Which is NOT a characteristic of thimbles used in wire ropes?

Thimbles play a crucial role in the use of wire ropes by performing several specific functions that contribute to the efficiency and longevity of the rigging. They are primarily used to maintain the shape of the loop where the wire rope is terminated, which is essential for preventing kinks and ensuring a smooth operation during use. This characteristic aligns with the option that identifies thimbles as providing shape.

Additionally, thimbles enhance the strength of the wire rope termination by distributing the load evenly across the rope fibers. This prevents localized wear and tear that can lead to premature failure, making it a significant feature of thimbles.

Another key characteristic is that thimbles provide a wearing surface that reduces the abrasive wear on the wire rope itself. By acting as a protective barrier, thimbles help extend the service life of wire ropes, especially at points of contact and termination.

However, thimbles do not serve the function of reducing weight. In practice, they can actually add some weight to the rigging system, as they are made from materials like steel or aluminum to ensure they can withstand the forces they encounter. Therefore, stating that reducing weight is a characteristic of thimbles is not accurate, making it the correct choice for the question regarding what