What is the recommended method to dampen the movement of a plumb bob?

To dampen the movement of a plumb bob effectively, decreasing the length of the string is advantageous. A shorter string results in less distance for the bob to travel when it swings, which helps stabilize its position more quickly after any movement. The reduced distance minimizes the effect of inertia, allowing the bob to come to a rest faster.

By holding the bob firmly, the bob might not react to gravity as intended, which can lead to inaccuracies when trying to establish a vertical line. Increasing the string length would actually allow more movement and possibly cause greater swinging, thus prolonging the time it takes for the bob to settle. Using a heavier weight could increase the force of gravity acting on the bob, but it wouldn't significantly help in reducing the sway or oscillation. Instead, it could cause the bob to have more momentum, which may lead to longer settling times.