What is a choker hitch? - Project Sports
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What is a choker hitch?

3 min read

Asked by: Amy Singer

A choker hitch is used to tighten or snug a sling down securely to provide greater load control. When using a choker hitch, one eye of the hitch is wrapped around the load and then passed through itself and then attached to the crane or hoist hook.

Whats the difference between a choker hitch and a basket hitch?

A CHOKER HITCH HAS 75% OF THE CAPACITY OF A SINGLE LEG SLING ONLY IF THE ANGLE OF CHOKE IS 120 DEGREES OR GREATER. A CHOKE ANGLE LESS THAN 120 DEGREES CAN RESULT IN A CAPACITY AS LOW AS 40% OF THE SINGLE LEG. A BASKET HITCH HAS TWICE THE CAPACITY OF A SINGLE LEG ONLY IF D/d RATIO IS 25/1 AND THE LEGS ARE VERTICAL.

What are the three types of sling hitches?

In the world of rigging there are three basic hitches. The straight leg vertical hitch, the choker hitch and the basket hitch. Regardless of the type of sling or hitch being used.

What are the four types of rigging hitches?

Rigging- Methods of slinging hitches:

  • CHOKER HITCH.
  • Sling passes through one end around the load, while the other end is placed on the hook. Load control is limited with only one sling rigged in a choker hitch. …
  • VERTICAL HITCH: …
  • BASKET HITCH: …
  • Sling-To-Load Angle:


What is a basket hitch?

Uses: The Basket Hitch employs a closed loop made of rope, or webbing as shown in the animation. It is used to hoist a load or provide an anchor point. When the Basket Hitch is used to hoist a load, there is a risk of the load sliding out of the loop. Arborists use it to create an anchor point or a false crotch.

What is the advantage of a choker hitch?

A choker hitch is used to tighten or snug a sling down securely to provide greater load control.



What is a Choker Hitch?

Angle of Choker Hitch (Degrees) Rated Capacity Percent*
30° 59° 62%
29° 49%

Which hitch is the strongest?

Class 5 trailer hitches have the highest weight ratings of the receiver hitch classes, offering as much as 20,000 lbs. GTW. They are typically used on full-size pickups and commercial trucks. CURT offers two types of class 5 hitches.

How do you rig a choker?

If choker hitches are used the user must always ensure. That the slings cannot slip or slide along the load it is important to note that a standard choker hitch does not provide a full 360.

Why is a double wrap choker hitch better than a single wrap choker hitch?

As can be seen, a standard choker hitch compresses the load from three sides only. A better way to do the same lift: use a double wrap choker hitch and for long loads use 2 slings. The double wrap compresses the load on all 4 sides and provides far better load control.

What is choker hitch capacity?

Choker Capacity



A choker hitch has 75% of the capacity of a single leg sling only if the angle of choke is 120 degrees or greater. A choke angle less than 120 degrees can result in a capacity as low as 40% of the single leg.

Which hitch can support the most weight?

Hitch Classes

Hitch Class Tongue Weight Capacity* Towing Capacity*
Class I 100 – 150 lbs 1,000 – 1,500 lbs
Class II 200-350 lbs 2,000 – 3,500 lbs
Class III 350-500 lbs 7,500 lbs
Class IV 500+ lbs 10,000 lbs


What percentage of capacity is lost when using a choke hitch compared to a vertical?

1. When using a Choker hitch, 20 to 25 percent of single leg capacity is lost. 2. The most basic hitch is the single leg or vertical hitch.