Abstract: A fail-safe knock-off block for use during the repair or servicing of oil well surface pumping equipment involving a longitudinally slotted pipe capped at each end by top and bottom pipe segments which are held in place concentric to the slotted pipe by a resilient handle. An inner handle on the slotted pipe allows the concentric caps to be rotated axially from an open position to a closed position, thus encircling the polish rod. The weight of the sucker rod string on the end caps during use compresses the end caps and resilient handle thus locking the safety block such that it can neither open nor come off the well head.