What is the maximum angle when using two anchor points for one rope?

What is the maximum angle when using two anchor points for one rope?

• A. 90 degrees to 120 degrees
• B. 0 to 30 degrees
• C. 180 degrees
• D. 45 to 60 degrees

Answer: (A)

When you rig a single rope between two anchors, the load you’re lifting or lowering is shared by the two rope legs that run to each anchor. The angle between those two legs determines how much of the load’s force ends up pulling on each anchor sideways. A wider angle means more horizontal force on the anchors and on the rope’s attachment points, which increases the overall load and the risk of anchor or rope hardware failure. For this reason there’s an upper limit to how wide you should spread the anchors. The commonly cited maximum is about 90 to 120 degrees. Within this range the load is distributed more safely between the two anchors, while angles beyond this range cause the forces to rise quickly and become unsafe. Smaller angles (0-30 degrees or 45-60 degrees) keep loads more vertical and are safer, but don’t reflect the maximum allowed spread. An angle as wide as 180 degrees would place excessive side load along the line between anchors.

When you rig a single rope between two anchors, the load you’re lifting or lowering is shared by the two rope legs that run to each anchor. The angle between those two legs determines how much of the load’s force ends up pulling on each anchor sideways. A wider angle means more horizontal force on the anchors and on the rope’s attachment points, which increases the overall load and the risk of anchor or rope hardware failure. For this reason there’s an upper limit to how wide you should spread the anchors. The commonly cited maximum is about 90 to 120 degrees. Within this range the load is distributed more safely between the two anchors, while angles beyond this range cause the forces to rise quickly and become unsafe. Smaller angles (0-30 degrees or 45-60 degrees) keep loads more vertical and are safer, but don’t reflect the maximum allowed spread. An angle as wide as 180 degrees would place excessive side load along the line between anchors.