What is a Chain Hoist?

A chain hoist is a mechanical device used for lifting heavy loads of objects and equipment. It is made with a pulley, which is held together by a closed chain. The closed chain in the chain hoist forms a loop, which makes it easy to be pulled by hand.

There are several large and small pulleys located throughout a chain hoist. One large and one small pulley are situated on the same axle of the chain hoist. There is also a mobile pulley on the chain hoist that holds the load in place.

For the load to be raised with the chain hoist, the closed chain has to be pulled. When it is pulled, the large pulley draws in more chain than what is released by the smaller side. From here, the lifting process begins.

Although the history of pulleys is unclear, it is known that primitive methods were employed to move heavy objects around. One of the early attempts at a pulley system was the single fixed pulley, which failed because friction prevented the wheel from being turned. Rope pulleys, which were commonly used for pulling water out of wells and are still in use today, are thought to have been invented next.

Archimedes, a Greek inventor of the early 3rd century BCE, has been credited for inventing a pulley designed to haul ships out of the sea. This was accomplished with a special block and tackle system which is still used today. Such early pulley inventions led to the development of the chain hoist.

There are three types of chain hoists: air, manual, and electric. The manual chain hoist and the air chain hoist are designed with reduction gears, hook pivots, and swivels. Suspended by a top hook, or by a push or geared trolley, these types of chain hoists move objects slowly and carefully while making height adjustments. The attached load is well secured so it can be left fixed without requiring a great deal of supervision.

The electric chain hoist, on the other hand, is generally used for lifting heavy-duty industrial loads. The electric chain hoist allows the user to pull from the side as well as vertically.