Sliding Choker Hooks

Jamin_Mayer

Jamin_Mayer

Location
Longmont, CO
I have been using 1/2" steel chokers (with a spliced eye at both ends) for most of the year now. I have sliding chokers (with spring loaded gates) on them. Boy has this saved time while setting chokers. I think this is the fastest method for setting chokers. Sure, they are not perfect, but for speed, they are the best.


252382-SlidingChoker1.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 252382-SlidingChoker1.webp
    252382-SlidingChoker1.webp
    74.9 KB · Views: 59
Other than the ease of setting them in the tree/to the loads, the cable bend ratio is awesome. The cables don't get kinks in them. The photo above shows it under tension (approx 1,000lbs).

It is OSHA approved.

Did I mention they are fast to put on?
smile.gif
 
I have used the small mouth hooks. I know what you mean. My goundies said the same thing.
smile.gif


I found a much wider opening at Hanes Supply. That link will have dimensions. I also found that they are reasonable for ordering custom chokers.

Oh. If you use these guys to purchase some of these sliding choker hooks, you must request a gate be put on... They don't sell them with gates.
thinking.gif
 
We use Endless Polyester Round Lifting Slings. We have not used wire rope in a long long time. The wire rope is not as strong as the polyester slings and we hate the all the burs. We also feel that polyester is safer around power lines. For small picks under 5000 pounds we just choke the pieces without hardware but with heavier picks we will use the choker with shackles so they don't get burned. Here is a link to a site that has choker that are very similar to the ones we have. http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Lifting-Slings/PRS7-Blue/Endless-Polyester-Round-Lifting-Sling-6-Blue
 
+1 on the poly slings, that's what we've been using for years. for moving racks over firewood and heavy pick we have two O rings with 4 5/8" chains good for > 10,000lbs.
 
I think endless poly slings are not effecient. Here's how:

Using a choker with an eye spliced at one end (or both eliminates the need to move the crane more than necessary.

This is what I mean:

With an endless loop choker you need to lower the hook close to the target attachment point on the limb to be rigged. You then need to dissconnect the choker to this, then pre-tension.

So, when I'm using eye to eye spliced cables the crane places the cable right were it needs to be placed on the limb (usually with me guiding hime via radio). I rap down and connect the limb in a few seconds (okay maybe 2.5 seconds
smile.gif
) , pre-tension a few inches up, then rap down to make the cut.

Not only does this method eliminate unecessary motions and save time, you are staying tied into the crane as much as possible. Therefore, you have a better advantage getting back to a perch to make the cut (because you have the crane as a T.I.P.).
 
[ QUOTE ]
I think endless poly slings are not effecient. Here's how:

Using a choker with an eye spliced at one end (or both eliminates the need to move the crane more than necessary.

This is what I mean:

With an endless loop choker you need to lower the hook close to the target attachment point on the limb to be rigged. You then need to dissconnect the choker to this, then pre-tension.

So, when I'm using eye to eye spliced cables the crane places the cable right were it needs to be placed on the limb (usually with me guiding hime via radio). I rap down and connect the limb in a few seconds (okay maybe 2.5 seconds
smile.gif
) , pre-tension a few inches up, then rap down to make the cut.

Not only does this method eliminate unecessary motions and save time, you are staying tied into the crane as much as possible. Therefore, you have a better advantage getting back to a perch to make the cut (because you have the crane as a T.I.P.).

[/ QUOTE ]

In the eye and eye you still need enough sling to go around the piece and attatch the hook back to the sling correct?

With endless loop slings it can be done the same. Noneed to take the sling off the crane hook. you just need a hook or shackle on the sling. Then it is no different.
If I understand your method correctly.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have been using 1/2" steel chokers (with a spliced eye at both ends) for most of the year now. I have sliding chokers (with spring loaded gates) on them. Boy has this saved time while setting chokers. I think this is the fastest method for setting chokers. Sure, they are not perfect, but for speed, they are the best.


252382-SlidingChoker1.jpg


[/ QUOTE ]

Is this wrapped around through the eye then the hook, Im not sure how the second eye is being used. Notice how the lay of the rope is opening up at the hook.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I think that there is 2 slings being used in the picture.



[/ QUOTE ]

That makes sense.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I think that there is 2 slings being used in the picture.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, the photo shows 2 chokers.

[ QUOTE ]
I, personally, don't care for overhead lifting with a non locking gated hook. It might be faster, but I go for safer.

[/ QUOTE ]

Norm. I understand. When I was introduced to them, I wasn't comfortable either, but after using them on scores and scores of picks, I have never had an issue. (Sure, that doesn't mean they are 100% safe and one can't come out if the operator does something uncharacteristic).

They are approved for overhead rigging by OSHA and that is okay with me.

Besides, I bed some sort of sliding cover could be made to keep the gate from opening...

[ QUOTE ]
In the eye and eye you still need enough sling to go around the piece and attatch the hook back to the sling correct?

[/ QUOTE ]

That's correct Mark. But, the effort and time doing so is faster than attaching with a clevis. I did a clevis for many years and hated unscrewing and screwing it in place. It takes time and adds up... (I'm a little OCD with this time stuff).
wink.gif


[ QUOTE ]
With endless loop slings it can be done the same. Noneed to take the sling off the crane hook. you just need a hook or shackle on the sling. Then it is no different.
If I understand your method correctly.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, it's no different than that method. But, we cannot assume all others use a clevis to choke off their endless loops as a time saving method.

And the sliding choker is very different than using a clevis to choke off a sling. On of my other points of this thread is the reduction of the cable bend ratio. Choking stuff off with a shackle has a poor bend ratio.

IMO. If these sliding hooks were on synthetics, with eye to eyes, then this may be the best thing since slice bread.
smirk.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom