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Basic Rigging (RB) study materials
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Basic Rigging (RB) practice questions

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Question 1Rigging Safety and Standards

What does the working load limit (WLL) of a sling represent?

  1. The load at which the sling's hardware begins to deform permanently
  2. The load that produces a safety factor of one on the sling body
  3. The maximum load the sling is designed to lift under normal service conditions Correct answer.
  4. The average load a sling carries during a typical work shift

Explanation

The working load limit is the maximum mass or force a sling component is rated to support in ordinary service. It is established by the manufacturer using a design factor applied to the breaking strength. Riggers must never exceed it, and the rating applies only when the sling is used as intended.

Question 2Rigging Safety and Standards

A wire rope sling has a vertical capacity of 4,000 lb. What is its approximate capacity when used in a two-leg bridle at a 60-degree horizontal angle to the load?

  1. 6,900 lb Correct answer.
  2. 4,000 lb
  3. 2,000 lb
  4. 8,000 lb

Explanation

Each leg at 60 degrees from horizontal contributes a vertical component equal to its capacity times the sine of 60 degrees, about 0.866. Two legs therefore provide roughly 1.732 times the single-leg vertical rating. Multiplying 4,000 lb by 1.732 gives about 6,900 lb.

Question 3Rigging Safety and Standards

Which factor most directly reduces the capacity of a synthetic web sling in a choker hitch compared with a vertical hitch?

  1. The compression and bending of the sling around the load Correct answer.
  2. The length of the sling body
  3. The sling's color coding
  4. The ambient humidity of the workplace

Explanation

A choker hitch wraps the sling around the load and passes it through its own eye, which compresses and bends the webbing. This reduces the effective strength, so manufacturers assign a reduced choker rating, often around 80 percent of the vertical rating. The loss comes from the geometry of the choke, not from the sling's length or color.

Question 4Rigging Safety and Standards

Before each shift, a rigger should inspect slings and rigging hardware primarily to:

  1. Verify the color matches the load
  2. Document the manufacturer's design method
  3. Confirm the equipment's purchase date
  4. Remove damaged gear from service before a lift Correct answer.

Explanation

Frequent, pre-shift inspections are intended to catch damage such as cuts, broken wires, cracks, or distorted hardware before the gear is used. Any defective item must be removed from service and tagged so it cannot be used accidentally. This routine check is a core part of a safe rigging program.

Question 5Rigging Safety and Standards

What is the primary purpose of a tag line during a crane lift?

  1. To measure the weight of the load
  2. To attach the load to the hook
  3. To increase the lifting capacity of the crane
  4. To control load rotation and sway from a safe distance Correct answer.

Explanation

A tag line lets a rigger guide and steady a suspended load without standing beneath it or touching it directly. This control reduces swinging and rotation that could injure workers or damage property. Tag lines are control devices, not load-bearing components.

Question 6Rigging Safety and Standards

A load is suspended and a worker needs to steady it. What is the safest practice?

  1. Climb onto the load to shift its balance
  2. Stand directly under the load and push it with both hands
  3. Use a tag line or push stick while staying clear of the load's path Correct answer.
  4. Walk beside the load with a hand on its side

Explanation

Workers must never stand or pass beneath a suspended load, and they should not place hands on a load that could shift or pinch. A tag line or push stick allows control from a distance outside the fall zone. Keeping clear of the load's travel path protects against sudden movement or rigging failure.

Question 7Rigging Safety and Standards

Which of the following is a correct rule for using shackles in a lifting assembly?

  1. The shackle pin should bear against the live load line
  2. Screw pins may be replaced with any bolt of similar diameter
  3. The shackle body should carry the load, with the pin bearing on the standing part Correct answer.
  4. Side loading of shackles is preferred over axial loading

Explanation

Shackles are designed so the bow, or body, takes the load and the pin is loaded in a way that avoids bending it open. Loading the pin directly can unscrew or deform it. The pin should be fully seated and secured, and the assembly should be loaded along its intended axis.

Question 8Rigging Safety and Standards

What does the term "center of gravity" mean when planning a lift?

  1. The point on the hook where slings attach
  2. The point at which the load's weight is balanced in all directions Correct answer.
  3. The heaviest corner of an irregular load
  4. The midpoint of the longest dimension of the load

Explanation

The center of gravity is the balance point where the load's mass is evenly distributed in every direction. The hook must be positioned above this point so the load hangs level and does not tip. Sling lengths are adjusted so the attachment point aligns with the center of gravity.

