What is the function of a hook block swivel?

• A. Increases rope wear.
• B. Allows load rotation and prevents rope twist, aiding alignment.
• C. Reduces lifting capacity.
• D. Keeps the load from rotating.

Answer: (B)

A hook block swivel lets the hook and the attached load rotate freely relative to the hoisting rope. This means the load can turn to align with the lift point or with wind and other forces without forcing the rope to twist. By allowing rotation, the swivel prevents the hoist rope from becoming twisted, which reduces rope fatigue, wear, and potential kinks, and helps maintain proper load orientation during lifting.

The other ideas don’t fit: the swivel doesn’t increase rope wear; its purpose is to reduce twist, not create more wear. It doesn’t inherently reduce lifting capacity, and it doesn’t prevent the load from rotating—quite the opposite, it enables the load to rotate freely to stay aligned.