Chapter 9 – Sling Hitches

Hitch Notes

  1. The vertical hitch is considered the basis for other hitches.
  2. The basket hitch has the highest capacity at twice the vertical hitch. The basket hitch is also the least secure hitch.
  3. The choker hitch has the lowest capacity at approximately 75% of the vertical hitch. The choker hitch is considered to be the most secure standard hitch.
  4. The choker hitch rating must be reduced when the sling to load angle is less than 60 degrees.

Effect of a Sling Angle on a Load

Types of Slings

Sling Hitches – Right and Wrong Uses

Common Errors in Hitching Single Leg Hitches
Single leg hitches such as the single leg vertical and the single choker hitch do not provide optimum control over the load. In these hitches only one sling supports the load.
In a single choker hitch there is always a part of the sling at the choke point not in contact with the bundle being lifted.

Turning Hitch
When turning a load, always use a choker hitch. If the turning hitch is made wrong, the turning action of the load will loosen the hitch causing it to slip.  NOTE: A basket Hitch should not be used for turning a load.

Double Choker Hitch
The double choker hitch seems to be preferred by many riggers because it is twice as strong as a single choker hitch in the same sling type. When this hitch is made in the right way, both legs will automatically equalize over the crane hook. However, when it is made wrong, there is usually no equalization and one of the legs will support most of the load. 

Basket Hitches
Basket hitches, whether single or double, may be used successfully in a variety of applications. However they may have inherent limitations which the following sketches will indicate. 

Two Ends Down, Four Ends Down, Single and Double Basket
These can all be classified as “hook equalizing hitches”. Since the bight of the sling is on the hook, the sling is free to slip through the hook according to the distribution of weight on various legs. There are dangers to be avoided in the use of these hitches. See the illustrations below. 

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