What term describes wires crossing the rope axis at about 15 degrees?

• A. Plaiting
• B. Lang-lay ropes
• C. Nip
• D. Crown splice

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how the strands are arranged around the rope axis, specifically the angle at which they cross that axis. Lang-lay rope has a longer pitch, so the strands wrap around the core with a larger helix angle. That makes wires cross the rope axis at about 15 degrees, which is a distinguishing feature of lang-lay construction. This angle affects how the rope behaves under bending and when worn, and it helps identify the rope type.

Plaiting refers to braiding strands on the outside of the rope, not the overall helical angle around the core. Nip is a condition where strands press together tightly under load, not about the axial crossing angle. Crown splice is a method of joining rope ends, unrelated to the strand angle inside the rope.