When You'll Need Manual Chain Hoists

What is a Manual Chain Hoist, and How Does It Work?

Hoists are a common piece of equipment in many worksites and facilities. They come in a few basic varieties, but the simple, powerful chain block hoist is one of the most versatile and widely used. This type of hoist consists of a sturdy central housing (block) that encloses two joined gears of differing sizes with a ratchet mechanism. A chain is looped around each of these gears so that pulling the thinner hand chain across the larger gear forces movement of the heavy-duty lifting chain on the teeth of the smaller gear. Pulling the handling (or hand) chain in either direction moves the gears, while locking mechanisms prevent the lift chain from moving on its own. This allows very heavy loads to be safely lifted with very little effort by a single operator. 

A sturdy alloy hook (usually with a locking clip) is affixed to the load-bearing chain to lift objects. A second hook is usually affixed to the housing of the hoist, allowing it to be attached to beams, braces, or other overhead anchors. Manual chain hoists are sometimes integrated into a clamp or trolley mechanism for use on girders, but the hook on the housing usually allows the same functionality. 

Applications for Manual Chain Hoists

Portable, lightweight, strong, inexpensive, and versatile, these chain lifting hoists are an indispensable piece of equipment used in a range of tasks by many industries. 

AUTOMOTIVE

Automotive shops frequently use chain blocks to lift and lower engines during repair and modification work. The relatively slow, steady movement of the hoist makes positioning engines without damaging fragile components possible.

CONSTRUCTION

With proper positioning and use, chain hoists can be used to lift building materials and heavy equipment to the upper levels before stairs are constructed and doesn’t have to involve a crane or elevator. Swapping in a longer lift chain can also allow loads to be brought up several stories with ease. 

MANUFACTURING

Placing items onto production lines and lifting them out is made easy with a chain pulley. The portability also means these hoists are useful for lifting and lowering the machinery of the lines for installation and maintenance. 

TRANSPORT

Far more cost-effective than forklifts or cargo cranes, manually operated chain hoists with trolleys can be used to load and unload heavy items from flatbed trucks and other vehicles. Lifting slings and chain bags can be used to increase the ability to lift loads evenly, or for cargo without a convenient place to attach a hook.

MAINTENANCE

Heavy HVAC units and other appliances can be lifted or lowered as they are installed or removed for servicing using a chain hoist. The compact size and light weight of a manual chain hoist makes it easy to use in spaces that would be too small for heavier lifting equipment. 

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Fire and Rescue teams often have portable manual hoists as part of their equipment. Setting up a hoist in seconds and lifting a disabled car or truck out of a hazardous situation where powered equipment can’t safely be used can make a manual chain hoist a literal lifesaver. 

ENTERTAINMENT

The show must go on! The scenery and heavy equipment has to go onstage, too. Lighting elements need to be lifted, and all types of complex rigging and structures may need to be set up and broken down in venues where powered equipment isn’t practical or cost-effective. 

Important Considerations

While lifting loads with them is simple, there are some important points to bear in mind when selecting and using chain hoists, and they may not always be the ideal tool for the job.  

MECHANICAL LIMITS

As useful and versatile as they are, manual chain hoists have certain limitations. Most notably, they can only be used for vertical lifting, not diagonal or horizontal pulling. They’re called “lifting hoists” for a reason. Lever hoists are another form of manual lifting equipment that may be a good fit for pulling or tensioning applications.

Speed of lifting and lowering loads is also sometimes an important consideration. As easy as manual chain hoists make the movement of very heavy items, there is a large amount of hand-chain movement relative to the lift chain work done, and it is not a speedy process. A wire rope hoist can be a useful option for time-crucial tasks.

UPKEEP

Like all equipment used in important and potentially dangerous work, chain hoists require frequent inspection and regular maintenance. The hooks of the hoist in particular must be checked for possible deformation from heavy weights to avoid possible failure. Both hand and lift chains should be regularly inspected to ensure that they are free of debris, dust, grit, and moisture. 

Of course, these maintenance and inspection processes (and the time and costs associated with them) are minimal compared to what’s involved in keeping large, powered lifting equipment in working order, which underscores the value and simplicity of non-powered chain hoists.

Selecting the Right Hoist for Your Needs

To choose the ideal chain hoists for your particular needs, just answer these questions:

• How heavy are the objects I will be lifting? Standard models are available with a Working Load Limit (WLL) of as little as 500 pounds up to 10 tons, and the strongest models include two blocks that combine their lifting power for a WLL of 20 tons. High quality hoists will be tested to hold well above their listed WLL, but you should never intentionally overload a hoist. Select a model that easily accommodates your weight requirements. 

• How high will I be lifting them? Select a chain length that includes some extra length beyond your most common tasks. To minimize the risk of snags and other accidents, avoid using long hoist chains for short lifts or in close spaces. 

• Where will I be using it? If you plan to use your hoist outdoors or in environments where welding, manufacturing, materials handling, or other activities may occur, you will want to make sure all the materials in your hoist (particularly the chains) are resistant to moisture and corrosion.  

• Are there features that will make using my hoist easier and safer? Heavier grade lift chains, and double-pawl ratchet locks all increase the stability of a hoist. Hooks should be designed to swivel as needed for stability of the attachment, and hook latches/locks should include overload indicators to make it clear when they may have been bent by excessive force and require replacement. 

Who is a reliable source for chain hoists? On every important equipment decision, you should partner with a category leader and reliable expert. Tractel offers a full range of hoists suitable for every application, with experts who will work with you to ensure the best solutions for your needs and for your ongoing success. Visit our online catalog, or contact a product specialist to discuss your hoist system needs.