What is the device on a rope that grips it to prevent movement when the line is not being operated?

• A. Main line
• B. Turnbuckle
• C. Head block
• D. Rope lock

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is a safety grip on an idle line. A rope lock is a device that clamps or bites into the rope to hold it in place, preventing the line from moving when it isn’t being operated. In a theater rigging system, this keeps a flown batten or scenery from drifting due to gravity or other loads when you’re not actively pulling the rope. The lock is released when you intend to move the line, allowing adjustment or operation. It’s not the rope itself, not a tension-adjusting piece, and not the top pulley block, which is why the rope lock best fits the description.