Wire Rope Sling Connections and Hitches
Connection to Fittings
- Use a thimble to protect sling and increase D/d.
- Never place eye over a fitting smaller diameter or width than the rope’s diameter.
- Never place a sling eye over a fitting with a diameter or width greater than one half the length of the eye.
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.
Basket Hitch Capacity
A basket hitch has twice the capacity of a single leg only if D/d ratio is 25/1 and the legs are vertical.
| Capacity % of Angle Single Leg | |
|---|---|
| 90 | 200% |
| 60 | 170% |
| 45 | 140% |
| 30 | 100% |
Multiple Leg Slings
Triple leg slings have 50% more capacity than double leg slings (at same sling angle) only if the center of gravity is in center of connection points and legs are adjusted properly (they must have an equal share of the load).
Quad (4 leg) slings offer improved stability but provide increased capacity only if all legs share an equal share of the load.