Rigging Equipment and Hitch Applications
Matching equipment to the job
Rigging equipment includes wire rope slings, chain slings, synthetic web and round slings, shackles, hooks, master links, swivels, turnbuckles, spreader beams, and tag lines. Each has strengths: chain resists abrasion and heat; wire rope handles heavy loads; synthetic slings are light and non-marring but vulnerable to cuts and heat.
Hitch applications
- Vertical: single leg, full capacity, simplest and strongest.
- Choker: grips the load itself, good for pipe and bundles, but reduces capacity.
- Basket: cradles the load, doubles capacity when legs are vertical, protects the load surface.
- Bridle: multiple legs to a common point, used when lifting points are spread apart.
Hardware and safe practice
Shackles connect slings to loads; use the screw pin fully seated and never replace a pin with a bolt. Hooks need safety latches. Spreader beams keep sling legs vertical and prevent crushing the load. Tag lines control rotation and swing from a safe distance.
Traps
Questions test whether you know basket capacity depends on leg angle, whether synthetic slings can be used around sharp edges (only with protection), and whether chain is preferred for abrasive or hot loads. Also watch for confusion between working load limit (WLL) and breaking strength - never rig to breaking strength.
Rule of thumb
Rig so the load is balanced and the center of gravity is below the hook. Keep sling legs as vertical as practical to maximize capacity.