Proper reeving of tackles
 

I have a question on the proper way to reeve a multiple block tackle.

I say this drawing is correct.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita.../image1601.gif

Which shows the when reeving a three sheave block to another three sheave block, the first turn is around the middle sheave on the upper block, then an outside sheave on the lower, back up to an outside sheave on the upper block, down to the other outside sheave, up to outside sheave, down to outside sheave and finally to the lower center sheave, finishing to a becket on the upper block.

Note that on each block the turn is in the opposite direction as the previous turn(direction).

But an 'old salt' says that's all hogwash. He insists you start on either outside sheave on the upper block and down to its matching sheave on the lower block. What's more, he claims that every turn through a sheave is in the same direction as the one beside it.

Which is right?

Not the Old Salt. :D
I was taught to always reeve a triple "cheek to swallow". The drawing has it right.

what your drawing shows is also called 'square reeving' and is the way i normally rig that tackle as well. reeving square seems to make all of the sheaves bear a more even load which leads to less twisting force on the block

proper? ha! this industry has no proper, just purpose. some might rig that tackle differently for their reason.