What is a thimble used for in wire rope assemblies?

• A. A device used to sharpen rope ends.
• B. A protective insert placed inside a loop to prevent wear on the rope and to maintain a smooth eye.
• C. A clamp that joins two rope ends.
• D. A lubricant applied to rope.

Answer: (B)

A thimble is a protective insert inside the eye of a wire rope loop. It creates a hard, rounded groove for the rope to sit in, so the strands aren’t crushed or worn where the loop bears against itself and any hardware. This keeps the eye round and reduces wear and fraying, which helps the rope hold up under load in rigging applications. You place the thimble in the loop before securing the rope ends with a clamp or swage; it isn’t meant to sharpen rope ends, join two rope ends, or lubricate the rope.