Timber's Term of the Week: Choker

Choker

n

1. A 3/4 to 1-1/2 inch diameter steel wire rope used pull a log to landing. A choker is normally 15 to 35 feet long with a knob at both ends and sliding hook for either knob.
   
   

Synonyms: Steel necktie

The greenhorn in this video (at just over a minute in) is setting chokers:

As with all of logging, the job of choker setter is dirty and dangerous work. Putting the ferrule knob end under the log to attach to an eyed socket requires scrambling around unstable logs, digging out dirt and branches, and putting yourself in hazardous situations.

References:
CDC NIOSH Fatality Assessment – Logger Killed by Swinging Tree in Yarding Operation
Mondofacto dictionary – log choker
Esco choker setting
Washington State Cooperative Extension – Forestry Hand & Power Tools