What term describes the distortion that crushes rope fibers, leading to fatigue and rapid wear?

The term that describes the distortion causing the crushing of rope fibers, which leads to fatigue and rapid wear, is hockle. When a rope sustains a hockle, it means that strands of the rope have become twisted in a way that compresses and damages the fibers. This distortion can create points of weakness and reduce the overall strength and lifespan of the rope. Hockling can occur during improper handling or when a rope is overloaded, making it crucial for users to recognize and address this condition in order to avoid accidents and ensure the safe operation of rigging equipment.

In contrast, twist refers to the natural turning of the rope that happens during use but doesn't necessarily indicate damage. Fraying happens when individual fibers begin to wear away but does not specifically relate to the dangerous compression of fibers that hockle does. Snagging refers to an obstruction that catches on a rope, which is unrelated to the internal structural damage that hockling causes. Understanding the impact of these different conditions on rope integrity is vital for maintaining safe rigging practices.