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Apprentice Q&A · #153

What's the difference between a choker hitch and a basket hitch when slinging an RTU?

4th YearRigging & EquipmentRED · Stop / Verify

Choker Hitch: The rigging strap wraps completely around the load frame, and one loop end is choked back through the opposing eye hook. It squeezes the load tightly as it lifts, reducing structural slipping but dropping the strap's rated lifting capacity by roughly 25%. * Basket Hitch: The strap cradles the bottom of the load unit like a basket, with both loop eyes connected directly up to the master crane hook overhead. This doubles the lifting capacity of a single strap, but the load mu

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Plain-English answer

Choker Hitch: The rigging strap wraps completely around the load frame, and one loop end is choked back through the opposing eye hook. It squeezes the load tightly as it lifts, reducing structural slipping but dropping the strap's rated lifting capacity by roughly 25%. * Basket Hitch: The strap cradles the bottom of the load unit like a basket, with both loop eyes connected directly up to the master crane hook overhead. This doubles the lifting capacity of a single strap, but the load must be perfectly balanced horizontally so it cannot slide out sideways.

Field checklist

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Hey boss, I’m on rigging & equipment and need verification before I touch this: What's the difference between a choker hitch and a basket hitch when slinging an RTU? Do you want me to stop here and check the approved detail, submittal, or inspector/manufacturer requirement first?

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Use this as training guidance. The foreman, approved drawings, project specs, manufacturer installation instructions, employer safety policy, and AHJ/code requirements always control the final answer.

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