While some blocks sometimes self-destruct within a short period due to heavy use, some can last for several years. In general, high force testing can destroy soft blocks in about a month, particularly when it requires daily verification.

Changes in ISO and ASTM requirements can render a block useless. This is what happened to pre-NIST traceable HRC back in 2000, as well as blocks calibrated in the absence of verified indenters pre-E180-07.