Paddle Blinds for Piping Systems
We're not just another paddle blind manufacturer. As a custom shop, we engineer and supply precision-cut blind solutions for piping systems worldwide, built to any thickness, handle type, alloy, or coating you need.
Get a Quote or Order
Send us these details and we'll respond the same business day.
- Flange rating (150# to 2500#)
- Size (1/2" to 96")
- Thickness (Isolation, Hydro, Custom)
- Handle type (T, 7, Straight)
- Face type and material
- Quantity and date needed
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 1/2" – 96" |
| Thickness Options | Isolation • Hydro • Custom |
| Rating Classes | 150# • 300# • 600# • 900# • 1500# • 2500# |
| Stocked Alloys | 516-Gr70 CS • 304/316 SS (Any Available Alloy) |
| Materials Origin | USA |
| Handle Options | T • 7 • Straight |
| Face Options | Flat • Raised • RTJ Male • RTJ Female |
| Gasket Types | Oval • Octagonal |
| Finish Options | Serrated (125/250 RMS) • Mill |
| Coating Options | Various |
| Availability | Rent • Purchase |
What Is a Paddle Blind?
A paddle blind is a solid metal disc inserted between two flanges to completely block flow. Unlike a valve, it provides positive, visible, and verifiable isolation of a pipeline section, which makes it the preferred method for safe maintenance and turnaround work across oil and gas, petrochemical, and industrial processing.
Also known as:
What Are Paddle Blinds Used For?
Paddle blinds create a physical barrier that cannot accidentally open the way a valve can. OSHA and industry safety standards require positive isolation in many maintenance scenarios.
- Maintenance isolation: block a pipe section for repair, inspection, or equipment replacement without shutting down the whole system
- Turnarounds: verified isolation at vessel nozzles, exchangers, and process lines during planned shutdowns
- Hydrostatic testing: close off sections to verify structural integrity and leak-tightness
- Lockout/tagout (LOTO): physical confirmation of isolation, visible from a distance by handle color
- Commissioning and decommissioning: isolate new or retired sections during startup or shutdown
Used in refineries, petrochemical and chemical plants, power generation, cement plants, steel mills, storage terminals, and food processing.
Choosing the Right Paddle Blind
Selection comes down to four choices: thickness, handle, face, and material. Work through them below, or call our technical team and we'll confirm based on your exact requirements.
1. Thickness: Isolation vs. Hydro
The most common question we get. It comes down to the pressure the blind must hold. A "hydroblind" is simply a blind built to hydro thickness.
Never hydrotest with an isolation-thickness blind. It can fail. Some companies use hydro thickness for all isolation work so the blind can hold any latent pressure buildup in the line. Required thickness depends on line size and flange class: look yours up on the Paddle Blind Thickness Chart.
2. Handle Type
Handles Color-Coded by Class
Every handle is painted by flange rating so crews can confirm the class at a glance.
3. Face, Gasket & Finish
4. Material
Match the blind to the pipe material and process fluid to prevent galvanic corrosion. All raw materials are PMI verified.
NSF ANSI/CAN 61 certified for potable water. Applies exclusively to our stainless steel blinds, confirming no harmful contaminants leach into drinking water. Required for public water systems in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces. View certified products
Quick Finder
Why USA Industries Paddle Blinds
We are the actual manufacturer, not a reseller. We've built paddle blinds in-house since 1982, which means faster lead times, custom capability, and technical support from people who make the product. We carry the largest stock of paddle blinds in the Gulf region, with 24/7/365 emergency service from S. Houston TX, Corpus Christi TX, Prairieville LA, and Broken Arrow OK.
Paddle Blind FAQ
What is the most common isolation blind thickness?
Most isolation requests we see are 5/16", with 1/4" and 3/8" also common. Required thickness rises with line size and flange class, so confirm yours on the thickness chart.
Where are your steel plates milled?
In the United States. Our vendors buy from American mills that meet strict quality and environmental standards.
Can you provide documentation proving material origin?
Yes. Mill test reports (MTRs) and country of origin documentation are available on request.
Can you add tag holes or other custom features?
Yes. Tag holes, custom handles, special thicknesses, and coatings are all made to your specification.
How should I store blinds between jobs?
The EZ Lock Blind Rack® organizes blinds by size and class and locks them against loss or theft.
Why USA Industries?
40+ years of manufacturing excellence and innovation
Fastest Turnaround
Same-day shipping available on stock items. Custom orders in days, not weeks.
Manufactured In-House
U.S. produced steel, PMI verified, QC certified.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Quality-driven manufacturing process ensures excellence.
Engineering Innovation
Precision-Engineered Industrial Solutions — Delivered Fast!
100% USA Materials
All raw materials sourced from American mills.