Question 9Rigging Safety and Standards

A load weighing 6,000 lb is lifted with two vertical legs of equal length. Ignoring hardware, what is the approximate tension in each leg?

  1. 3,000 lb Correct answer.
  2. 6,000 lb
  3. 1,500 lb
  4. 12,000 lb

Explanation

When two vertical legs share a load equally, each carries half the total weight. Half of 6,000 lb is 3,000 lb per leg. This assumes the load is balanced and the legs are truly vertical, with no angle reducing the vertical component.

Question 10Rigging Safety and Standards

What is the main hazard of using a sling at a very shallow horizontal angle, such as 15 degrees?

  1. The sling becomes lighter and easier to handle
  2. Leg tension rises sharply even though the load is unchanged Correct answer.
  3. The hook capacity automatically increases
  4. The load's center of gravity moves upward

Explanation

As the angle between the sling leg and the horizontal decreases, the leg tension required to support the same vertical load increases rapidly. At shallow angles the tension can far exceed the load weight, overloading slings and hardware. Riggers should keep sling angles as steep as practical.

Question 11Rigging Safety and Standards

Which statement about the design factor for rigging equipment is correct?

  1. It is the percentage of capacity used in a lift
  2. It is the number of slings used in a lift
  3. It is the ratio of hook weight to load weight
  4. It is the ratio of breaking strength to working load limit Correct answer.

Explanation

The design factor, or safety factor, expresses how many times stronger a component is than its rated working load. A higher factor provides more margin against wear, shock, and minor overloads. Standards specify minimum design factors for different types of rigging gear.

Question 12Rigging Safety and Standards

A rigger finds a wire rope sling with several broken outer wires and a kink. What is the correct action?

  1. Use it only for light loads below half capacity
  2. Shorten it and continue using it
  3. Remove it from service and tag it as defective Correct answer.
  4. Wrap the damaged area with tape and use it

Explanation

Broken wires and kinks are removal criteria because they reduce strength and indicate damage that may progress. The sling must be taken out of service and clearly tagged so no one else uses it. It should then be repaired or destroyed according to the employer's procedure.

Question 13Rigging Safety and Standards

When is it acceptable to exceed the rated capacity of a sling?

  1. When a supervisor gives verbal approval
  2. When the lift is short in duration
  3. When two slings share the load
  4. It is never acceptable to exceed the rated capacity Correct answer.

Explanation

The working load limit is a maximum that must not be exceeded under any circumstances during normal lifting. Short duration, shared loading, or verbal approval does not change the physical limits of the gear. Overloading can cause sudden failure with catastrophic consequences.

Question 14Rigging Safety and Standards

What is the function of a spreader beam in a lifting assembly?

  1. To weigh the load during the lift
  2. To replace the need for a load chart
  3. To increase the speed of the hoist
  4. To keep sling legs vertical and avoid horizontal compressive force on the load Correct answer.

Explanation

A spreader beam holds the sling legs apart so they remain more vertical and do not press inward on the load. This protects loads that could be crushed by horizontal forces and reduces tension in the legs. The beam itself must be rated and its weight included in the lift plan.

Question 15Rigging Safety and Standards

A crane's load chart shows a capacity for a given radius and boom length. Why must the rigger know the total load including rigging weight?

  1. Because the chart applies only to the hook
  2. Because the chart capacity includes the weight of all lifting gear plus the load Correct answer.
  3. Because rigging weight reduces the crane's fuel use
  4. Because rigging weight increases the boom length

Explanation

Crane load charts rate the total suspended load, which includes the payload, slings, shackles, spreader beams, and any other gear below the hook. Ignoring rigging weight can push the lift over the rated capacity. The rigger should add all of these components before comparing to the chart.

Question 16Rigging Safety and Standards

Which practice best protects synthetic slings from damage during storage?

  1. Store them in a bin with sharp metal fittings loose
  2. Coil them tightly around a rough wooden post
  3. Hang them in a clean, dry area away from sunlight and chemicals Correct answer.
  4. Leave them on the ground near welding operations

Explanation

Synthetic webbing is vulnerable to ultraviolet light, chemicals, moisture, and abrasion. Storing slings clean and dry, hung so air circulates and away from sunlight and chemical fumes, preserves their strength. Keeping them off the ground and away from hot work also prevents damage.

Question 17Rigging Safety and Standards

What is the purpose of a load test or proof test on rigging hardware?

