Misused Hand Chain Hoist and How to Avoid

Where electricity is impractical or unavailable, where hand chain hoists are a reliable and efficient solution. Hand Chain Hoist is ideal for construction, maintenance and industrial applications.

Hand operated manual chain hoists are one of the most commonly used pieces of lifting equipment, designed to minimize the amount of pulling effort required of the operator, which helps to reduce the amount of strain they experience.

Manual Chain Hoists can provide unmatched durability and reliability but this does not mean that they are indestructible. If proper technique is not used during a lift, a Hand Chain Hoist can be very susceptible to damage.

The most common ways that chain hoists are misused:

• Modifying the Hoist: One way to misuse a hoist is to modify the equipment. Altering the equipment can include popping off the latches on a hoist to make picking up a load easier. Not only is this dangerous, but making any alterations or modifications to a hoist voids the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Twisting the Chain: Twisting the loads or the hooks usually causes the chain itself to twist and become jammed inside in the gears of the hoist. Flipping the hook on a double-parted chain hoist will twist the chain, and therefore, run the chain up into the hoist and jam the chain into the gears, causing many internal issues.
• Pulling the Chain Too Hard: Another misuse is to pull on the chain too hard. Applying too much force on the chain will sometimes cause the chain to come off the sprocket or pull out of the hoist completely. Consequently, pulling too hard can also spread or stretch the chain links themselves, too.
• Running the Chainfall into the Load: It’s also somewhat common to accidentally run the chainfall into the load, which can dent the housing or cause the chain to jam up and run slower. When it comes to hand chain hoists, slow and steady wins the race.
• Twisting the Hoist: When the hoist moves aimlessly it could cause the chain to fall off the sprocket or allow objects nearby to come into contact with the load or hoist even. It is very dangerous to allow the hoist to twist or spin as you are lifting a load.

How to Avoid?

• Only apply the necessary amount of force when pulling.
• Never modify or alter your equipment in any way.
• Always ensure that the operator is aware of the hoist’s capacity or load limit.
• Slowly and steadily pull the hoist to avoid swinging it.
• Be sure to examine the area where you are suspending the load from, to ensure you avoid any obstructions or passers-by.
• Ensure you have your hoists inspected regularly.

Hand Chain Hoists are one of the most cost-effective means of lifting heavy loads. Economical, reliable and versatile, and ideal for low headroom or constricted spaces. They are also more economical than electric lifting products if you only need to lift occasionally. Contact us to learn about more details of chain hoist operation and chain hoist price!