Materials Handling - Crane Hitches

• 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.

• 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.

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.

Doubled choker hitch

• Provides more contact area to secure a load.

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.

Basket hitches

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

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 Wrap Basket Hitches

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

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.

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