Chain Hoist vs Chain Lever Hoist

[Backlight]

I'm in the market for a chain hoist however I'm unsure of what to buy. Can someone help me with understand the pros and cons of a chain hoist like this one:

To a chain lever hoist like this one:

I understand that with the chain hoist your input is via a chain and with the lever hoist it is via the lever but is this the only real difference (provided both have the same load rating)?

 

[Thegratenate]

You can hang the chain fall (chain operated) from overhead and use it to raise or lower a load the lever hoist lends itself to horizontal loads where you have access to the hoist I don't know of any other differences, its all about access. Also the chain operated one tends to bind if you try to operate it at an angle , so for horizontal and diagonal pulls a lever hoist is more handy

 

[mech-tech]

Lever hoists can be used in any position, plus the lock on the lever can be released in order to free wheel the chain through to speed up rigging time...the other style is vertical use mostly which allows you to work on lower levels and still make the lift safely

 

[mrobins297aaa]

the main advantage of the chain hoist is you don't have to be at the point of hook up to operate it. Its a big deal if the hook up point is say 20' above the floor, with a chain hoist you can get a long pull chain and operate it from the floor, whereas the level operated hoist you'd have to be on a ladder 20' above the floor.

 

[Outlawmws]

For vertical pulls I prefer a chain fall, (chain operated) the operating chain can get in the way; however I use a paint can hung handy to keep it from being in the way.

With the lever operated you have to have the lever in reach, and for some things it can get in the way also when things are tight. It can be used in vertical or horizontal pulls but I have many come-A-Longs for that sort of work and rarely use one for a vertical pull. (since I have several sizes of chain fall, including a cute little 500 pounder)

 

[Backlight]

Thanks all!!

I'm planning to hang from a beam trolley like this:

So it looks like the chain fall unit is the way to go!

 

[mech-tech]

Yes, the pull chain style is what you need. Just make sure to NOT CHEAP OUT!!!!!!!! I have seen the largest harbor freight chain they sell rigged to some smaller quality chains to pull a skid on a trailer cause thats all they had at the time...and the harbor freight chain broke while the smaller chains held up. Just buy decent quality and make sure all rigging and trolley are over rated for your heaviest lift.

 

[HAP]

The pull chain style will work, but it will beat your hands up and potentially damage anything that gets in the way of the chain while you are operating the hoist. Painted surfaces will not fair well...

 

[Outlawmws]

The pull chain style will work, but it will beat your hands up and potentially damage anything that gets in the way of the chain while you are operating the hoist. Painted surfaces will not fair well...

Why would it beat up your hands, and I never had that issue at all; see above for the paint can trick...

 

[bluebolt]

Why would it beat up your hands, and I never had that issue at all; see above for the paint can trick...

The operating chain can get in the way on a phyically large load like a truck bed or cab. I use a chain hoist on both sides and call one of my friends who owes me a favor!

 

[Outlawmws]

The operating chain can get in the way on a phyically large load like a truck bed or cab. I use a chain hoist on both sides and call one of my friends who owes me a favor!

That is what I'm saying; use an S hook and a paint can, and the operating chain does not ever get heat the thing being moved. Same with the tag end if needed.

You can also shorten the operating chain if the chain fall is permanently mounted to a fixed height.

 

[HAP]

Why would it beat up your hands, and I never had that issue at all; see above for the paint can trick...

If you try to control the chain to keep it from banging against things it will make your hands sore...

 

[bluebolt]

That is what I'm saying; use an S hook and a paint can, and the operating chain does not ever get heat the thing being moved. Same with the tag end if needed.

You can also shorten the operating chain if the chain fall is permanently mounted to a fixed height.

I guess I should have said chain fall, my terminology is screwed up. The chain with the load on it is not the problem, its the chain fall that you have a hard time operating when you are several feet from the center of the load.

 

[diggerrick]

I've used both and always liked my great-grandfather's chain fall better than my lever hoist and my cherry picker. I always felt like I had more precise control with the chain fall.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I like the chain fall for vertical lift. After losing my chain fall in a move I acquired a lever hoist and while it works it is awkward to use around big loads. In one instance I had to sit on the load while operating the lever hoist and I didn't like that. Also had to use a ladder on some loads and that ***** too.

Richard

 

[justanengineer]

The "lever hoist" is what is commonly known as a "come-along." Realistically, theyre not great for lifting or any situation where the load isnt dragging bc the lever action tends to make free-swinging loads bob and bounce whereas the chain hoist just smoothly lifts and lowers the load.

Personally, my only other advice would be to not buy cheap lifting devices. Before spending $$$ at Chinese Fright, hit a yard sale or two and buy a used domestic or European hoist. Ive got several including the Yale I was using the other day that were all <$30 in excellent condition.

 

[littletoes]

Funny thing....I own EXACTLY what you show in your pics. I've got a Harrington Chain-Fall 1 ton rating, and a chain lever-hoist (mines bigger than your pic), it's 1 ton too.

For over head hoisting, the chain hoist is the only way to go, but I use the lever-hoist way more. I don't pull engines much any more, but I just had to load my car on a trailer after an accident, and my little chain lever-hoist was the mack-daddy for that.

Where you have to work yer **** off using a cable-hoist, with a chain hoist, you barely have to pull at all.

Win both worlds, buy 'em both!

 

[Thedroid]

I've found it hard to find USA made (Yale, Budgit,CM) chain falls that aren't huge for their capacities and also pricey. For a stationary setup this isn't an issue, but for industrial use the USA models I've used we're just to big and bulky. CM's import line of chain falls are compact, lightweight, and tough. There USA made come alongs are my favorite but also super expensive.

 

[mrobins297aaa]

I remember when i first got in the trade before you used a chain fall you better know which side of the pull chain to pull for up or down, the thought being that some day someones life might depend on the load going up or down if they were pinched between it or under it.........

 

[sk farmer]

the only time the chain hoist will be better is in an overhead lift. the lever hoist is much more versatile. the times i have used the chain hoist i can count on one or two hands. the lever hoist, hundreds.

 

[Outlawmws]

If you try to control the chain to keep it from banging against things it will make your hands sore...

I guess I should have said chain fall, my terminology is screwed up. The chain with the load on it is not the problem, its the chain fall that you have a hard time operating when you are several feet from the center of the load.

Again, I've never had either of these issues unless I was careless, and I can't remember being careless with it after maybe the first or second time I ever use a chain fall, and I can't recall EVER banging my hands up...

Of course if you want the best of both worlds get an electric version, and be done with it. That was where I got one of mine, was from a friend that had gone electric in his shop...

 

[rlitman]

Again, I've never had either of these issues unless I was careless, and I can't remember being careless with it after maybe the first or second time I ever use a chain fall, and I can't recall EVER banging my hands up...



Of course if you want the best of both worlds get an electric version, and be done with it. That was where I got one of mine, was from a friend that had gone electric in his shop...

I've never had an issue either. But switching to a pneumatic one was the best thing I did. Electric is one speed, and starts and stops are herky jerky.

 

[Backlight]

Funny thing....I own EXACTLY what you show in your pics. I've got a Harrington Chain-Fall 1 ton rating, and a chain lever-hoist (mines bigger than your pic), it's 1 ton too.

For over head hoisting, the chain hoist is the only way to go, but I use the lever-hoist way more. I don't pull engines much any more, but I just had to load my car on a trailer after an accident, and my little chain lever-hoist was the mack-daddy for that.

Where you have to work yer **** off using a cable-hoist, with a chain hoist, you barely have to pull at all.

Win both worlds, buy 'em both!

lol, yes, I should buy them both!

I likely will in time but the immediate need is for something to lift heavy loads vertically. I already have a 80's style aircraft cable come along that I can use in the absence of a chain lever-hoist. It's not nearly as good but does the trick for now.

Thanks for the input!

 

[metaldad]

chain falls are made for lifting
come alongs are made for tugging.
as far as coo, they are all made now in the same damn factory in that 3rd world country across the big pond.
we have a string of bad 1t cm's out of the box that were bad a coupla years ago.
i lift heavy items frequently and possess falls from .5t to 3t.
attached is a pic showing (2) 1t lifting part of a compressor. estimated weight is in the 3000# range.

 

[Backlight]

chain falls are made for lifting
come alongs are made for tugging.
as far as coo, they are all made now in the same damn factory in that 3rd world country across the big pond.
we have a string of bad 1t cm's out of the box that were bad a coupla years ago.
i lift heavy items frequently and possess falls from .5t to 3t.
attached is a pic showing (2) 1t lifting part of a compressor. estimated weight is in the 3000# range.

That is a neat snap - out of interest how did you estimate how much compressor weighed?

 

[metaldad]

That is a neat snap - out of interest how did you estimate how much compressor weighed?

there's literature out there with the rigging weights.
that pic was taken long ago.
3g's sounds about right

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I have the 2 ton harbor freight chain fall with their ibeam trolley. It lifted all my toolboxes out of my truck when I bought them home. It lifts the generators and snowblower as well. I am lucky to have the ibeams supporting my upper level of the house where my garage is. This summer I had the top half of a 350 hanging from it when I was finishing a Vette. To me it's a valuable piece of equipment. No I am not afraid of something falling because it is from harbor freight. The hoist is identical to my dads cm and the trolley is steel plate and fully adjustable. Both the hoist and trolley are very heavey for what they. I looked at electric, lever, and chainfall types. For me the price and the ability to see it before I bought it made my decision of where to get it. I like the chainfall because you never have to worry about where the lever will be when you are preparing to lift something.

