Overhead Crane Practice Test

What is the correct order of hitch strength in rigging?

1. Basket, vertical, choker

2. Choker, basket, vertical

3. Vertical, basket, choker

4. Basket, choker, vertical

The correct answer is: Basket, vertical, choker

The correct order of hitch strength in rigging is based on how the arrangement of the sling interacts with the load being lifted. In the basket hitch, the sling wraps under the load and distributes weight more effectively, typically resulting in the highest lifting capacity. This configuration allows the sling to utilize its full strength since it has both legs of the sling supporting the load. The vertical hitch has a single leg supporting the load directly, which offers a moderate level of strength but not as much as the basket hitch. Lastly, the choker hitch, while secure, creates a more acute angle with the sling and can limit the effective strength compared to the other configurations; it's designed to tighten around the load but generally offers the least capacity for lifting. Thus, the order of strength from highest to lowest is basket, vertical, and then choker. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient lifting operations.