brake block back together with the zip line cable running through the middle. Make sure the end of the block that the protector screws back on is facing the start of the zip line ride. Then slide the plastic protector over the cable and screw it back onto the brake block.
Step 3
The next step is to figure out where to put the anchor and how much bungee rope you will need. These positions will probably need to be adjusted but we can at least get you a good starting point. In general you will need double the amount of bungee rope compared to how far the end of the zip line is off of the ground. If the end of your zip line is 10' off of the ground you will need about 20' of bungee rope. The distance from where the brake block sits at rest and the end of your zip line ride should be equal to the length of bungee rope you are using. Slide your brake block to this point on your cable. Tie one end of the bungee rope to the brake block. Take the other end of the bungee rope and walk toward the start of the zip line just untill the brake wants to start to slide. This is approx. where you want to screw in the ground anchor. Make sure you screw it in the ground about 5' or 6' to the side of the zip line cable so you don't run into the bungee rope when riding down the zip line. Tie the other end of the bungee rope to the ground anchor.
Step 4
Make sure and test your brake block using your trolley and weights before you ride. Step 3 will probably need adjustments depending upon the weight of the riders as well as the speed and distance of the zip line. The easiest way to adjust the brake is to unscrew the anchor and move it to a new location.

I hope this helps in making your zip line a little safer to rider. Feel free to pour on the questions. Thank you and happy zipping.

11 comments:

  1. Do you also have commercial quality zip line kits? We'd want to use it with about 80 kids just twice per week for 7 weeks out of the summer. Thanks!

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  2. Yes we can put something together for you.

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  3. You have a very informative website and we have been able to figure out just what we want. We can't wait to get our zip line up and running.

    Thanks Backyard playplaces

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  4. You have a great site with lots of information for puting up a zip line for our family. Could I anchor the lower end (stopping point) of the line to a building with a brake block to stop the ride well before the end? What would be the best hardware to anchor the end of the line into a wooden structure (garage)?

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  5. The best hardware on the garage end is a large eye bolt. Make sure the anchor has something solid to bolt to and you should be fine. It has been done many times before. Thanks

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  6. We were thinking of getting a zipline, we just visited a friends house who bought and installed one of yours! what is the angle of decline that i would want on my zipline, if it was mostly for kids age 5-10?

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  7. Hi Ryan is true that I could get a promo code if I put a comment here, I am planning to buy a Zip line, how I could get the promo code

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  8. You need to put a comment on our blog about zip lining and then send us an email and we can get you the promo code.

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  9. We would like to put in a zip line for the kids and adults. What is the weight limit on your kits?

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  10. After a zip line tour in Mexico, I'm interested in lining my property with a series of small zips to quickly traverse ditches and ravines. My brothers will be in town soon, so it's time to finally get the first one going. Two questions... in a wet climate (Portland, with which I'm sure you're familiar) how long can I expect a 3/8 line to stay safe? Also, I will likely use a bungee method break, but what other options are there? Thanks.

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