Sliding Choker Hooks
In wire rope winch applications, such as logging, pipe skidding, or heavy towing, standard rigging hooks are often insufficient. A static hook cannot slide along the winch line to cinch tight against the load. Sliding Choker Hooks are engineered to solve this problem. These hooks feature a specialized sleeve or "pipe" body that allows the wire rope to pass directly through the hook mechanism. This allows the hook to slide freely along the line until it contacts the load, creating a tight, secure choker hitch that maximizes grip and control.
Sliding Choker Hooks
Holloway Houston stocks the Crosby A-350L Sliding Choker Hook, the industry benchmark for durability and rope protection. Forged from alloy steel, these hooks are designed to withstand the abrasive, high-tension environment of field operations while protecting your expensive wire rope from crushing and kinking.
Product Spotlight: Crosby A-350L
The Crosby A-350L is more than just a hook; it is a sliding termination system.
- The Sleeve Design : The wide, tubular body allows the wire rope to slide smoothly through the hook without binding. This reduces friction and wear on the rope's outer wires.
- The Choking Mechanism : The hook is typically installed on the winch line before the eye or ferrule (swage button) is terminated. The hook slides down the line, wraps around the log or pipe, and hooks back onto the line (or the ferrule catches in the hook throat) to choke the load.
- Durability : Manufactured from Quenched and Tempered alloy steel, the A-350L offers superior resistance to shock loading and cold-weather brittleness compared to cast iron alternatives.
Applications & Industries
- Logging & Forestry : The primary tool for skidding logs. The sliding action allows the choker to tighten around logs of varying diameters, preventing them from slipping out during the drag.
- Oilfield Pipe Handling : Used on winch trucks (gin pole trucks) to secure and skid drill pipe or casing on the rig floor and pipe racks.
- Vehicle Recovery : Used on heavy wrecker winch lines to create adjustable attachment points for vehicle frames or axles.
Sizing & Selection
Selecting the correct A-350L is critical to ensure smooth operation and prevent rope damage. The hook size must match the diameter of your wire rope.
- Rope Compatibility: We stock models designed for wire rope sizes ranging from 3/8" up to 1".
- Throat Opening : Ensure the throat of the hook is wide enough to accept the eye or ferrule termination of your winch line.
Technical Specifications
- Material : Forged Alloy Steel.
- Finish : Painted (Red) for visibility.
- Heat Treatment : Quenched and Tempered for maximum ductility.
- Proof Test : All Crosby A-350L hooks are proof tested to 2 times the Working Load Limit (WLL).
Holloway Houston Swaging Services
These hooks are typically installed during the fabrication of the winch line.
- Winch Line Fabrication : Holloway Houston can fabricate custom Wire Rope Winch Lines with the A-350L pre-installed. We terminate the line with a swaged button (ferrule) or a thimble eye that acts as the stop for the sliding hook.
- Repair & Inspection : We can inspect your existing winch lines for broken wires or kinked strands caused by improper hook usage.
Complete Products
The A-350L is part of a winch line system. Pair these hooks with our high-strength 6x19 or 6x25 Wire Rope and Swage Ferrules to design a complete skidding assembly. For secure end terminations, check our Spelter Socket and Wire Rope Clip categories.