Which component of a wire rope primarily bears the load?

The correct choice is the strands of the wire rope. In a wire rope, the load is primarily supported by the strands, which are groups of individual wires twisted together to form a stronger, more flexible component. The arrangement and construction of these strands contribute to the overall strength and load-bearing capacity of the rope. Strands are specifically designed to distribute the load evenly and ensure that the wire rope can handle the stresses associated with lifting and rigging.

The core, while it plays a significant role in providing stability and maintaining the shape of the rope, does not primarily bear the load; instead, it serves as support for the strands. The sheath, if present, is typically for protection against environmental factors and does not contribute to load-bearing. Hooks are accessories used for attaching the rope to the load but do not have any bearing on the load-carrying capacity of the rope itself. Understanding the function of each component helps differentiate their roles in the overall rigging system.