Spectacle blinds, also known as spectacle blind flanges or figure 8 blinds, aren't off-the-shelf parts from USA Industries. As a custom shop, we engineer and supply precision-cut blind solutions for piping systems worldwide. Our spectacle blinds, paddle blinds, and blind flanges can be built to any thickness, handle type, alloy, or coating you need.
Clear identification of ratings and specifications
Color-Coded by Class Rating
Instant visual identification system
Painted (Carbon Steel)
Protected against corrosion
Order Verification
Double-checked before shipment
NSF ANSI/CAN 61 Certified
For Stainless Steel Blinds
USA
Product Overview
Spectacle Blinds
Spectacle blinds, also referred to as spectacle blind flanges, have two metal discs connected by a handle, resembling a pair of spectacles. While one disc is solid, the other features an opening, enabling flow through the system when aligned with the pipe or vessel.
Design
Two metal discs, one solid, one open, joined by a handle. Rotating the blind switches between full isolation and open flow without removing the assembly from the line.
Construction
Manufactured from a single machined metal piece, eliminating the need for separate paddle blinds and spacers during pipe maintenance isolation, reducing parts, handling, and installation time.
Advantage
A permanent, in-line solution that stays in the system: no blind storage or retrieval required. Switch between isolation and flow with a simple rotation.
When the solid disc is aligned with the pipeline, it blocks fluid or gas flow, allowing maintenance on downstream equipment without shutting down the entire system.
Pressure Testing
Creates a temporary seal during hydrostatic or pneumatic tests to verify structural integrity and detect leaks or defects.
Flow Regulation
By rotating the handle so the open disc aligns with the pipeline, operators can partially or fully obstruct flow or divert it to alternative routes for better process control.
Configuration Options
Blind Face, Gasket & Finish Types
USA Industries supplies spectacle blinds in all standard face configurations, Flat Face, Raised Face, RTJ Male, and RTJ Female, with mill or serrated (125/250 RMS) finish options and all standard RTJ gasket profiles, on either disc.
Face Types
Flat Face (FF): Full flat sealing surface; matches cast iron or low-pressure mating flanges
Raised Face (RF): Most common; concentrates bolt load on gasket for a reliable seal, available as a true 1/16"–1/8" raised lip on either or both discs
RTJ Male: Raised ring profile for metal-to-metal sealing in high-pressure critical service
RTJ Female (Octagonal Cut): Ring groove accepts solid metal gasket; high-pressure and high-temperature service
RTJ Gasket Types
Type R, Oval: Seats on two line contacts; widely used standard
Type R, Octagonal: Higher efficiency seal; most common RTJ gasket type
Type RX: Pressure-energized; self-sealing under load; wellhead service
Type BX: API 6BX; fully pressure-energized for subsea and extreme-pressure applications
Finish Types
Mill Finish: As-cut surface; standard for most industrial applications
Serrated RMS Finish: 125 or 250 RMS concentric serrations; improves gasket seating and seal integrity under compression
Drinking Water Safety Standard
NSF ANSI/CAN 61 Certification
USA Industries NSF ANSI/CAN 61 certification applies exclusively to our stainless steel products.
NSF/ANSI 61 is the NSF standard that ensures any materials, coatings, or products that come into contact with drinking water do not leach harmful contaminants into the water at unsafe levels.
NSF 61 Covers
Pipes & fittings (metal, plastic, concrete, etc.)
Valves & gaskets
Meters & water treatment devices
Coatings, linings, sealants, solders
Any materials that touch drinking water in distribution systems
It Tests For
Leaching of lead, arsenic, mercury, and other heavy metals
Leaching of organic contaminants (e.g., solvents, plasticizers)
Other harmful chemicals that might migrate from material into water
Why It Matters
Required in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces for public water systems
Certifies products are safe for use with potable (drinking) water
Reduces liability and demonstrates regulatory compliance
Blind Storage Solutions
Need Blind Storage?
Protect Your 1/2"–14" Paddle Blinds with the Patented EZ Lock Blind Rack®
Rent or buy the Patented EZ Lock Blind Rack from the industry leader in blind storage solutions.
Safely store and organize "T" & "7" handle paddle blinds
Easy and safe to transport storage unit with lockable shelves.
Store up to 884 blinds (line size and blind thickness dependent)
A spectacle blind flange combines the function of a paddle blind and a spacer into a single piece, but it isn't always the right choice. Use the comparison below to decide which solution fits your application, and the quick finder to confirm configuration details.
