Compared to wire rope, chain has approximately how many times the impact absorption capability?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

Impact absorption during a sudden lift is about how much shock energy the sling can dissipate before the forces on the rigging peak. The way a sling deforms and dissipates energy under a rapid load determines how well it cushions that shock. Wire rope can elongate and bend within its strands, so it can absorb a fair amount of energy through elastic stretch. Chain, on the other hand, distributes the shock energy across many links and joints in a way that, in common rigging practice, gives it a noticeably higher ability to absorb impact. As a practical rule of thumb, chain is about three times more capable of absorbing impact than wire rope for the same size and condition, though the exact amount depends on chain grade, diameter, wear, and how the sling is used.