I85PREP
⌘ K
Advanced Rigging (RA) study materials
Advanced Rigging (RA) study resources

Advanced Rigging (RA) practice questions

One question at a time. Build your Advanced Rigging (RA) understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load of 8,000 lb is supported by a four-leg bridle sling arranged so that each leg carries an equal share. Ignoring any angle effect, what is the tension in each leg?

  1. 8,000 lb
  2. 2,000 lb Correct answer.
  3. 1,600 lb
  4. 4,000 lb

Explanation

When a symmetric bridle divides a load equally among legs, the vertical share per leg equals the total load divided by the number of legs. Here 8,000 lb divided by four legs gives 2,000 lb of vertical load per leg before applying the sling angle multiplier.

Question 2Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

In a horizontal sling angle measured from the horizontal of 60 degrees, what is the approximate tension multiplier (load factor) applied to the vertical share?

  1. 2.00
  2. 1.41
  3. 1.15 Correct answer.
  4. 1.00

Explanation

The tension multiplier equals the cosecant of the horizontal angle, which is 1 divided by the sine of 60 degrees. Sine of 60 degrees is about 0.866, so the multiplier is roughly 1.155. Tension therefore exceeds the vertical share by about 15 percent.

Question 3Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A two-leg sling with a 90-degree included angle between the legs supports a 10,000 lb load. What is the approximate tension in each leg?

  1. 7,070 lb Correct answer.
  2. 3,500 lb
  3. 10,000 lb
  4. 5,000 lb

Explanation

Each leg carries half the vertical load, which is 5,000 lb, then this is multiplied by the load factor for the horizontal angle. A 90-degree included angle gives a 45-degree horizontal angle per leg, so the multiplier is 1.414 and the tension is about 7,070 lb.

Question 4Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

What is the standard definition of the center of gravity of a suspended object?

  1. The point through which the total weight of the object acts Correct answer.
  2. The point of attachment of the lifting sling
  3. The point where the object's weight is evenly distributed about any axis
  4. The geometric midpoint of the object's longest dimension

Explanation

The center of gravity is the single point through which the resultant of all gravitational forces on the body acts. If a body is suspended freely, it will hang with its center of gravity directly below the suspension point. This is why knowing the center of gravity is essential for a level lift.

Question 5Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load is shared between two pick points in the ratio 3:1. If the total load is 12,000 lb, what is the larger share?

  1. 12,000 lb
  2. 9,000 lb Correct answer.
  3. 3,000 lb
  4. 6,000 lb

Explanation

The ratio 3:1 means the load is divided into four equal parts. Each part is 12,000 divided by four, which is 3,000 lb, and the larger share is three parts, or 9,000 lb.

Question 6Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

Which unit of measure is used to express a moment or torque in rigging calculations?

  1. Pound per square inch
  2. Pounds per foot
  3. Pound-foot Correct answer.
  4. Foot per second

Explanation

A moment is the product of a force and a perpendicular distance, so its units are force times distance, such as pound-feet. Pound per square inch measures pressure, and pounds per foot measures a distributed load. Foot per second measures velocity.

Question 7Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

What does the term 'safe working load' represent in rigging?

  1. The maximum load that may be applied under normal service conditions Correct answer.
  2. The load at which the rigging hardware begins to yield
  3. The total weight of the lifting system itself
  4. The load equal to the breaking strength of the component

Explanation

The safe working load is the maximum load that a component or system may safely support in normal service, derived by applying a design factor to the breaking strength. It is always less than the breaking strength. Exceeding the safe working load reduces the margin of safety.

Question 8Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load of 5,000 lb is lifted by a single vertical sling leg. What tension does the leg experience?

  1. 2,500 lb
  2. 10,000 lb
  3. 7,070 lb
  4. 5,000 lb Correct answer.

Explanation

A single vertical leg carries the entire load, and with a 90-degree angle the load factor is 1.0. The tension therefore equals the full 5,000 lb. Any angle away from vertical would increase the tension above this value.

Question 9Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A beam of uniform density is 20 ft long and weighs 2,000 lb. Where is its center of gravity located?

  1. At 10 ft from either end Correct answer.
  2. At the left end
  3. At 5 ft from the left end
  4. At 20 ft from the left end

Explanation

For a uniform beam the weight is distributed evenly, so the center of gravity lies at the geometric midpoint. Half of 20 ft is 10 ft, measured from either end. This midpoint is where a single-point lift would balance the beam.

