What is a common use for a wire rope thimble in rigging?

A wire rope thimble is commonly used in rigging to protect the eye of the wire rope from crushing and wear. When a wire rope is looped to form an eye, the bending that occurs can cause significant wear, leading to the deterioration of the rope over time. The thimble provides a smooth surface for the wire rope to bend around, distributing the load across a larger area and minimizing stress on the wire. This not only extends the lifespan of the rope but also maintains its strength and functionality.

In contrast, using a thimble for connecting lifting chains, anchoring cables, or creating a pulley system is not its intended purpose. Each of those functions typically utilizes different hardware or techniques designed specifically for those applications.