A pipe will be lifted with wire rope slings. Which technique should be used?

• A. Use a single wrap on the choker to prevent the choke from sliding on the pipe
• B. Use a double wrap on the choker to prevent the choke from sliding on the pipe
• C. Use a triangular hitch
• D. Avoid wrapping the choke

Answer: (B)

When lifting a pipe with wire rope slings, the choke needs to bite securely so it doesn’t creep along the curved surface as load is applied. A double wrap around the choker increases the contact area and the friction between the rope strands, creating a tighter bite that resists sliding. This extra wrap effectively locks the choke in place, so the pipe stays centered and the lift remains stable as tension rises. It also spreads the load more evenly and reduces the chance of the rope pinching or damaging the pipe.

A single wrap doesn’t provide as much friction, so the choke can begin to slide under load, causing instability. A triangular hitch changes how the rope exits and bears the load, but it doesn’t specifically prevent the choke from sliding on the pipe. Not wrapping at all eliminates the grip entirely, making movement likely and unsafe.