Choker vs basket hitch: meaning and why it matters
A choker hitch wraps the sling around the load and passes one end through the other, so it tightens as the load comes up. A basket hitch cradles the load from below with both ends on the hook. The two hitches give a sling different ratings.
How each one carries load
Choker. The sling goes around the load and one end passes through the other end, or through a fitting, and the whole thing tightens as weight comes on. Only one leg is lifting, and the choke itself bends and pinches the sling. A choker's rating is lower than the same sling used straight, and it drops further as the angle at the choke gets tighter. The tag or the manufacturer's table gives the figure.
Basket. The sling passes under the load, with both ends going up to the hook or to a master link. Both legs carry, so with the legs vertical a basket hitch can be rated for up to about twice the straight rating, as long as the bend around the load is not too tight. As the legs spread, the angle factor takes capacity back. See sling angle factor.
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What each one is good for
| Choker | Basket | |
|---|---|---|
| Grip | Tightens on the load | Supports from below |
| Good for | Bundles, bars, pipe lifted by one sling | Loads with a place to cradle, or lifted with a pair |
| Watch for | Rating penalty, bending of the sling, a load that shifts | Load sliding out, tight bends, leg angle |
A basket on a smooth round load can slip out. Many users wrap the load or use a second wrap to hold it. A choker on a bundle can let pieces slide if the choke does not grip them all.
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An example
Suppose a sling is tagged at 5,000 lb for a straight vertical pull. In a basket with both legs vertical, the tag may allow close to 10,000 lb, but the same sling in a choker is rated below 5,000 lb, by an amount that depends on the choke angle. The numbers come from the tag. Never carry them over from another sling or another hitch.
Common mix-ups
- Treating the vertical rating as the choker rating. The choker rating is lower.
- Assuming a basket always doubles capacity. It does so only with vertical legs and a bend that is not too sharp.
- Choosing a hitch by habit. The load's shape and where it can be gripped decide.
- Forgetting the angle. A basket with spread legs is subject to the angle factor.
On the NCCCO written exam
Hitch types are rigging knowledge from Core task 3.5 (rigging devices) in Technical Knowledge, about 23% of the exam under the 01/25 handbook. The usual problem gives a sling's straight rating and asks which hitch lowers or raises it.
Practice it
Use the sling capacity calculator for choker, basket and bridle arrangements. Read sling angle factor and rated capacity vs working load limit next. The crane terms glossary lists the set.
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Sources
Show the list
- 29 CFR 1926.251: Rigging equipment for material handling, OSHA.
- Guidance on Safe Sling Use: Alloy Steel Chain Slings, OSHA.
- Hoisting and Rigging Fundamentals, TR244C Rev. 5, U.S. Department of Energy, sling loading.
- Mobile Crane Operator Candidate Handbook, CCO, Core outline tasks and weights (01/25 revision). Task numbers on this page follow it.
Facts checked 25 October 2026 against the sources listed above. If something has changed, tell us and we will correct it within 2 business days.
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