What to Look for When Buying Lever Hoists

Lever Hoist Basics: Form & Function

In this article, we will review some important lever chain hoist fundamentals, and note some of the features and options you should consider when choosing the right components to create a lever hoist system that’s right for your needs.

What is a lever hoist, how does it work, and what makes it different from other chain hoists? It’s a portable, manually operated device consisting of a handle (lever) attached to a central casing that houses the mechanism of gears and latches which hold and support a weight-bearing chain, pulling it through in either direction or locked in place. A lever chain hoist typically has two strong steel hooks: one on its housing to allow the hoist to be secured in place on a bar, beam, or other suitable anchor, and another hook on the chain to attach it to the object being hoisted. At the non-hook end of the chain is typically a strong handle to aid in the positioning of the chain and to keep the chain from slipping completely through the hoist housing.

The hoist gear mechanism can be set to pull its chain in either direction (up or down), as well as in a “neutral setting” which allows for adjusting chain position when no load or tension is present and which holds the chain stationary when any load or tension is applied. By setting the direction of the hoist and cranking the handle, an operator can easily lift, lower, or pull a load, and also suspend it in place. Lever hoists can also be used for the tensioning of lines, straps, and other objects. 

Why Choose a Lever Hoist?

Unlike other hoisting equipment such as chain blocks and chain hoists (which can only be used vertically), lever hoists can be used in any direction as long as the force is applied in a straight line between the anchor and chain hooks, including horizontally and diagonally. The portability and compact size of lever chain hoists also give them an important advantage over larger lifting machinery: they can be quickly deployed to locations that heavy machinery can’t reach and easily used in confined spaces where big machines can’t fit. A lever hoist system can even include multiple hoists positioned at different angles to lift or lower a large or irregularly shaped object, or to apply tension in more than one direction.

Which Lever Hoist is Right for Your Needs?

Lever hoist systems are used to tension elevator cables, lift engines in automotive facilities, position heavy pipes for fitting, and a wide range of other applications. With all these uses, the essential simplicity and versatility of their design makes selecting the hoists that your workspace, jobsite, or crew may require a fairly straightforward process. To identify the lever chain hoist model you need, there are some simple questions you need to answer.

What will you be hoisting? 

More specifically, how much force will be required? Lever hoist models are primarily differentiated by their Working Load Limit (“WLL”), which can range from as low as 500 pounds for smaller models that can be carried on a worker’s tool belt up to models capable of lifting several tons. Calculate the maximum weight for lifting (or force for tensioning) you may require, and choose a hoist model whose WLL exceeds that amount. Be sure to include the weight of any rigging or other support equipment, and check all relevant OSHA, AMSE, and other regulations and standards that may apply to your industry. 

How far will you need to lift/pull it?

Each WLL-based model of lever hoist is typically available in a range of chain lengths to accommodate the lifting, lowering, pulling, and tensioning distance your application will require. Top manufacturers will offer a range from as short as 5 feet to as long as 40 feet (with custom lengths available). You should allow for some degree of extra length beyond your most common usage needs for potential irregularities, but avoid using long-chained hoists for short lifts or in tight quarters. This will help minimize potential snags, tangles, and chain-related accidents. 

Which important features should you look for?

All lever hoists are similar, but there are some key features and components in superior hoists that can make a big difference. The entire hoist housing, handle, hooks, and chain should be constructed of steel or steel alloy to ensure maximum strength and reliability. To avoid accidentally overloading the hoist, WLL numbers should be clearly indicated (along with item serial number for maximum traceability) on the central housing of the hoist as well as on the hooks.

Chains should use a corrosion–and wear–resistant material or coating that eliminates the need for oiling. Oil can bring grit and debris into the gear mechanism, reducing the lifespan of the hoist and potentially causing failure.

Hooks should be swivel-mounted for flexibility and stability of positioning, and they should include latches to avoid unintentional release. Superior hook latches are constructed to serve as indicators that show if the hook has been previously overloaded or deformed so that you can replace the hook and inspect the hoist immediately. 

The housing should easily open to allow access to the gear mechanism. Lever chain hoists require regular inspection, and their gears and chains should be cleaned routinely. 

Handle length is also sometimes an important consideration. Longer handles allow force to more quickly and easily be applied in working the hoist. However, large amounts of manual force are not normally required to operate a lever hoist, and shorter handles may be more convenient for use in confined spaces.

Choose a Hoist You Can Trust

Selecting the right hoists is also a matter of trust. As with all your industrial work and safety concerns, you should partner with a category leader and reliable expert to help make your selection, to provide the highest quality products, and to support your continued success. Click here to view the full range of lever chain hoist products offered by Tractel - suitable for every application.  

Still unsure of exactly which lever hoist is right for you? 

Contact one of our product specialists today!