What is a choker hitch and how does it affect load capacity?

• A. A fixed eye sling with no friction.
• B. A basket hitch that increases load capacity.
• C. A two-leg sling connected to the load to maximize capacity.
• D. A single leg sling wrapped around the load; it generally reduces capacity and can damage the load; use only when specified by the manufacturer.

Answer: (D)

A choker hitch is when a sling is wrapped around the load with a single leg taking the lift, and the wrap tightens as you lift. This configuration concentrates the force on a small contact area and doesn’t distribute the load like a basket or two-leg hitch does. Because the load is gripped more narrowly and the sling isn’t sharing the load between multiple legs, the effective lifting capacity is reduced. The concentrated pressure can also scar or damage the load and increase the chance of slippage or sling damage, especially with sharp or delicate surfaces. For these reasons, a choker hitch lowers the safe working load and should only be used when the manufacturer explicitly allows it.