Which practice helps reduce rope drag and wear on an anchor?

• A. Run rope directly over rough edges to toughen it
• B. Align rope along smooth surfaces, minimize sharp bends, use pulleys or keep lines away from sharp edges
• C. Coil rope tightly around anchors
• D. Use rope as a replacement for hardware

Answer: (B)

Reducing rope drag and wear comes from keeping the rope in smooth contact with the anchor and avoiding sharp bends or rough edges. When rope runs over a rough edge or is forced to bend abruptly, friction and abrasion increase, concentrating stress on the rope sheath and fibers. That accelerates wear and can compromise rope integrity.

The best practice is to route the rope along smooth surfaces of the anchor, minimize bends, and use pulleys or other redirect devices to change direction without creating sharp kinks. If the rope must pass near an edge, use edge protection and keep the line away from sharp corners to prevent cutting.

Other approaches that involve rough edges, tight coiling around anchors, or substituting rope for hardware would heighten wear or create unsafe loads, so they’re not advisable.