Manual chain hoist - What - Why - Where - How?

Firstly I'm sure it is sensible to say that a hand chain hoist can often be called various other names, the preferred is chain block, but may be named:- hand chain hoist, block & tackle, manual hoist or manual chain block, they all refer to the same sort of appliance.

So what is a manual chain block ? Simply put, they're a piece of hand operated lifting gear created for lifting, lowering and moving heavy loads at the pull on the chain. Just how do they work? To begin with they're attached via their top hook to an appropriate anchor point, frequently a beam clamp or beam trolley commonly on a jib crane or lifting gantry. Once secure the load is fitted using the bottom hook regularly with the use of a sling of some kind, depending on the kind of load, one side of the chain is then slowly pulled downward on, which consequently sends the chain revolving around a couple of various sized gears within the housing system which raises the gear ratio and thus increasing the lifting power. The brake holds the load securely as and when required. The opposite chain is pulled to lower the load. Overload prevention devices may also be incorporated for additional safety.

Manual chain hoists may have a variety of falls of chain, they all operate in the same way, however the more falls of chain the heavier loads they can pick up but are slower because of the amount of chain to be pulled through the gears. The lower the falls of chain the quicker they pull through.

Manual chain hoists are available in all kinds of designs, with numerous lifting capacities and some come with built-in trolleys to fit straight onto a steel beam. The majority are available with elective extras to aid their versatility; chain buckets/bags allow any extra chain to be held out of the way giving protection to the chain from damage and also to help prevent problems from loose hanging chain.

So what are the benefits of using a manual chain hoist and where are they regularly used; Hand chain hoists permit weighty loads to be lifted with a great deal of precision, they're easy to manoeuvre from one place to another, are cost efficient and particularly valuable where there isn't any electricity supply so an electric hoist can't be used, and also where using electricity might be hazardous. The versatility of the chain block enables it to be applied in lots of areas, regularly in workshops, factories and many industrial areas.

Here are the essential safe use rules that  must always be followed, though there are many more to adhere to, these should be supplied along with your device, contact your supplier if you don't possess these safety guidelines.

Don't: use if any defects crop up or are suspected; walk underneath a suspended load; use to lift persons; exceed the working load limit; alter the chain without authorisation from the supplier or manufacturer. 

DO; examine before each use for defects; load with centre of gravity precisely under the top hook; get it inspected every six months for safety reasons; check that the bottom chain hook will reach the lowest level necessary without the chain running out fully; always pull the chain in a smooth action, do not jerk it.

To encapsulate then a hand chain hoist is very versatile and cost efficient, simple to use, in a wide variety of areas as well as being straightforward to examine and fix if needed. A good piece of lifting gear.