A rigger in Seattle once told me to always check the hook latch with my thumb, not my eyes

He said if you can't feel it seat properly, you can't trust it, and that simple switch has saved me a headache more than once. Anyone else have a small physical check they do before a lift?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_sam3mo ago

That thumb check thing reminds me of always slapping a tape measure shut before putting it away.

the_max2mo ago

That's a good one... reminds me of always giving a ladder a good shake before you climb it. @the_sam's tape measure slap is in the same family of habits. Just a quick physical check that beats trusting your eyes.

rowanellis3mo ago

I always thought a visual check on the truck's tailgate latch was enough. Then I saw one pop open on a bumpy road because some grit was in the mechanism. Now I give it a solid shove with the heel of my hand every single time, no exceptions.