Reaching the Breaking Point

Engineering assistant Dara Tebo performs a “break test” to verify the strength of a cable in a WHOI rigging shop. Every new reel of wire received in the shop gets tested to make sure it performs up to the breaking strength listed by the manufacturer. The size of the mooring wire (e.g. 1/4 inch) determines the amount of tension needed to break it. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)