Tufnol blocks: Now also blocks from Barton in the Lindemann range
For a long time, there was no getting around the "miracle material" Tufnol, also known as Pertinax. The characteristic brown blocks and curry clips are still familiar to almost every sailor today. The fittings were already part of the basic equipment of many yachts and dinghies in the 1960s and were used in many different ways: whether as jaws for curry clips, discs for blocks or all conceivable fittings.
Tufnol, as it is known by its brand name, or Pertinax, is a hard fabric panel or block made of phenolic resin and cotton fabric or hard paper. It is a very hard and resistant material that is characterised by its high compressive strength and good electrical insulation.
In combination with stainless steel, the seawater-resistant, resin-impregnated hard fabric can be processed into almost anything. This is because the highly workable plastic could be turned on a bench, filed in a vice and moulded into almost any shape. The material is difficult to compare with today's plastics or metal alloys. Take the Curry clamp, for example. If you weren't careful and only realised too late that the self-filed teeth of the cordage had already been ground round, you could quickly end up in the water, for example in single-handed classes, if the mainsheet suddenly came loose.
The typical odour is reminiscent of sailing days long gone
Nevertheless, Pertinax has accompanied many sailors for a long time. It was the cheapest material compared to aluminium, stainless steel or more valuable alloys. It is also relatively light, yet robust and durable. The inconspicuous appearance, reminiscent of wood, combined with the advantages of plastic, made the blocks a real classic over the decades.
So it will probably trigger feelings of nostalgia in some sailors when a Pertinax fitting suddenly turns up in the cellar or attic. The typical odour will conjure up memories of sailing days long gone for many years to come.
With the advent of newer materials, fewer and fewer Tufnol fittings were manufactured, most recently only for visual reasons for classic yachts.
Unbreakable: Tufnol blocks saved from extinction
In May 2023, Holland Yacht Equipment (HYE), the leading manufacturer of the blocks since 1954, even announced the complete end of the Tufnol blocks, as we also reported at the time. However, this was premature, as it later turned out. Production has since been resumed under new management at a different location.
After almost 70 years in Monnickendam, HYE's production was relocated to a new facility in Vlissingen. Van de Gruiter BV, a supplier of all kinds of water sports equipment, is also located there, and since June 2023 its owner has also been the managing director of HYE. Under his leadership, the company announced at the start that it would continue to supply the fittings from Tufnol with the same quality and service as before. The range is even set to be expanded in the coming years, while only a few products have been withdrawn from the market.
- More information: hye.nl
Now also Barton blocks at Lindemann
Update 5 June 2024: The Lindemann KG has added the Barton Tuphblox blocks to its range.
Barton's Tuphblox range is manufactured using genuine OEM Tufnol® for maximum performance. Over time it has been further developed as a resin bonded construction material and has become a firm favourite in marine and industrial applications due to its high strength, light weight and conductive properties. Combined with 316 stainless steel and brass bearings, Barton's high-strength Tuphblox is said to be extremely durable, smooth-running and highly resistant to corrosion.
Tuphblox is ideal for classic yachts up to 50ft with disc sizes between 8 and 16mm, offering original aesthetics, excellent UV resistance and maximum durability. Tufnol® blocks are also ideal for use on board commercial vessels and in general industry where practicality, strength and durability are key.
Barton's Tufnol® blocks can be ordered from Lindemann in different versions. The blocks are available with and without a bottom bracket. The Tufnol disc is available in sizes 20, 30, 35, 45, 58 and 64 millimetres. The blocks can be selected to match the thickness of the cordage from 8 millimetres to 16 millimetres. It is important to select the appropriate working and breaking load for the respective block so that the blocks do not burst under the sail load.
