Which accessory should be used for lines with circumference 2 3/4 inches and 7/8 inch diameter?

• A. Splices
• B. Shackles
• C. Thimbles
• D. Turnbuckles

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how to protect a line’s eye from wear and deformation under load. A thimble is a protective metal ring placed inside the eye of a rope or line so the load bears against the hard surface of the thimble, not directly on the rope. This keeps the eye from collapsing and distributes the pressure evenly, extending the life of the line.

For a line with a circumference of 2 3/4 inches (which corresponds to a 7/8 inch diameter), using a thimble as the inside support of the eye is the proper choice. It provides the necessary protection and maintains the shape of the eye when the line is connected to fittings or hardware. Splices are for joining rope ends, shackles are hardware used to connect lines to fittings, and turnbuckles adjust tension; none of these form or protect the line’s eye in the way a thimble does.