Red Seal Mobile Crane Operator Practice Exam

What is the function of a swivel hook?

1. To increase the lifting capacity

2. To allow the load to rotate during the lift

3. To stabilize the crane when lifting

4. To attach additional rigging equipment

The correct answer is: To allow the load to rotate during the lift

The function of a swivel hook is to allow the load to rotate during the lift. This is crucial in various lifting operations where the orientation of the load needs to change without needing to reposition the crane itself. When the load is attached to a swivel hook, it can turn freely, which minimizes the risk of torsion and unexpected shifts that can occur if a fixed hook is used. This ability to rotate is particularly beneficial for loads that may not be balanced or when the lifting path involves changes in direction. Additionally, using a swivel hook helps prevent binding of the lifting line, leading to safer and more efficient operations. Other functions, such as increasing lifting capacity or stabilizing the crane, are not associated with the swivel hook specifically, and while additional rigging equipment may need to be attached, that is not the primary function of the swivel hook itself.