In lifting operations, choker and basket hitches are commonly used lifting methods. To ensure lifting safety, it is crucial to accurately determine the load limits of the webbing slings in these two hitch types.

Choker Hitch:
A choker hitch involves wrapping the sling around the load and securing it at a single lifting point. This method concentrates the force on a small area, which may cause excessive local loading. To determine the load limit, the rated working load (WLL) of the sling should be multiplied by a safety factor, typically between 1.25 and 1.5 times, to ensure a sufficient safety margin. If the load exceeds this limit, the sling may fail or the load may fall.

Basket Hitch:
A basket hitch forms a “U” shape with the sling, attaching both ends to two lifting points, making it suitable for lifting larger and heavier objects. Since the load is evenly distributed across both lifting points, the load capacity of a basket hitch is higher than that of a choker hitch. To determine the load limit, the rated working load (WLL) of the sling can be multiplied by 2 times, which is the combined capacity of the two lifting points.

In summary, determining the load limit of a sling requires considering the lifting method (choker or basket), the number of lifting points, the material of the sling, and the safety factor. Regular inspections of slings and avoiding overloading and improper usage are crucial for ensuring lifting safety.