Teardrop blocks are ideal as masthead leads and in other applications where limited articulation or direct attachment is desired. When attached to a compatible padeye, teardrop blocks will not hit the deck when lines are slack, but allow enough movement to ensure fairleads when jumping halyards. They are often used on permanent backstays of fractionally rigged boats where the backstay can be spliced directly to the head of the block. Sideplates and sheaves Hard Lube-anodized for maximum UV protection and a smooth surface. Center cage keeps Torlon® roller bearings separated and parallel to reduce friction. Torlon is a registered trademark of Solvay Advanced Polymers L.L.C.