According to ASME B30.9, what is the maximum width of an object that can be placed in the eye of a wire rope sling?

• A. ½ the length
• B. ¼ the length
• C. ¾ the length
• D. The full length

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how wide a load can be when it sits in the loop of a wire rope sling without causing damage or instability. ASME B30.9 specifies that the maximum width is half the length of the sling eye. That half-length limit gives enough room for the load to sit securely in the eye without forcing the rope to press hard against its sides, which could pinch or excessively bend the strands and wear the rope.

If the load is wider than half the eye length, the edges push against more of the rope inside the eye, increasing wear and the risk of damage or failure. A width of a quarter of the eye length is more restrictive than necessary and isn’t the standard maximum, while widths of three-quarters or the full length would exceed what the eye can safely accommodate.