Q. How can the upper block be placed in position after the gin has been raised?
A. By rigging a truce rope through the clevis and hoisting it up.
Q. Explain briefly how you would raise a gin.
SHEARS.
Q. Describe the parts of the shears.
A. Two spars lashed together at one point, forming an inverted V, the ends being called heels, the upper end the head, and the part where the lashing is applied is called the cross.
The equipment consists of the following stores: Two double blocks, two single blocks for gin-tackles; one double block, one treble block, and one snatch-block for the main-tackle fall; guys, head-lashing, heel-lashing, and straps for main tackle; snatch-block, holdfasts, and some spun-yarn for mousing, etc.; two cleats for heels to prevent lashing from slipping; stakes for holdfasts for guys and heel-posts; two shoes for heels. (See Fig. 44.)
Q. What are shears used for?
A. For lifting heavy weights over the face of a wall or cliff, or in other situations where the gin could not be used for want of a footing for the pry-pole.