How do you check the internal part of rope?

• A. by external inspection only
• B. by completely relaxed in 6 or more places by working a marlin spike beneath 2 strands
• C. by cutting rope and inspecting core
• D. by pulling

Answer: (B)

To check the internal part of a rope, you must expose its core and inspect what lies beneath the surface. External looks can hide core damage, so the test uses a marlin spike to open the rope without cutting it. You work the spike beneath two strands and spread the rope open at multiple points—ideally six or more along its length—so the core and surrounding fibers are visible for inspection. This method reveals moisture, rot, broken fibers, or other deterioration that you wouldn’t see from the exterior alone. Using this approach keeps the rope intact while giving a thorough check of its interior condition, guiding whether it’s still serviceable or should be retired.