Vertical or straight attachment to the load by using hooks, shackles, or other hardware.
Choker hitches are used when conditions allow for safe "choking" of the load by the sling. In all cases care must be taken to insure the following:
- The load will not be damaged by the sling body.
- The sling will not be damaged by the load.
- All adjustments to the sling must be made prior to lifting. Tightening the sling during lifting may result in burns which seriously damage the sling and may cause sling failure.
- The point of choke should be on the sling body and not against the splice or base of the sling eye.
Basket hitches are used to distribute the load equally between sling legs. See section below on effect of angles on sling legs.
Bridle hitches are used when two or more slings are needed to provide load control.
All hitch styles are shown below:
Sling Angle Stress Factors
Consideration must always be given to the angle at which a sling is to be used. Any angle from vertical will decrease the sling's capacity. The amount of lost capacity is determined by the "sling to hook angle", shown as angle "A" below. To calculate the capacity of a sling used at an angle, multiple the sling's load rating by the appropriate factor in the "Sling Load Chart" below. This will give you the sling's reduced rated capacity.
Sling Load Chart
WiscoLift designs custom slings for any application. For more information, email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com or view our available slings online at WEB SLINGS.