  1. To verify the hardware can withstand a specified load greater than its rating without permanent deformation Correct answer.
  2. To certify that the hardware will never fail
  3. To break the hardware so its failure point is known
  4. To determine the exact weight of the hardware

Explanation

Proof testing applies a load above the working load limit to confirm the component has adequate strength and no gross defects. The item must return to its original dimensions afterward, showing no permanent set. Proof testing does not guarantee the item will never fail in service.

Question 18Rigging Safety and Standards

A two-leg sling has legs at 45 degrees to the horizontal. Compared with the same sling used vertically, the capacity of the assembly is approximately:

  1. About 1.4 times the single-leg vertical capacity Correct answer.
  2. About 0.7 times the single-leg vertical capacity
  3. Twice the single-leg vertical capacity
  4. Equal to the single-leg vertical capacity

Explanation

Each leg at 45 degrees contributes a vertical component equal to its capacity times the sine of 45 degrees, about 0.707. Two legs together provide about 1.414 times the single-leg vertical rating. The capacity therefore increases by roughly 40 percent, not 100 percent.

Question 19Rigging Safety and Standards

Which condition would most likely require a rigger to stop a lift and reassess?

  1. The tag line is properly attached
  2. The hoist operator signals that the load is ready
  3. The slings are within their rated capacity
  4. The load begins to rotate unexpectedly as it leaves the ground Correct answer.

Explanation

Unexpected rotation or shifting during lift-off indicates the hook is not centered over the center of gravity or the rigging is unstable. Continuing the lift could cause the load to swing, spill, or strike workers. The lift should be paused, the load set down, and the rigging adjusted.

Question 20Rigging Safety and Standards

What does the term "rigging triangle" describe in a bridle sling arrangement?

  1. The three colors used on capacity tags
  2. The three inspectors required for a critical lift
  3. The geometric relationship among the hook point, the load attachment points, and the resulting leg angles Correct answer.
  4. The three slings used in every lift

Explanation

The rigging triangle is formed by the hook, the two load attachment points, and the sling legs connecting them. Its geometry determines the angle of each leg and therefore the tension in the slings. A wider triangle with shallower angles produces higher leg tension.

Question 21Rigging Safety and Standards

Which of these is a correct practice when attaching a sling to a crane hook?

  1. Seat the sling in the bowl of the hook with the hook latch closed Correct answer.
  2. Allow the sling eye to bear against the hook tip
  3. Wrap the sling over the hook shank
  4. Hang multiple slings from the hook point alone

Explanation

Slings should sit in the bowl, or saddle, of the hook where the load is designed to be carried, and the latch should be closed to retain the sling. Loading the tip or shank can bend the hook or allow the sling to slip off. Proper seating keeps the assembly stable during the lift.

Question 22Rigging Safety and Standards

A load's weight is unknown and no documentation exists. What is the most appropriate action before lifting?

  1. Estimate the weight by eye and proceed
  2. Lift a corner first to gauge the weight
  3. Determine the weight by calculation or scale, or do not lift Correct answer.
  4. Use the crane's maximum capacity as the assumed weight

Explanation

Lifting an unknown load risks overloading the crane and rigging. The rigger should calculate the weight from material density and dimensions or use a scale, and must not lift until the weight is known. Guessing or trial-lifting can cause sudden failure or tipping.

Question 23Rigging Safety and Standards

What is the significance of a periodic (frequent versus periodic) inspection schedule for rigging equipment?

  1. It sets how often gear must be examined based on use and conditions Correct answer.
  2. It determines the color of the sling tag
  3. It replaces the need for pre-shift inspections
  4. It is required only for new equipment

Explanation

Inspection intervals are established according to how often gear is used, the severity of service, and the environment. Frequent inspections catch day-to-day damage, while periodic inspections provide a more thorough documented review. These schedules do not eliminate the need for pre-shift checks.

Question 24Rigging Safety and Standards

Which factor is most important when selecting the type of sling for a lift?

  1. The color of the sling
  2. The load's weight, shape, surface, and environment Correct answer.
  3. The brand name of the sling
  4. The length of the crane's boom

Explanation

Sling selection depends on the load's weight, its shape and surface, and conditions such as heat, chemicals, or sharp edges. These factors determine whether wire rope, chain, or synthetic webbing is appropriate. Matching the sling to the load and environment prevents damage and failure.

