Which of the following should never be added to a hoist to attempt to lift more load?

The correct answer is that any of these should never be added to a hoist to attempt to lift more load. The reasoning behind this is rooted in safety and equipment integrity.

Using additional weights, like those mentioned, can lead to dangerous situations. It could cause the hoist to become overloaded, which risks its failure and may lead to dropped loads, injury to workers, or even catastrophic equipment failure. This is because hoists are specifically designed with a maximum load limit, and exceeding that limit compromises their safety features.

Moreover, adding multiple chains or extra straps to lift more load can create an imbalance and may not distribute the load evenly. This can further increase the likelihood of mechanical failure or cause the load to sway unpredictably, leading to dangerous situations.

In essence, the integrity and safety of the hoisting system depend on adhering to the manufacturer's specifications regarding load limits and proper equipment usage. Therefore, trying to enhance the lifting capacity in any form is not advised and can have serious repercussions.