When would you use a choker hitch, and what are the hazards?

When would you use a choker hitch, and what are the hazards?

• A. A choker hitch tightens around the load for repositioning; hazards include reduced load control, slippage, and higher sling/eye stress; avoid on slick or unstable surfaces.
• B. A choker hitch is ideal for long lifts.
• C. A choker hitch eliminates all hazard.
• D. A choker hitch is only used for flat loads.

Answer: (C)

A choker hitch grips the load by looping the sling around it and tightening as you lift, which makes it useful for repositioning or pulling a load that isn’t easily lifted with other hitch types. The key point is that this hitch does not provide a clean, even load distribution; it tightens around a small area, which concentrates stress on both the sling and the load and can make control less predictable as the load shifts. Hazards include reduced load control, since the grip can tighten and loosen with movement, increasing the chance the load slides or shifts unexpectedly. Slippage is a risk as the choke can bite into the surface and release if conditions change. There is also higher stress on the sling eye and contact points, which can lead to damage or failure under load. These hazards are more pronounced on slick or unstable surfaces, so this hitch requires careful handling and is typically used only for short repositioning moves rather than extended lifts. It does not eliminate hazards.

A choker hitch grips the load by looping the sling around it and tightening as you lift, which makes it useful for repositioning or pulling a load that isn’t easily lifted with other hitch types. The key point is that this hitch does not provide a clean, even load distribution; it tightens around a small area, which concentrates stress on both the sling and the load and can make control less predictable as the load shifts.

Hazards include reduced load control, since the grip can tighten and loosen with movement, increasing the chance the load slides or shifts unexpectedly. Slippage is a risk as the choke can bite into the surface and release if conditions change. There is also higher stress on the sling eye and contact points, which can lead to damage or failure under load. These hazards are more pronounced on slick or unstable surfaces, so this hitch requires careful handling and is typically used only for short repositioning moves rather than extended lifts. It does not eliminate hazards.