The same round sling can be rigged in more than one way, and each way changes both the effective capacity and how the sling behaves under load. In a straight (vertical) hitch, the sling runs directly from the lifting point to the load with no wrap, and the WLL for this configuration is the baseline figure normally used for colour coding. In a choke hitch, the sling is passed around the load and threaded back through its own body before connecting to the hook, cinching down onto the load as tension is applied; a choke hitch reduces the sling’s effective capacity compared to a straight lift, and the choke point itself should be positioned and checked so the sling is not pinched against a sharp edge or corner. In a basket hitch, the sling passes under the load and both ends go up to the hook or shackle, effectively doubling the number of legs supporting the load; a basket hitch can increase capacity relative to a straight lift, but this benefit is highly dependent on the angle between the two legs of the sling — as the angle from vertical increases, the load on each leg increases sharply, and at shallow lifting angles a basket hitch can lose much of its advantage or even become less safe than a straight lift.
What to check and plan before use:
- Confirm from the label which WLL figure applies to the hitch actually being used — straight, choke, or basket — not just the highest number shown
- Calculate or estimate the angle of a basket hitch’s legs before relying on any increased capacity, and never assume basket capacity applies at a shallow angle without checking
- In a choke hitch, check the choke point is not resting against a sharp edge of the load, and that the sling can cinch down freely without binding on a snag point
- Ensure the load is stable and will not shift within a basket hitch, which can slide the sling along the load or change the leg angle mid-lift
- Where in doubt about the correct hitch for a given load geometry, consult a competent rigger before proceeding
Standarder: EN 1492-2 (Textile slings — Round slings made of man-made fibres for general purpose use)