What is different about Redco oil field blocks vs. our competition? First off our yarn is different. We not only use glass and acrylic, as do our competitors, but we also blend Kevlar. The Kevlar not only puts strength into the lining, it also reduces the friction of the block to that of asbestos. This reduces the wear on flanges which most of you have experienced with glass-acrylic.

       Redco Blocks contain less than 10% fiberglass and, along with other high-tech synthetic fibers, these blocks are less abrasive and run cooler.

       Remember, use water cooling on the brake flanges where possible to reduce heat. Use your hydro-tarders (Parmac, etc.) to take most of the load off the brake. Check the band take ups often to insure complete brake contact with the rims. Take good care of your brakes and they will take good care of you!!

       Fiberglass itch during installation has been eliminated as we have non exposed fiberglass. So why doesn't our competition adopt Kevlar? The bottom line is that glass acrylic yarns sell for about $2.50 to $3.00 per pound. Kevlar blends average $7.50 per pound.

       Now look at our finished block. Notice how uniform the arc is, the finish grind, and the use of ferrules in the bolt holes. Also our plugs are woven and not molded. This means easier installation by your mechanic and faster breaking in because our blocks fit better. Unlike asbestos which is softer and more malleable, non-asbestos is less forgiving if not properly ground and arced. Remember your brake demands 100% contact for maximum efficiency.

       Wear life in non-asbestos has been described as longer than asbestos. Let's put this myth to bed. It appears that non-asbestos lasts longer because it "grows" as it is used. This is a non-asbestos phenomenon. When brake engineers measure non-asbestos for wear they no longer measure lining thickness, they weigh the linings for weight loss. Ever notice the phenomenon of a non-asbestos lining suddenly just crumbling apart? That is because voids have been created by the "growing" phenomenon. We minimize this phenomenon by weaving our linings tightly and then rolling our linings several times to assure that you receive the most dense lining possible.

       All brakes fade when they got hot. A good brake has a predictable fade and a good recovery after cooling down. Non-asbestos will begin to fade at about 359 degrees F; asbestos would hang in until about 450 degrees F. Reddaway non-asbestos has a gradual fade just like asbestos, warning you to cool down your brake. Many non-asbestos lining hang in a little longer then, suddenly nothing, no warning, no brake, and there goes a tool down the hole.

       Our lining also exhibits the same friction as asbestos, approximately 0.40. This is what your rig was designed around since it offers maximum braking power without tearing up flanges. Other lining companies will tell you their linings are better because they have higher friction levels. The truth is that it is easy to make a high friction product.

       Ever notice that some brands of non-asbestos blocks are inconsistent batch to batch? Unlike asbestos, which soaks up resin like a sponge, synthetic yarns tend to reject the resin and only cling to the surface. Control of your resin mix becomes extremely critical. We run a "burn out" on each batch of resin to determine our resin content. This step assures you that any set of blocks you get from Reddaway will be consistent each and every time.

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