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Materials Handling - Rigging or Sling Hitches

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How should you use a vertical hitch?

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  • In most cases use more than one sling. A single rope sling load tends to rotate in a twisting action that unwinds cables causing them to weaken.
  • Do not use for lifting loose materials, long or unbalanced loads.
Vertical Hitch

How should you use a turning hitch?

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  • Use a doubled choker to turn loads.
  • Place both sling eyes on top of the load pointing in the direction opposite to the direction of the turn. This sling will remain tight while the load is turning.
  • Never use a basket hitch to turn a load.
Turning Hitch

How should you use choker hitches?

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Choker hitch

  • The sling tightens on a load as it is lifted.
  • Do not use on loose bundles.
  • Use choker hitches at 75% or less of rated sling capacity.
  • Use slings that are long enough so that the choker hitch is effective and the "grip" is on the webbing.
Choker Hitch

Doubled choker hitch

  • Provides more contact area to secure a load.
Doubled Choker Hitch

Double Wrap Choker Hitch

  • This hitch compresses the load and prevents it from slipping out of the sling.
  • Where overhead space is limited, a double wrapped choker hitch is acceptable.
Double Wrap Choker Hitch

How should you use basket hitches?

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Basket hitches

  • Provide relatively good control and eliminate the tendency of the load to twist, compared with a vertical hitch.
  • Do not use basket hitches with a load that is difficult to balance.
Basket Hitch

Double basket hitches

  • Balance loads by keeping slings apart.
  • Prevent sling slippage by keeping the angle between the load and sling 60° or more.
Double Basket Hitch

Double Wrap Basket Hitches

  • Provide more contact for handling loose material and pipe.
  • Tend to draw the load together.
Double Wrap Basket Hitch

How should you use bridle hitches?

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Bridle hitches

  • Are made of 2, 3 or 4 single leg hitches.
  • Are used for hoisting an object that has lifting lugs or attachments.
  • Position the hook over the centre of gravity of the load.
  • Adjust sling leg lengths with turnbuckles to level raised load.
  • Check each sling leg angle to ensure sling is not overloaded.
Bridle Hitch

How does the angle of hoisting affects a sling load limit?

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  • The angle affects the working load limit. The smaller the angle, the less load a sling can carry.

Sling Angles

  • Fact sheet last revised: 2018-09-17