Question

Describe the vertical, choker and basket type sling hitches and their effect on working load limits?

Answer 1

Vertical - When a sling is used in a vertical hitch, the full lifting capacity of the sling material can be utilized.

Choker - Due to the stress created at the choke point, slings rigged with this hitch achieve only about 75% of their potential capacity. Always pull a choker hitch tight before a lift is made - never during the lift. Basket Hitch (90°) - The cradle configuration of this hitch allows the two extending ends (legs) of the sling to function as if they were two separate slings. The capacity of the sling in this hitch is twice that of the same sling in a vertical hitch, but only if the sling angle of each leg is 90° (see right). Lifting with both legs at 90° would normally require two lifting devices or a spreader bar. This sling has a Working Load Limit of 500 lbs. in a vertical hitch.  Used in a choker hitch, it would have a capacity of 375 lbs.  Used in a basket hitch with the legs at a 90° angle to the load, it would have a working load limit of 1,000 lbs.  Used in a basket hitch with the legs at a 60° angle to the load, it would have a working load limit of 866 lbs.