Question 10Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

Two slings form a 120-degree included angle and support a 6,000 lb load symmetrically. What is the approximate tension in each leg?

  1. 2,000 lb
  2. 6,000 lb
  3. 3,000 lb
  4. 3,464 lb Correct answer.

Explanation

Each leg's horizontal angle is half of 120 degrees, which is 60 degrees from the horizontal. The load factor is 1 divided by the sine of 60 degrees, about 1.155, applied to the 3,000 lb vertical share. This yields roughly 3,464 lb per leg.

Question 11Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A rigging plate is supported by three slings meeting at a common point, and the load is not symmetrically placed. Which principle determines the tension in each sling?

  1. Each sling tension equals one-third of the total load
  2. Tension is independent of the load's position
  3. Tension depends only on the sling's breaking strength
  4. Tension is found from static equilibrium of forces and moments at the connection point Correct answer.

Explanation

For a statically determinate system, the unknown sling tensions are found by enforcing equilibrium of forces and moments at the connection point. When the load is off-center, the sling nearest the load carries more. Equal sharing applies only to symmetric geometry.

Question 12Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load of 4,000 lb hangs from a two-leg bridle with both legs at 30 degrees from the horizontal. What is the approximate tension in each leg?

  1. 2,000 lb
  2. 1,155 lb
  3. 2,309 lb
  4. 4,000 lb Correct answer.

Explanation

Each leg carries a 2,000 lb vertical share, and the load factor at 30 degrees from horizontal is 1 divided by the sine of 30 degrees, which is 2.0. Multiplying 2,000 lb by 2.0 gives 4,000 lb per leg, equal to the total load.

Question 13Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load weighing 9,000 lb has its center of gravity 3 ft from the left pick point and 6 ft from the right pick point. Assuming a level lift, what is the load carried by the right pick point?

  1. 3,000 lb Correct answer.
  2. 9,000 lb
  3. 6,000 lb
  4. 4,500 lb

Explanation

The load at each support is inversely proportional to its distance from the center of gravity. The right point is 6 ft away out of a 9 ft span, so it carries 3/9 of the load, which is 3,000 lb. The nearer left point carries the remaining 6,000 lb.

Question 14Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A crane lifts a load with the hoist line at 15 degrees from vertical. How does this affect the vertical lifting capacity compared with a truly vertical lift?

  1. Vertical capacity increases because the line is longer
  2. Vertical capacity decreases because only a component of tension acts vertically Correct answer.
  3. Vertical capacity is unchanged by the angle
  4. Vertical capacity doubles at small angles

Explanation

When the hoist line is not vertical, only the cosine of the angle contributes to lifting the load. At 15 degrees the vertical component is about 96.6 percent of the line tension, so the effective vertical capacity is reduced. The greater the angle, the larger the reduction.

Question 15Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

What is the approximate weight of one cubic foot of steel, commonly used to estimate load weights?

  1. 62 lb
  2. 490 lb Correct answer.
  3. 1,000 lb
  4. 170 lb

Explanation

Steel has a density of roughly 490 pounds per cubic foot, which riggers use to estimate the weight of steel members. Concrete is about 150 lb per cubic foot and water about 62 lb per cubic foot. Knowing these densities allows quick weight estimates before lifting.

Question 16Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load of 20,000 lb is supported by a four-leg sling with legs at 45 degrees from horizontal. What is the approximate tension per leg assuming equal sharing?

  1. 3,535 lb
  2. 5,000 lb
  3. 7,070 lb Correct answer.
  4. 10,000 lb

Explanation

Each leg carries a 5,000 lb vertical share, and the load factor at 45 degrees is 1.414. Multiplying 5,000 lb by 1.414 gives about 7,070 lb per leg. This reflects the extra tension caused by the sling angle.

Question 17Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

In a lifting system, what does a design factor of 5 mean for a component with a breaking strength of 50,000 lb?

  1. The safe working load is 250,000 lb
  2. The component can lift 50,000 lb safely
  3. The design factor does not affect the working load
  4. The safe working load is 10,000 lb Correct answer.

Explanation

The design factor divides the breaking strength to determine the safe working load. Dividing 50,000 lb by a factor of 5 gives 10,000 lb. A larger design factor yields a lower safe working load and a greater margin of safety.

Question 18Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load is suspended from a single point by two slings of unequal length meeting the load at different angles. Which sling carries the greater tension?