Question 25Rigging Safety and Standards

A chain sling shows a link with a noticeable stretch and a crack. What does this indicate and what should be done?

  1. Proper lubrication; inspect next month
  2. Overload or damage; remove from service immediately Correct answer.
  3. Normal wear; continue using with reduced load
  4. Cosmetic marking; paint over it and use

Explanation

Stretched links and cracks indicate the chain has been overloaded or damaged and may fail suddenly. Such a chain must be removed from service immediately and tagged. It should not be used at reduced load or returned to service without proper evaluation.

Question 26Rigging Safety and Standards

Under OSHA rules, at what minimum distance must the operator of a crane maintain the load from energized power lines rated up to 50 kV?

  1. 4 feet
  2. 50 feet
  3. 10 feet Correct answer.
  4. 20 feet

Explanation

OSHA's crane standard sets a 10-foot minimum clearance for lines rated up to 50 kV, and the required distance grows as line voltage increases. The clearance applies to the load, the rigging, and any part of the crane, not just the boom tip.

Question 27Rigging Safety and Standards

What is the primary purpose of a daily pre-use inspection of rigging gear?

  1. To measure the exact working load limit of each sling
  2. To satisfy the manufacturer's warranty registration process
  3. To catch damage or defects before the gear is used in a lift Correct answer.
  4. To record the total hours of service for the equipment log

Explanation

A pre-use inspection is a visual and tactile check performed by the user before each shift to find broken wires, cuts, cracks, or other defects that could cause failure during a lift. Defective gear is removed from service immediately rather than being used and documented afterward.

Question 28Rigging Safety and Standards

A rigger is asked to identify the working load limit marking on a chain sling. What does the working load limit represent?

  1. The breaking strength of the chain divided by two
  2. The maximum load the sling is designed to lift under stated conditions Correct answer.
  3. The weight of the sling itself plus its end fittings
  4. The load at which the chain will permanently deform

Explanation

The working load limit is the maximum mass or force the sling is authorized to support in a specific configuration such as a vertical hitch. It already accounts for the design factor required by the standard, so it is the figure the rigger must not exceed.

Question 29Rigging Safety and Standards

Which document should a rigger consult to confirm the rated capacity of a specific sling configuration?

  1. The sling manufacturer's capacity chart or tag Correct answer.
  2. The rigging crew's daily sign-in sheet
  3. The site's emergency action plan
  4. The crane's annual inspection certificate

Explanation

Rated capacities vary with hitch type and sling angle, so the manufacturer's tag and capacity chart are the authoritative source. Generic site paperwork does not contain the configuration-specific ratings the rigger needs.

Question 30Rigging Safety and Standards

A rigger must lift a load near an active runway at an airport. Which step should be taken before the lift begins?

  1. Proceed if the crane operator sees no aircraft nearby
  2. Wait until night so visibility of the crane is reduced
  3. Notify the controlling authority and obtain any required clearance Correct answer.
  4. Lower the boom to keep the crane below building height

Explanation

Crane operations near airports are regulated because tall equipment can intrude into airspace and interfere with flight paths. The rigger must coordinate with the controlling authority and receive clearance before lifting.

Question 31Rigging Safety and Standards

A tag line is being used to control a long, flat load. What is the correct way to handle the tag line?

  1. Keep hands clear of pinch points and never wrap the line around a body part Correct answer.
  2. Tie the line to a fixed anchor to stop rotation
  3. Stand directly under the load to pull it straight down
  4. Wrap the line around the wrist for a firmer grip

Explanation

Tag lines control rotation and swing from a safe distance, but the line must never be wrapped around hands, wrists, or other body parts because a sudden load movement can pull the worker in. Standing clear of the load and keeping hands free of pinch points preserves the safety benefit.

Question 32Rigging Safety and Standards

Two slings are used in a bridle hitch with legs at unequal angles. How is the load distributed between the legs?

  1. The steeper leg carries more of the load Correct answer.
  2. The shallower leg carries more of the load
  3. The load is carried entirely by the shortest leg
  4. Each leg carries exactly half the load

Explanation

In a bridle with unequal leg angles, the leg that is closer to vertical carries a larger share of the load because its vertical component is greater. Assuming equal sharing can overload one leg and cause failure.

Question 33Rigging Safety and Standards

A load is being landed on a stack of material. When should the rigger signal the operator to slack the slings?

