Rigging Glossary A–H: Essential Terms Every Canadian Rigger Must Know

If you’ve ever been on a job site where someone yells “Put it in a basket!” and three people reach for three different slings, you already know why rigging terminology matters.

In lifting and rigging, the difference between a basket hitch, a choker hitch, and a vertical hitch isn’t semantics — it’s safety, load control, and CSA compliance. Clear language prevents mistakes, speeds up lift planning, and keeps crews aligned from the ground to the cab.

This first part of our Canadian Rigging Glossary series (A–H) breaks down the essential terms every rigger, supervisor, inspector, and crane operator should know before the hook ever leaves the ground.

A — Terms Every Rigger Should Know

Acceleration stress – The added stress imposed on a load or rigging system when the load’s speed increases rapidly. This can exceed static load magnitudes used in planning.

Aggregate strength – The combined breaking strength of all elements in a wire rope, calculated before efficiency reductions due to construction and lay are considered.

Alternate lay – A wire rope construction where strands alternate between regular and lang lay, enhancing flexibility.

Angle of loading – The angle between a sling leg and a reference plane (horizontal or vertical); critical for calculating leg tension and choosing sling sizes.

B — Block, Basket Hitch & Breaking Strength

Bail – U-shaped component on a load or fitting used as a primary attachment point.

Block – A sheave (pulley) assembly used to change load direction or multiply mechanical advantage in reeving systems.

Basket hitch – A sling configuration where the sling passes under a load with both ends on the hook or master link, increasing capacity compared to a vertical hitch.

Breaking strength – The force at which a piece of rigging (rope, cable, chain) fails under a straight pull; never substitute this for Working Load Limit in planning.

C — Rope, Slings & Components

Cable – Term commonly used interchangeably with wire rope, though technically a general term for wire strands bundled together.

Centre of gravity (COG) – The point at which the load’s weight is evenly balanced; proper identification is essential for stable lifting.

Choker hitch – Sling configuration where one end loops around a load and passes through its other end, tightening under load.

Clevis – A U-shaped connector secured with a pin or bolt; used in shackles and hooks.

D — Effective Rigging Configurations

Dead end – The non-load-bearing part of a rope in a termination, such as the socketed end of a wire rope run.

Design factor – The safety margin engineered into lifting components, often expressed as a ratio (e.g., 5:1). It reflects conservatism in design, not additional load capacity in service.

Drum – A cylindrical component of a hoist around which wire rope is wound.

E — Eyes, Edge Protection & Efficiency

Eye (or eye splice) – A permanent loop formed in a rope for attachment to hooks or lifting hardware.

Edge protection – Material (pads or sleeves) placed on sharp edges of loads to prevent sling abrasion or damage.

Efficiency (wire rope) – The ratio of actual rope strength to its theoretical aggregate strength.

F — Factors in Rigging Performance

Fiber core – The textile or fiber center of a wire rope, providing flexibility but lower abrasion resistance.

Fleet angle – Angle between rope and drum or sheave that affects rope spooling and wear.

Flemish eye – A type of wire rope splice producing a strong, reliable eye; often used in lifting applications.

G — Grades & Gear

Grade 80 / Grade 100 chain – High-strength alloy chain grades suitable for overhead lifting with a certified Working Load Limit.

Galvanized rope – Wire rope with a zinc coating to protect against corrosion.

H — Hitch, Hoist & Handling

Hitch – Any method used to attach slings to loads (vertical, choker, basket).

Hoist – A device used to lift and lower loads; may be manual, electric, or hydraulic.

Handling fixture – Engineered structure supporting loads during lifting, positioning, or transport.

Why Glossary Mastery Matters

Whether you’re supervising rigging crews, inspecting gear, or planning lifts, mastering industry terminology ensures safer, more efficient operations and clear communication aligned with Canadian compliance standards.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Rigging Glossary I–P, where we continue breaking down essential lifting and rigging terminology used on Canadian job sites.