  1. The longer sling, because it spans more distance
  2. The sling attached farther from the center of gravity
  3. Both carry equal tension regardless of angle
  4. The shorter sling, because it approaches vertical Correct answer.

Explanation

The sling that is closer to vertical has a smaller angle from the vertical, so its load factor is smaller and its share of the vertical load is larger. The shorter sling typically hangs closer to vertical and therefore carries more tension. Geometry, not length alone, governs the distribution.

Question 19Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A horizontal force of 600 lb and a vertical force of 800 lb act on a common rigging point. What is the magnitude of the resultant force?

  1. 200 lb
  2. 700 lb
  3. 1,000 lb Correct answer.
  4. 1,400 lb

Explanation

Perpendicular forces combine as the square root of the sum of the squares. The square of 600 is 360,000 and the square of 800 is 640,000, giving a total of 1,000,000, whose square root is 1,000 lb. This is a 3-4-5 triangle relationship.

Question 20Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load's center of gravity lies outside the triangle formed by three overhead pick points. What happens when the load is lifted?

  1. The load will tend to tip until the center of gravity moves under the support point Correct answer.
  2. The total load on the system is reduced
  3. The sling tensions become equal automatically
  4. The load lifts level and stable

Explanation

For a stable lift, the center of gravity must lie within the support base, here the triangle of pick points. If it falls outside, the load is unstable and will rotate or tip until the center of gravity settles beneath the effective support. This can shift loads dangerously onto individual slings.

Question 21Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load of 16,000 lb is lifted by two slings forming a 60-degree included angle. What is the approximate tension in each leg?

  1. 8,000 lb
  2. 16,000 lb
  3. 9,240 lb Correct answer.
  4. 4,620 lb

Explanation

Each leg carries an 8,000 lb vertical share, and the horizontal angle per leg is 30 degrees. The load factor is 1 divided by the sine of 30 degrees, which is 2.0, giving 16,000 lb only if the angle were measured differently. Correctly, the angle from horizontal is 60 degrees here, so the factor is about 1.155 and tension is roughly 9,240 lb.

Question 22Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A beam weighing 3,000 lb is lifted by two slings attached at its ends, but its center of gravity is 4 ft from the left end of a 12 ft span. Assuming vertical legs, what is the load on the left sling?

  1. 1,000 lb
  2. 3,000 lb
  3. 1,500 lb
  4. 2,000 lb Correct answer.

Explanation

The left sling is 4 ft from the center of gravity and the right sling is 8 ft away, giving an inverse ratio of 8:4. The left sling therefore carries 8/12 of the load, which is 2,000 lb. The right sling carries the remaining 1,000 lb.

Question 23Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load is suspended by three slings meeting at one point, with two legs at 45 degrees from horizontal and one leg vertical. If the total load is 10,000 lb, which statement about the vertical leg's tension is most accurate?

  1. It depends on the geometry and may differ from the angled legs' vertical shares Correct answer.
  2. It is zero because the angled legs carry the load
  3. It equals one-third of the load because there are three legs
  4. It must equal the sum of the angled legs' tensions

Explanation

With mixed sling angles, the vertical shares are not equal, so the vertical leg's tension depends on the resolved geometry and equilibrium. The angled legs contribute less vertical force per unit tension than a vertical leg. Only a full equilibrium analysis gives the actual share.

Question 24Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load of 12,000 lb is lifted by a four-leg sling, but only three legs are effectively sharing the load because one leg is slack. If the three legs are at 60 degrees from horizontal, what is the approximate tension per loaded leg?

  1. 6,000 lb
  2. 4,000 lb
  3. 2,309 lb
  4. 4,619 lb Correct answer.

Explanation

The 12,000 lb is divided among three effective legs, giving a 4,000 lb vertical share each. The load factor at 60 degrees is about 1.155, so tension is roughly 4,619 lb per leg. Assuming four legs would underestimate the tension and risk overloading.

Question 25Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

Two slings support a load, and the angle between each sling and the vertical is 30 degrees. As the slings are spread farther apart, what happens to the tension and the horizontal thrust on the load?

  1. Tension increases but horizontal thrust stays constant
  2. Tension stays constant and horizontal thrust increases
  3. Tension increases and horizontal thrust increases Correct answer.
  4. Both tension and horizontal thrust decrease

Explanation

As the sling angle from vertical increases, the load factor rises, so tension increases for the same vertical load. The horizontal component of each sling also grows, adding compression or thrust into the load. This is why wide sling angles can crush a load or overload slings.

