Misuse of a Chain Hoist
A chain hoist is a manual device that helps with heavy duty lifting in the shop, workplace or anywhere else. It’s a great choice for situations where electric or hydraulic options are not available or practical.
Explore CM lever chain hoists for a simple and cost-efficient rigging solution. They’re small, portable and durable.
Hand chain hoists
The most common way a hand chain hoist is misused is by using it to lift too much force, which can strain the hooks and damage equipment or loads. This can also lead to injuries and loss of productivity, and it should never be done without the proper training and safety precautions. Additionally, modifying the equipment or making it do something it isn’t designed to do can also be dangerous and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
These small chain hoists are used for a wide range of applications, including transporting heavy equipment or moving workpieces in manufacturing facilities. They are more portable than other types of hoists and can easily be carried from one location to another. They can be attached to lifting slings and chain bags (link to products) for optimal support, which makes them even more useful.
These lightweight hoists are easy to use and require no electricity to operate. They are also quiet in operation, which makes them a good choice for industrial jobs. They are often used in machine shops, automotive garages, and farms. However, they should not be used to suspend a load over people. The chain sheave is equipped with a weather proof Weston brake, and the gears are powder coated to protect them from contamination and debris. They are also easy to maintain and feature maintenance free lubrication roller bearings.
Lever chain hoists
A lever chain hoist is a manual device that uses internal geared pulleys fitted with chain to move heavy loads. They have a handle and a hook at the top and bottom of the load chain for easy attachment to a supporting structure. These devices can be used in confined spaces and open air environments. They are often preferred over wire rope hoists for a number of reasons, including their affordability and portability.
When a small pulling force is applied to the hand chain, it turns the main cog of the chain block. This cog is secured to a drive shaft, which in turn activates internal gears and applies pressure on the primary sprocket that powers the load chain. A friction plate and ratchet wheel also chain hoist operate at the same time to apply pressure on the primary sprocket, which lifts or lowers the load.
The best lever hoists feature superior construction and components, which help reduce the total cost of ownership. They are made from quality steel and feature durable finishes that resist corrosion and wear. They also have high-quality, Grade 80 heat-treated load chains for reliability and longevity. They come with a load test certificate and a detailed operator’s manual.
When shopping for a lever chain hoist, look for one with a well-known brand reputation and warranty. You should also look for a hoist that is certified by an independent testing laboratory. The certifications will ensure that the hoist is rated for its intended use and meets industry safety standards.
Electric chain hoists
Electric chain hoists are incredibly useful in commercial and industrial environments, allowing for more precise control over load positioning. They use an electric motor to convert electrical power into rotational energy, which is then used to lift or lower the load chain. Compared to manual options, they can be more efficient in terms of speed and offer greater safety features. These features include a brake system that prevents the hoist from operating while under load and a heat-resistant material to protect against changes in temperature.
These devices are typically used in construction and electrical work to lift and maneuver wire spools and other materials. They are also useful in manufacturing settings for assembling and moving heavy parts.
However, these devices do require a specific electrical power source to operate, which can limit their usage in certain settings. Additionally, they can be more expensive than manual hoists and may require specialized training to operate properly.
It’s important to choose an electric chain hoist with the correct load capacity for your operation. This will help ensure that you don’t overwork your equipment or cause damage to its components. Many electric hoists also feature a duty cycle that indicates how chain hoist much time the machine can run without needing to cool down or reset. This information can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
Chain come alongs
A chain come along is a simple mechanical device that uses a geared transmission to lift a load. The operator pulls on one end of a long section of chain, which turns a gear that raises or lowers the other end, which is attached to a hook. These devices are designed to work in multiple industries, including industrial and construction applications. They can be used horizontally, vertically or inverted and are a great choice for pulling tasks that can’t be done with a hand chain hoist.
These hoists are also called ratchet lever hoists or power pullers. They are not rated for overhead lifting and should never be used in a choker hitch, which can cause the chain to bend and potentially damage the hoist or rigging hardware. This can lead to equipment overload, which may result in the loss of your load or injury to you or your team members.
Choosing the right chain come along for your application requires consideration of its capacity and height, as well as its durability. For example, the maximum lift height should be able to accommodate the size of your load. The rated capacity should also exceed your lifting weight or load, as this ensures a safe operation. You should also look for features like overload protection, which will stop the hoist from operating when it’s at or near its capacity.