 

[Backlight]

I have the 2 ton harbor freight chain fall with their ibeam trolley. It lifted all my toolboxes out of my truck when I bought them home. It lifts the generators and snowblower as well. I am lucky to have the ibeams supporting my upper level of the house where my garage is. This summer I had the top half of a 350 hanging from it when I was finishing a Vette. To me it's a valuable piece of equipment. No I am not afraid of something falling because it is from harbor freight. The hoist is identical to my dads cm and the trolley is steel plate and fully adjustable. Both the hoist and trolley are very heavey for what they. I looked at electric, lever, and chainfall types. For me the price and the ability to see it before I bought it made my decision of where to get it. I like the chainfall because you never have to worry about where the lever will be when you are preparing to lift something.

Looks great! I have a beam supporting the second floor as well, it's going to work out nicely!

 

[Provincial]

Looks great! I have a beam supporting the second floor as well, it's going to work out nicely!

Just remember that the I-beam is already loaded from supporting the upper floor. If you have much weight up there, most of the strength of the beam is already being used. If you store your collection of extra engine blocks upstairs, it may be overloaded already!

The local building inspector was called by a little old lady in the 1960's with a concern that her old detached garage seemed to be collapsing. The inspector noticed the rafter ties (which run across the building holding the rafters from moving outward at the bottom when the roof is loaded with snow, etc.) had been decked with boards and crawled up there to investigate. His flashlight revealed a large number of Chevy V-8 engine blocks scattered across the planks. He hastily retreated and told the lady to get her grandsons to clean out the attic at once!

 

[Backlight]

Just remember that the I-beam is already loaded from supporting the upper floor. If you have much weight up there, most of the strength of the beam is already being used. If you store your collection of extra engine blocks upstairs, it may be overloaded already!

The local building inspector was called by a little old lady in the 1960's with a concern that her old detached garage seemed to be collapsing. The inspector noticed the rafter ties (which run across the building holding the rafters from moving outward at the bottom when the roof is loaded with snow, etc.) had been decked with boards and crawled up there to investigate. His flashlight revealed a large number of Chevy V-8 engine blocks scattered across the planks. He hastily retreated and told the lady to get her grandsons to clean out the attic at once!

Yup - agree. Nothing up there at the moment so should have capacity. I don't intend to use the hoist frequently either. Was thinking when I do use it I'll lift as close as possible to either side of the beam. Capacity should be higher at the ends than in the middle.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I forgot to mention the part about load bearing. My I-beams only support a partial load because I also have a column down to the floor in the center of the I-beam. I won't go over 650lbs, but the engineer who who helped with the house gave it 1k lbs max load support on a hoist. Nothing worse than tearing down your structure via chainfall. Any building inspector can also ascertain how much load you can put on a beam. Typically they refer to an engineer, but it is on their dime at that point.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Lever chain hoists ARE made for lifting. They are designed for that, rated for vertical lifts, and commonly used for that. In the airline business, we use three of them to lift jet engines up to the pylons of aircraft. Its called "bootstrapping" and the kits have bolt on attach points for the hoist that attach to the sides of the pylon and lift the engine cradle, with the engine on it, up into place.

Charles

 

[Hogtown]

That I beam looks to be spanning about 16+ feet, so I would be mighty careful with the load I put on it. Also it is hard to stay near the sides... If you back a trailer in with a load you are almost certainly going to be at least 6 feet from a column due to the trailer width.

 

[p_mori7]

I have a very nice lever hoist that my Dad gave me... i like it because I can use it to lift / tug / tension in any position.

I recently used it to hoist my heavy hemlock beam into position in the shop.

 

[2oolhound]

I've always considered comealongs to be portable, you move them to the job, toss them in the back of the truck etc. Chain falls are more permanently located in a shop under a beam although you can use them with a tripod outside.

Backlight, that's a nice setup. You could always laminate a post out of 2x8's and jam it under the beam outside your work area to give it extra strength for those heavy lifts. You'd need a thick pad to place on the floor to spread the load but in a pinch it could make the difference.

 

[Backlight]

That I beam looks to be spanning about 16+ feet, so I would be mighty careful with the load I put on it. Also it is hard to stay near the sides... If you back a trailer in with a load you are almost certainly going to be at least 6 feet from a column due to the trailer width.

32'

 

[Backlight]

I've always considered comealongs to be portable, you move them to the job, toss them in the back of the truck etc. Chain falls are more permanently located in a shop under a beam although you can use them with a tripod outside.

Backlight, that's a nice setup. You could always laminate a post out of 2x8's and jam it under the beam outside your work area to give it extra strength for those heavy lifts. You'd need a thick pad to place on the floor to spread the load but in a pinch it could make the difference.

Thanks 2oolhound! Good idea if I ever need to do a heavy lift. Going to have a 5 - 6" pad, let's hope that's enough.. lol

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Thanks all!!

I'm planning to hang from a beam trolley like this:

So it looks like the chain fall unit is the way to go!

Definitely--and it has the added advantage of a much longer lift length.

 

[BD1]

I like the CM electric chain hoist. If you want to gain a little headroom try this Close Radius one by CM.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SVU9FK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Backlight]

I like the CM electric chain hoist. If you want to gain a little headroom try this Close Radius one by CM.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SVU9FK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That is pretty serious looking!! Thanks for the link..