Question 26Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A sling leg carries a tension of 4,000 lb and makes a 60-degree angle with the horizontal. What vertical force does this leg contribute to supporting the load?

  1. 8,000 lb
  2. 4,000 lb
  3. 3,464 lb Correct answer.
  4. 2,000 lb

Explanation

The vertical component equals the sling tension multiplied by the sine of the angle measured from horizontal. For 4,000 lb at 60 degrees, sine 60 is about 0.866, giving roughly 3,464 lb of vertical support. The horizontal component would be tension times cosine of the same angle.

Question 27Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

What does the term 'center of gravity' identify for a rigid load?

  1. The geometric midpoint of the longest dimension
  2. The location of maximum stress in the sling system
  3. The point of attachment specified by the manufacturer
  4. The point where the entire weight may be treated as acting Correct answer.

Explanation

The center of gravity is the single point through which the resultant weight of the object acts, regardless of orientation. For a uniform object it coincides with the geometric centroid, but for irregular loads it may lie elsewhere. Riggers use it to predict how a load will hang and where pick points must be placed.

Question 28Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load must be lifted with a design factor of 4 applied to the total calculated load. If the calculated load is 7,500 lb, what minimum rated capacity should the lifting hardware have?

  1. 1,875 lb
  2. 7,500 lb
  3. 11,250 lb Correct answer.
  4. 30,000 lb

Explanation

The design factor multiplies the calculated load to establish the required rated capacity. Multiplying 7,500 lb by 4 gives 30,000 lb of breaking strength, but the question asks for rated capacity with the design factor applied, which is 7,500 times 4 equals 30,000 lb only if no further reduction. Rechecking: the required capacity is the calculated load times the design factor, so 7,500 times 4 equals 30,000 lb of ultimate strength; the rated capacity selected must be at least the calculated load, and the factor of safety is built into the component rating.

Question 29Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

Two slings of equal length support a load from a single hook, and the included angle between them is reduced from 90 degrees to 60 degrees while the load stays the same. How does the tension in each sling change?

  1. It increases because the slings become more horizontal
  2. It doubles because the angle is halved
  3. It stays the same because the load weight is unchanged
  4. It decreases because the slings become more vertical Correct answer.

Explanation

Tension in each leg depends on the angle from vertical; as slings become more vertical, each carries a larger share of the vertical load with less horizontal squeeze. Reducing the included angle from 90 to 60 degrees makes each leg steeper relative to vertical, lowering the tension. The total vertical support must still equal the load weight.

Question 30Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load weighing 6,000 lb is supported by three equally loaded sling legs, each at 30 degrees from vertical. What is the approximate tension in each leg?

  1. 2,000 lb
  2. 6,000 lb
  3. 2,309 lb Correct answer.
  4. 1,155 lb

Explanation

Each leg carries one-third of the vertical load, or 2,000 lb of vertical force. Dividing that vertical component by the cosine of 30 degrees, about 0.866, gives roughly 2,309 lb of tension per leg. The horizontal components cancel because the legs are symmetrically arranged.

Question 31Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load's center of gravity is offset toward one side of a two-point pick. Which statement correctly describes how the two pick points share the load?

  1. The pick point farther from the center of gravity carries the larger share
  2. The pick point nearer the center of gravity carries the larger share Correct answer.
  3. Both pick points always carry equal shares regardless of position
  4. The load share depends only on the sling lengths, not on the center of gravity

Explanation

In a two-point pick the load distributes inversely with horizontal distance from the center of gravity. The point closer to the center of gravity therefore carries a greater portion of the weight. This is the same principle as a beam on two supports with an off-center load.

Question 32Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

What is the approximate weight of one cubic foot of concrete, commonly used when estimating loads?

  1. 150 lb Correct answer.
  2. 50 lb
  3. 490 lb
  4. 1,000 lb

Explanation

Normal-weight concrete weighs roughly 145 to 150 lb per cubic foot, and 150 lb is the standard estimating figure. This density lets a rigger convert a known volume into a load weight. Reinforcement and moisture can raise the value slightly.

Question 33Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A horizontal force of 900 lb and a vertical force of 1,200 lb act at a common rigging point. What is the magnitude of the resultant force?

  1. 1,500 lb Correct answer.
  2. 2,100 lb
  3. 300 lb
  4. 1,081 lb

Explanation

Perpendicular components combine by the Pythagorean theorem: the square root of 900 squared plus 1,200 squared. That equals the square root of 810,000 plus 1,440,000, or the square root of 2,250,000, which is 1,500 lb. Simple addition would overstate the resultant.

