When selecting a sling to carry a given load, it is important to consider the angle at which the sling is to be used. As an example, one sling in a basket hitch or two slings attached to one crane hook are different applications involving different sling angles. The degree of the angle will determine how much the capacity will be reduced. To determine if a particular sling will have the capacity required, take the angle between the sling leg and the horizontal, then multiply the sling's rating by the factor provided in the accompanying table.

The capacity of a sling will be reduced as the angle from the horizontal is reduced. In the example below, you will see how the 1,000 pound capacity of a sling used in a vertical basket hitch is reduced:

3 Basic Hitches

Sling Capacity Decreases as the Angle Increases