What Is a Ceiling Winch?

A ceiling winch is a type of hoist that is typically mounted on a track which is affixed to the ceiling. The part is also known as a ceiling mounted hoist. It is used with a pulley to lower and raise heavy, large, or immobile things such as sports equipment or patients with mobility issues. A winch may be used to help move an item up and down from air-suspended storage or to move it from one place to the next. Typical ceiling winches are raised and lowered via a manually-operated or power crank.

The durability and strength of a ceiling winch can vary widely, depending on what it will be used to lift. It can be made to handle anything from hundreds to several thousands of pounds. Many winches are made of heavy duty steel. A variety of finishes can be used to coat the metal, including enamel, epoxy, chrome, and zinc.

How a ceiling winch is constructed also depends on the weight of an item, which is measured by load capacity, and how far it will need to be moved, known as pulling capacity. The size of spool for the hoisting cable can vary widely and is one of the most prominent features of most winches. Its construction depends on both the length and thickness of the cable to be used.

When used in a medical facility, a ceiling winch can assist with moving a patient in several ways. The winch can help to hoist a hammock-style sling in which the patient can be moved from bed. It can also be used to lower individuals into or onto things such as bathtubs, toilets, and exam tables. A winch and pulley may also be used to keep patients erect as they attempt to walk during physical therapy.

Ceiling winches can also be used to lift a wide array of equipment up against a wall or ceiling in order to maximize storage space. This usage is common in garages, basements, and other storage facilities. It can be used for sports equipment, most commonly long boats and bicycles. A winch may also be used to hoist relatively light, but cumbersome items such as truck canopies. Ceiling winches may also be used to pull other items out of the way for long term storage, such as building parts, pieces of equipment, or tools that are not frequently used.