Question 34Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load is suspended by two slings of unequal length that meet at different angles to the horizontal. Which sling carries the greater tension?

  1. The longer sling always carries the greater tension
  2. The sling making the smaller angle with the horizontal Correct answer.
  3. Both carry identical tension because the load is shared equally
  4. The sling making the larger angle with the horizontal

Explanation

For a given vertical share, tension equals vertical force divided by the sine of the angle from horizontal. A sling closer to horizontal has a smaller sine value, so it must carry more tension to provide the same vertical support. The steeper sling works more efficiently and carries less.

Question 35Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load of 8,000 lb is supported by a four-leg sling where only three legs are assumed to share the load, each at 45 degrees from horizontal. What is the approximate tension per effective leg?

  1. 1,333 lb
  2. 2,000 lb
  3. 3,771 lb Correct answer.
  4. 5,657 lb

Explanation

With three effective legs, each carries about 2,667 lb of vertical load. Dividing by the sine of 45 degrees, about 0.707, gives roughly 3,771 lb of tension per leg. Design practice often assumes only three of four legs share the load because of uneven seating.

Question 36Rigging Mathematics, Load Calculations, and Load Distribution

A load hangs from a single hook by two slings whose angle with the vertical is increased by spreading the legs farther apart. What happens to the horizontal force tending to squeeze the load?

  1. It decreases because the legs become steeper
  2. It increases as the slings approach horizontal Correct answer.
  3. It remains constant because the load weight is fixed
  4. It reverses direction once the angle passes 45 degrees

Explanation

Horizontal force in each leg equals tension times the sine of the angle from vertical, and tension itself rises as legs flatten. Spreading the legs therefore increases the inward squeeze on the load and on the hook. Excessive spread can crush a load or overload the slings.

Question 37Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

What does the working load limit (WLL) of a below-the-hook device represent?

  1. The load the device can withstand without any inspection interval
  2. The maximum load the device is rated to lift under specified conditions Correct answer.
  3. The load at which the device begins to show permanent deformation
  4. The load at which the device's safety factor reaches 1.0

Explanation

The working load limit is the maximum mass or force the manufacturer rates the device to support in a specific lifting configuration. It already incorporates the design safety factor, so it is the value used for planning lifts rather than the failure or yield point.

Question 38Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

A wire rope sling is fabricated with an eye splice. Which statement describes the accepted strength relationship for the splice compared with the rope?

  1. The spliced eye strength equals the rope strength only in vertical lifts
  2. The spliced eye develops a reduced efficiency below the rope's breaking strength Correct answer.
  3. The spliced eye strength is always higher because the splice adds material
  4. The spliced eye develops the full catalog strength of the rope

Explanation

Splices and terminations do not develop the full breaking strength of the wire rope; they have an efficiency rating below 100 percent. Standards therefore assign sling ratings based on the termination efficiency, not the bare rope strength.

Question 39Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

A shackle is marked with a rated load and a size. Which practice is correct when selecting it for a lift?

  1. Match the shackle body color to the sling color code
  2. Choose the shackle by its overall length so it clears the load edge
  3. Use the rated load marking and confirm the pin fits the load without side loading Correct answer.
  4. Select by pin diameter and ignore the marking if the pin fits the hole

Explanation

A shackle must be selected by its rated load and configured so the load passes through the pin and body without eccentric or side loading. Pin fit alone does not establish capacity, and side loading reduces the rating.

Question 40Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

What is the primary reason synthetic web slings are required to have a permanently attached tag?

  1. To list the color of the sling's protective cover
  2. To indicate which crane operator owns the sling
  3. To record the date the sling was last washed
  4. To show the manufacturer, rated capacity, and material so capacity can be verified Correct answer.

Explanation

The tag carries the identification and rated capacity information needed to use the sling safely and to verify it during inspection. Without a legible tag, the sling's capacity cannot be confirmed and it should be removed from service.

Question 41Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

A two-leg bridle sling supports a load with each leg at 60 degrees from horizontal. Compared with a single vertical leg carrying the same total load, what happens to the tension in each leg?

  1. Each leg tension is less than half the total load
  2. Each leg tension equals the total load
  3. Each leg tension is greater than half the total load Correct answer.
  4. Each leg tension equals half the total load

Explanation

Leg tension equals the share of the load divided by the sine of the angle from horizontal. At 60 degrees the sine is about 0.866, so each leg carries more than its simple half-share of the load.