Spectacle Blind vs. Paddle Blind + Spacer
Feature
Spectacle Blind (Figure 8)
Paddle Blind + Spacer
Construction
Single machined piece, solid disc + open disc joined by a handle
Two separate components: paddle blind and a separate spacer ring
Installation
Stays permanently in the line, rotate to switch between isolation and flow
Paddle blind removed entirely to restore flow; spacer remains
Storage
No separate storage needed, the blind never leaves the line
NeedPermanent In-Line Isolation PointSpectacle blind: isolation thickness, no removal or storage required, switch with a rotation
NeedRepeated Hydrotest PointSpectacle blind, hydro thickness: engineered to handle 1.5× MAWP for repeated testing
NeedHigh Pressure (900#–2500#)RTJ face: Male or Female; Oval or Octagonal gasket type; confirm size and class when ordering
NeedLarge Diameter (26"+)ASME B16.47 Series A or B, up to 96", custom manufactured, call to confirm lead time
NeedStainless Steel / Exotic Alloy304/316 SS stocked; Monel, Inconel, Duplex, Hastelloy, Titanium available, PMI verified, NSF certified for SS
NeedCustom ConfigurationTwo-piece construction, single tie-bar, custom bore, vent holes, or lifting lugs, all available, specify when ordering
For more on paddle blind selection, see our Paddle Blinds page. Use our Blind Thickness Chart to look up the correct thickness for your line size and pressure class, or call our technical team and we'll confirm based on your exact requirements.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Spectacle Blind Flange Questions
My spectacle blind needs to be constructed in two pieces. Is this possible?
Yes. Two-piece spectacle blinds are available for large diameters or applications where a one-piece design isn't practical to manufacture, handle, or install. Specify your requirement when ordering and our team will engineer the split configuration to match your flange and pressure class.
Are these available in other alloys?
Yes. In addition to stocked carbon steel (SA516-Gr70) and 304/316 stainless steel, we manufacture spectacle blinds in Duplex, Super Duplex, Monel, Inconel, Hastelloy, Titanium, and other alloys to match your process fluid and pipe material.
What if I want the ID on my blind different than a standard ID?
Custom bore (ID) sizes are available on request. Provide your required ID with your order specs, or use our bore sizing calculation service if you need help determining the correct dimension for your application.
Based on your specifications chart, can they be a different thickness than what it shows?
Yes. Custom thicknesses beyond the standard isolation and hydro options are available for any size and pressure class, our in-house engineering team can manufacture to your exact specification.
Can the middle connector be one tie-bar instead of two?
Yes. A single tie-bar (web) configuration is available as an alternative to the standard dual-bar design. Specify your preference when placing your order.
What surface finishes are available?
Mill finish and serrated finish (125/250 RMS) are both available, the same finish options offered on our paddle blinds and blind flanges.
Is it possible for my blinds to have a true "Raised Face" (1/16"–1/8" lip) on both sides?
Yes. A true raised face with a 1/16"–1/8" lip can be manufactured on both discs to match mating raised-face flanges on either side of the assembly.
Spectacle blinds for RTJ (Ring Type Joint) flanges, are they an option?
Yes. RTJ Male and RTJ Female face configurations are available, compatible with Type R Oval, Type R Octagonal, Type RX, and Type BX ring gaskets.
Can I get a spectacle blind with a vent or lifting lug?
Yes. Vent holes and lifting lugs can be added to either disc for safety venting and handling, specify placement and quantity when ordering.
Are your spectacle blinds color coded?
Yes. Like our paddle blinds, spectacle blinds can be color-coded by pressure class for fast visual identification of flange ratings in the field.
Spectacle Blind Material Options
Spectacle blind material should match or be compatible with the pipe material and process fluid to prevent galvanic corrosion and ensure safe, long-term isolation.
SA516 Grade 70 Carbon Steel: Standard stocked material; most common for general industrial and refinery applications
Duplex & Super Duplex Stainless Steel: High strength and corrosion resistance for demanding environments
Monel, Inconel, Incoloy, Hastelloy: Extreme temperature and chemical resistance
Titanium: Chemical processing and highly corrosive services
Custom alloys available: Any available alloy; PMI verified on all raw materials
Why Choose USA Industries Spectacle Blinds?
USA Industries has been manufacturing isolation blinds since 1982 from our facilities in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. We are the manufacturer, not a distributor, which means faster lead times, custom capabilities, and direct technical support from people who know the product.
One-piece or two-piece construction, large diameters and custom configurations available
Custom sizes, thicknesses, and alloys, any specification, fast turnaround
Sizes from 1/2" to 96", ASME B16.48, B16.47 Series A & B, B16.5
Single or dual tie-bar (web) configurations available
True raised face (1/16"–1/8" lip), RTJ Male/Female, and all standard gasket types
Vent holes and lifting lugs available on either disc
Color-coded by class rating, instant visual identification in the field
U.S.-produced steel, PMI verified on all raw materials
Rent or purchase, EZ Lock Blind Rack® available for paddle blind storage
Corpus Christi, TX — USA Industries is NOW OPEN at 4565 Baldwin Blvd. • Call Locally at (361) 315-7135Our Prairieville, LA facility is NOW OFFERING LOCAL RENTALS • Call locally at (225) 403-6206
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