  1. As soon as the load touches the top of the stack
  2. Only after the load is fully supported and stable on the landing surface Correct answer.
  3. Before the load reaches the landing zone
  4. While the load is still swinging toward the stack

Explanation

Slings should be slackened only when the load is fully seated and stable, so it cannot shift or tip when tension is released. Releasing tension early allows the load to settle unpredictably and can trap or strike workers.

Question 34Rigging Safety and Standards

A rigger is choosing between a wire rope sling and a synthetic web sling for lifting sharp-edged steel plate. Which choice is most appropriate and why?

  1. Wire rope sling, because it resists cutting and abrasion better Correct answer.
  2. Synthetic web sling, because it stretches to absorb shock
  3. Wire rope sling, because it has no working load limit
  4. Synthetic web sling, because it is lighter to handle

Explanation

Sharp edges cut synthetic webbing easily, so wire rope or chain is preferred for abrasive or edged loads, often with edge protection added. Synthetic slings are better suited to smooth loads where their light weight and soft surface are advantages.

Question 35Rigging Safety and Standards

A crane is lifting a load and the rigger notices the load beginning to rotate out of control. What is the safest immediate response?

  1. Signal the operator to stop and lower the load to a stable position Correct answer.
  2. Step under the load to guide it with your shoulder
  3. Grab the load by hand and stop the rotation
  4. Signal the operator to raise the load faster

Explanation

Stopping the lift and lowering the load removes the hazard while the cause of rotation is corrected, such as an off-center center of gravity or a missing tag line. Physically contacting a suspended load exposes the worker to crushing and struck-by hazards.

Question 36Rigging Safety and Standards

A rigger must verify that a shackle is correctly rated for a lift. Which marking is essential to check?

  1. The paint color applied by the supplier
  2. The working load limit stamped on the shackle body Correct answer.
  3. The country where the steel was milled
  4. The date the shackle was purchased

Explanation

Shackles must be marked with their working load limit so the rigger can confirm the rating meets or exceeds the applied load. Unmarked shackles cannot be verified and should be removed from service.

Question 37Rigging Safety and Standards

A rigger is planning a lift and must account for all forces the crane will experience. Which addition is often overlooked and must be included?

  1. The weight of the rigging and any attached below-the-hook device Correct answer.
  2. The time of day the lift occurs
  3. The number of workers on the ground
  4. The color of the load being lifted

Explanation

Total load on the crane includes the load, the slings, shackles, spreader beams, and any below-the-hook device, because all of it is suspended from the hook. Omitting rigging weight can push the lift past the charted capacity, especially on heavy assemblies.

Question 38Rigging Safety and Standards

A rigger is setting up a lift in an area where the ground may be soft. Which action best addresses the risk of crane instability?

  1. Add more counterweight to the crane without engineering review
  2. Increase the boom length to reach over the soft spot
  3. Verify ground bearing capacity and use properly sized cribbing under outriggers Correct answer.
  4. Rely on the crane's level indicator alone

Explanation

Outriggers concentrate load and can punch into soft soil, causing the crane to tip, so the ground must be evaluated and load spread with adequate cribbing or mats. Modifying the crane or ignoring the soil condition does not remove the instability.

Question 39Rigging Safety and Standards

A load's center of gravity is offset well to one side of the hook point. What is the most likely result if the lift proceeds without correction?

  1. The load will tilt until the center of gravity settles under the hook Correct answer.
  2. The slings will share load equally regardless of position
  3. The crane's capacity will increase because of the offset
  4. The load will rise perfectly level

Explanation

A suspended body rotates until its center of gravity hangs directly below the hook, so an offset center of gravity causes the load to tilt and shift. The rigger should adjust the hitch or add a second pick point to control the tilt before lifting.

Question 40Rigging Safety and Standards

A rigger is evaluating whether a lift falls under a critical lift plan. Which combination of factors most clearly indicates a critical lift?

  1. A lift completed within one shift
  2. A lift performed with a single vertical sling
  3. A load exceeding a set percentage of crane capacity combined with personnel nearby Correct answer.
  4. A routine lift of light material in an open yard

Explanation

Critical lifts are typically defined by high utilization of the crane's capacity, proximity to people or critical structures, or unusual rigging, and they require an engineered plan and added review. Routine light lifts in clear areas generally do not meet those thresholds.

Question 41Rigging Hardware and Slings

What does the working load limit (WLL) of a rigging component represent?