Question 42Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

Which condition on a alloy steel chain sling requires removal from service?

  1. Slight wear polish at link contact points
  2. A tag that is legible but slightly faded
  3. A crack or weld repair on a link Correct answer.
  4. A light film of lubricant on the links

Explanation

Cracks, gouges, and any weld repair on chain links are cause for removal because they indicate damage or unauthorized alteration of the heat-treated chain. Lubricant film and normal contact polish are not defects.

Question 43Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

What is the function of a spreader beam in a lifting system?

  1. To measure the load weight during the lift
  2. To increase the hook capacity by doubling the parts of line
  3. To rotate the load about its vertical axis
  4. To keep sling legs more vertical by resisting horizontal compression Correct answer.

Explanation

A spreader beam is a compression member that holds sling attachment points apart, keeping the legs closer to vertical and reducing the horizontal force on the load. It does not change the hook's rated capacity.

Question 44Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

A turnbuckle-style lifting device shows a bent end fitting. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Straighten the fitting with heat and return it to service
  2. Remove it from service and replace or repair per the manufacturer Correct answer.
  3. Weld a reinforcing plate over the bend
  4. Return it to service if the bend is under 10 degrees

Explanation

Bent load-bearing components indicate overload or abuse and must be removed from service. Field straightening or welding alters the heat treatment and is not permitted without manufacturer authorization.

Question 45Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

Which factor most directly determines the rated capacity of a synthetic round sling?

  1. The color of the protective sleeve
  2. The number of cover stitches on the label
  3. The length of the sling from eye to eye
  4. The strength of the load-bearing core yarns and the configuration Correct answer.

Explanation

The capacity of a round sling comes from the strength of its continuous load-bearing core yarns and how the sling is configured in the lift. The cover protects the core but does not carry the load.

Question 46Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

A hook is fitted with a latch. What is the latch's purpose?

  1. To increase the hook's rated capacity
  2. To retain rigging in the hook throat under slack conditions Correct answer.
  3. To allow the hook to be used as a choker
  4. To indicate when the hook has been overloaded

Explanation

A hook latch keeps slings and attachments from slipping out of the throat when the line goes slack or the load shifts. It adds no capacity and is not an overload indicator.

Question 47Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

A load is lifted with a single sling in a choker hitch. How does the choker configuration affect capacity compared with a vertical hitch?

  1. Choker capacity depends only on the load's center of gravity
  2. Choker capacity is higher because the sling grips the load
  3. Choker capacity is the same as vertical for all sling types
  4. Choker capacity is lower because the sling bears on itself at the choke Correct answer.

Explanation

In a choker hitch the sling passes through its own eye and bears against itself, which reduces the effective strength of the sling. Published choker ratings are therefore lower than vertical ratings.

Question 48Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

What does a safety factor of 5:1 mean for a below-the-hook device rated at 2 tons?

  1. The device's weight is five times its capacity
  2. The device's ultimate strength is about five times the rated load Correct answer.
  3. The device will fail at exactly 10 tons
  4. The device may be loaded to 10 tons with inspection

Explanation

A 5:1 safety factor means the ultimate strength is roughly five times the working load limit, so a 2-ton device has an ultimate strength near 10 tons. The WLL, not the ultimate strength, governs use.

Question 49Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

Which statement about the inspection of a wire rope sling before each use is correct?

  1. The entire sling, including terminations and fittings, should be examined Correct answer.
  2. Only the hooks need to be checked before each lift
  3. Inspection is required only when the sling has been overloaded
  4. A visual check of the tag alone is sufficient

Explanation

Pre-use inspection covers the whole sling: rope for broken wires, kinks, and corrosion, plus terminations, thimbles, and fittings. Defects anywhere in the assembly can reduce capacity.

Question 50Rigging Hardware, Slings, and Below-the-Hook Devices

A load is supported by four equal legs, but the load's center of gravity is offset toward two of the legs. What should the rigger assume about leg loading?

  1. All four legs share the load equally
  2. The two legs farther from the center of gravity carry more load
  3. The two legs nearer the center of gravity carry more load Correct answer.
  4. Only two legs ever carry load in a four-leg lift

Explanation

With an offset center of gravity, the legs closer to it carry a larger share of the load. A four-leg lift should never be assumed to share equally unless the geometry and center of gravity make that true.