The end of a cable protruding from a socket should be?

• A. Between 10 and 20 rope diameters but never less than 6 inches
• B. Between 2 and 3 rope diameters
• C. Between 5 and 8 rope diameters
• D. One rope diameter

Answer: (A)

The tail that sticks out of a socket should be long enough to keep the rope seated securely under load while still being practical to handle. The guideline is to have the protruding end span about 10 to 20 rope diameters, and never be shorter than six inches. This means the exact length scales with how thick the rope is: for thinner rope the minimum six inches ensures a safe tail, while for thicker rope you’ll typically aim for a length in the 10–20 diameters range.

Why this matters: if the end is too short, the rope can slip or pull back through the socket and may wear or fray at the opening. A longer protrusion provides a stable bite in the socket and a safer place to grip or inspect the rope. Keeping it within this range balances safety with practicality, avoiding tails that are too short to stay engaged or too long to get caught on equipment.