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General rigging principles
Shape of the load and connections
Need to connect a load? This page explains how the shape of the load affects what sling and connection to use.
How load shape impacts rigging and sling selection
The shape of the load impacts the sling selection and the way the load will be rigged or connected.
For example:
- A load with no rated lifting points may have to be basket or choke hitched.
- A load with defined lifting points may use a direct connection.
It is important to consider and adhere to manufacturer's lifting recommendations.
Sling configurations
There are four main types of connections:
- straight hitch
- choke hitch
- basket hitch
- multi leg sling.
Straight hitch
A straight hitch has direct load in tension (100% efficiency).
Straight hitch
Single leg direct
Choke hitch
A method of securing a load to a sling or a sling to an anchorage by reeving the sling back through its eye, or fixing the eye back to the sling leg with a shackle or hook.
A choke hitch goes around the load the end of sling and is fed back through the opposite end. Derations apply subject to sling type. Always refer to your working load limit chart or the calculators in the App.
Round choke hitch
Double leg choke hitch
Double leg square choke hitch
Basket hitch
A method of securing a sling around an object by bringing both eyes back together.
A basket hitch goes under or through the load. Then, both ends connect back up to the hook of the lifting device or fabricated item (such as lifting or spreader beam).
Basket hitch with protective sleeves
Multi leg sling
Two, three and four leg slings (wire, alloy chain or synthetic) only ever rely on the capacity of 2 legs. The other legs are only providing stability or balance. You can never guarantee the load is equally distributed or balanced, or that sling leg lengths are matched perfectly.
Two leg chain
Multi leg: 4 leg
Once you know the weight and the shape of a load, think about how to connect to the load safely. See Working Load Limit table below and instructions for use.
Wire rope slings - Single, Two, Three & Four leg with Ferrule. Secured eyes, using galvanised or black wire rope in accordance with AS1666.1.
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Types of working load limit chart
The first stage of selecting a sling is to know the weight of the load.
Then, match the job you are working on with an application picture using the table above. These can also be completed in the calculator app.
The application pictures in the working load limit table above shows how you are going to sling the load.