When calculating the snatch block tension, the ____ tension is multiplied by the block load factor.

• A. Line in
• B. Line tension
• C. Line out
• D. Friction

Answer: (C)

The tension that actually governs the snatch block is the line-out tension because it is the force present on the portion of rope leaving the block toward the pulling device. The block itself is attached to the load and is supported by multiple strands of rope. The block load factor tells you how many rope segments share that pulling tension on the block. To get the snatch block tension, you multiply the line-out tension by the block load factor. For a common single movable snatch block, that factor is 2, so the block must withstand twice the line-out tension (for example, if line-out tension is 500 lb, the block tension is 1,000 lb). Friction isn’t part of this simple multiplication, which is why line-out tension is the quantity used in the calculation.