Can I Use a Flat Sling in a Choke Hitch Configuration?

A rigging crew needs to lift a cylindrical load—a steel pipe, a concrete column, or a bundle of rebar. The flat sling they grab from the rack is the right length and capacity. But the load has no defined attachment points. The rigger wraps the sling around the load, passes one eye through the other, and cinches it tight. This is a choke hitch—and it can be an effective rigging solution, but only when done correctly.

 

Lishenflex has been manufacturing synthetic flat slings for over two decades, and our field experience shows that choke hitches are among the most frequently misused sling configurations. The choke hitch appears simple, but its safe application depends on understanding capacity reduction, proper choke angle, and sling condition. According to industry data from EN 1492-1-compliant sling manufacturers, the choke hitch capacity factor is 0.8—meaning a sling rated for 1 ton in a vertical lift can only safely carry 800 kg in a choke hitch .

 

What Is a Choke Hitch?

A choke hitch is a rigging configuration where the sling is wrapped around the load, and one end of the sling is passed through the opposite eye or fitting. The load is then lifted, causing the sling to tighten around the load. This creates a cinching effect that secures the load and prevents slippage .

 

As explained in OSHA's Guidance on Safe Sling Use, a choker hitch is suitable for loads that are difficult to balance or secure with a straight vertical lift . The choker hitch holds the load securely by tightening around it. However, OSHA explicitly warns that in a choke hitch, the choke point must be only on the sling body, never on a splice or fitting .

 

The Rigging Institute notes that the choke hitch is one of three primary sling hitches, alongside vertical and basket hitches, and is commonly used when the load has no suitable attachment points .

 

Capacity Reduction in Choke Hitch

The most critical factor in choke hitch use is capacity reduction. A sling's rated working load limit is highest in a vertical straight pull. When used in a choke hitch, the capacity is reduced significantly.

 

According to the OSHA Guidance on Safe Sling Use, the rated load for a sling in a choke hitch is determined by the sling manufacturer and is based on the angle of choke. OSHA states that the choke hitch capacity applies provided that the angle of the choke is 120 degrees or more. For angles of choke less than 120 degrees, the rated load must be reduced further per the sling manufacturer's recommendations .

 

Capacity comparison chart (based on EN 1492-1 polyester flat sling):

 

Source: EN 1492-1 capacity data from CEREX and Mennens

 

As the table shows, the choke hitch factor (KL) is 0.8 under EN 1492-1, representing a 20% capacity reduction compared to a vertical hitch.

 

When Is a Choke Hitch Appropriate?

A choke hitch is appropriate in specific scenarios:

 

1.Loads without defined attachment points—cylindrical loads, pipes, rebar bundles, and concrete columns

 

2.Loads that need to be securely gripped—preventing slippage during lifting or rotation

 

3.Single-leg lifts—where a basket hitch is not feasible

 

As noted by Medeer Lifting, the choke hitch is useful for gripping loads securely but is less stable than a vertical hitch and can damage the sling if improperly used . Only slings designed for choke hitch use should be used in this configuration, and the sling should be inspected for damage before and after each use.

 

Best practice: In a choke hitch, the choke point should be positioned on the sling body—never on the eye, splice, or fitting . The angle of choke should be 120° or greater to maintain the full 0.8 capacity factor.

 

Key Safety Considerations

Do not use a choke hitch if:

 

● The sling has cuts, abrasion, or stitching damage in the area that will bear the choke

 

● The choke angle is less than 120° without a corresponding capacity reduction

 

● The load has sharp edges that could cut the sling fibers (use corner protectors)

 

● The sling is twisted or kinked—this creates uneven stress points

 

● The sling's identification tag is missing or illegible—you cannot verify the rated capacity

 

OSHA explicitly prohibits:

 

● Knotted slings (shortening or lengthening by knotting or twisting is not allowed)

 

● Using a sling in a choke hitch with the choke point on a splice or fitting

 

● Resting loads on the sling

 

● Pulling a sling from under a load when the load is resting on the sling

 

Lishenflex's lab testing confirms that slings with even minor damage—such as localized abrasion or edge cuts—experience accelerated wear in choke hitch configurations due to the concentrated force at the choke point. This is why pre-use and frequent inspections per ASME B30.9 are particularly critical for slings used in choke hitches.

 

Inspection Requirements for Choke Hitch Use

Slings used in choke hitches should be inspected more frequently than those used exclusively in vertical lifts. ASME B30.9 requires three levels of inspection:

 

Key removal criteria under ASME B30.9 for flat slings used in choke hitches:

 

● Broken or worn stitching in load-bearing splices

 

● Acid or caustic burns

 

● Evidence of heat damage

 

● Holes or tears that expose core yarns—especially at the choke point

 

● Excessive abrasive wear

 

● Knots in the sling body—knotting is prohibited under OSHA

 

● Discoloration or brittle areas indicating chemical or UV damage

 

Summary and Practical Recommendations

A flat sling can be used in a choke hitch configuration, but the application must be approached with caution and competence.

 

Key takeaways:

 

1.Capacity reduction is non-negotiable—a choke hitch reduces WLL to 80% of vertical capacity under EN 1492-1

 

2.Choke angle matters—maintain 120° or greater for full 0.8 factor; reduce capacity for smaller angles per manufacturer guidance

 

3.Never choke on a splice or fitting—the choke point must be on the sling body

 

4.Inspect before and after use—choke hitches concentrate stress; check for localized damage

 

5.Use corner protectors—for loads with sharp edges

 

Lishenflex manufactures polyester flat slings with reinforced eyes and clear color-coded capacity markings, compliant with EN 1492-1 and ASME B30.9 standards. Our products are tested for all hitch configurations, including choke hitches, and we provide inspection training to support safe rigging practices.

 

If you need assistance determining whether your current flat slings are suitable for choke hitch applications—or need guidance on capacity calculations for your specific lift geometry—please send an email to sales@lishenflex.com, and our technical team will provide one-on-one support.