In a come-along, what is the relationship between the drum and the chain/cable?

The relationship between the drum and the chain or cable in a come-along is that the chain or cable is attached to the drum, allowing for equal pull. This means that as the drum rotates, it winds up the chain or cable, which in turn creates the pulling force necessary to move or secure an object. When the drum is engaged, the movement of the drum directly affects the tension and amount of cable or chain being pulled, ensuring that the load is pulled consistently and efficiently. This direct connection is essential for the effectiveness of the come-along in performing tasks such as lifting, hoisting, or pulling objects.

While the other choices suggest different interpretations, they do not accurately capture this vital connection and its implications for the function and operation of the come-along. For instance, the idea that the drum controls the speed of the chain or cable oversimplifies the mechanism and does not account for the direct attachment. Similarly, stating that the chain or cable is independent of the drum contradicts the fundamental design of the device. Finally, while the drum does have an influence on the amount of cable or chain available during a lift or pull, its primary role involves the attachment and enabling of equal pull rather than merely determining length.