  1. The load at which the component begins to show permanent deformation
  2. The maximum load the component is rated to support in a specified configuration Correct answer.
  3. The average load at which the component failed during manufacturer testing
  4. The total weight of the component plus its attached fittings

Explanation

The working load limit is the maximum mass or force a rigging component is rated to support under a specific configuration and use. It is derived by applying a design factor to the component's breaking strength, so it is always well below the failure point.

Question 42Rigging Hardware and Slings

A wire rope sling has a breaking strength of 40,000 lb. Using a design factor of 5, what is its working load limit?

  1. 20,000 lb
  2. 5,000 lb
  3. 200,000 lb
  4. 8,000 lb Correct answer.

Explanation

The working load limit is found by dividing the breaking strength by the design factor. Dividing 40,000 lb by 5 gives 8,000 lb, which is the rated capacity for that sling.

Question 43Rigging Hardware and Slings

Which marking must be legibly and permanently attached to a synthetic web sling?

  1. The rated capacity and the manufacturer's identification Correct answer.
  2. The name of the crane operator
  3. The color code of the job site
  4. The date the sling was last washed

Explanation

Synthetic web slings must carry a permanent tag or marker showing rated capacity and manufacturer identification, along with other required information. This lets users confirm capacity and trace the sling to its maker before lifting.

Question 44Rigging Hardware and Slings

What is the primary purpose of a thimble in a wire rope sling eye?

  1. To allow the eye to be spliced without any fittings
  2. To increase the rated capacity of the wire rope itself
  3. To indicate the date the sling was manufactured
  4. To protect the rope and eye from abrasion and wear at the attachment point Correct answer.

Explanation

A thimble lines the inside of an eye and shields the rope from chafing and crushing against shackles or hooks. It preserves the eye's shape and extends sling life rather than changing the rope's strength rating.

Question 45Rigging Hardware and Slings

Which type of hook is designed with a throat opening that narrows under load to help prevent the load from slipping out?

  1. A self-closing or safety hook Correct answer.
  2. A grab hook
  3. A slip hook
  4. A shank hook

Explanation

Self-closing or safety hooks have a latch or gate that closes the throat so rigging cannot escape during a lift. Standard open hooks rely on the load staying seated and offer no positive closure.

Question 46Rigging Hardware and Slings

What does the term 'WLL' stand for on a shackle?

  1. Weight load length
  2. Weld leg length
  3. Working load limit Correct answer.
  4. Wire line limit

Explanation

WLL stands for working load limit, the maximum load a shackle is rated to carry in service. It is stamped or tagged on the body so riggers can verify capacity before use.

Question 47Rigging Hardware and Slings

Which material property describes a sling's tendency to return to its original shape after being stretched?

  1. Elasticity Correct answer.
  2. Hardness
  3. Brittleness
  4. Ductility

Explanation

Elasticity is the ability of a material to recover its original shape after deformation. Synthetic slings rely on controlled stretch, so understanding elasticity helps predict how a sling behaves under load.

Question 48Rigging Hardware and Slings

A rigger needs to lift a load and wants to confirm a shackle's capacity before use. What is the most reliable source of that information?

  1. The capacity marking stamped on the shackle body Correct answer.
  2. The length of the shackle bow
  3. The color of the shackle pin
  4. The diameter of the shackle pin

Explanation

Manufacturers stamp the working load limit on the shackle, and that marking is the authoritative capacity reference. Physical dimensions alone do not reliably indicate rating because alloys and designs vary.

Question 49Rigging Hardware and Slings

Two wire rope slings are used in a basket hitch around a load. Compared with a single vertical sling of the same size, the basket hitch generally provides what?

  1. The same capacity as a single vertical sling
  2. Four times the capacity of a single vertical sling
  3. Approximately double the capacity when the legs are vertical Correct answer.
  4. Half the capacity of a single vertical sling

Explanation

In a basket hitch the load is shared by two legs, so with vertical legs the capacity is roughly twice that of a single leg. The rating assumes the load is balanced and the sling legs remain vertical.

Question 50Rigging Hardware and Slings

A load of 6,000 lb is supported by a two-leg sling with legs at 60 degrees from horizontal. What is the approximate tension in each leg?

  1. 1,730 lb
  2. 3,460 lb Correct answer.
  3. 3,000 lb
  4. 6,000 lb

Explanation

Each leg carries half the vertical load divided by the sine of the angle from horizontal. Half of 6,000 lb is 3,000 lb, and dividing by sin 60 degrees (about 0.866) gives roughly 3,460 lb per leg.