To provide sufficient friction to prevent slipping, how many turns should be placed on the drum of the CGU-1/B tiedown device?

• A. 1/2 turns
• B. 1 turn
• C. 1 1/2 turns
• D. 2 turns

Answer: (C)

Friction is created by the rope pressing against the drum, so the amount of wrap around the drum directly affects how much friction is available to resist slipping. For the CGU-1/B tiedown, wrapping the rope about one and a half turns around the drum gives enough contact length to generate the necessary friction to prevent slip under typical loads, while avoiding excessive wrapping that could cause binding or make release difficult. Too few turns reduce friction and can allow slipping; too many turns aren’t needed and can wear the rope or complicate operation. So one and a half turns is the appropriate amount.