Thoughts on Lever Chain Hoists?

[dr_clyde]

I am working on some large boxy weldments. They need a little tweaking and pulling now and then, and I got sick of using a cable hoist. I went to the chinese buffet and got a cheap HF one to get me by. The ratcheting chain hoist is far faster than the cable pullers I was using, but I still don't love using HF lifting equipment for anything that matters.

I'd like to get one or two quality ones. Who makes a good one? I assume CM hoist and other main hoist makers sell a decent one, but I've never used one myself.

Yes I realize a good one is an order of magnitude more expensive.

Thoughts and experiences?

 

[trackwelder]

We used to get Ingersoll Rand chain hoists and they where real high quality as of a few years ago. Lately any new hoists have been Harrington.

 

[txvwnut]

I had a Coffing brand at the day job it was nice worked smoothly but I forgot to break its knee caps and it walked off.

 

[RustyJunk]

The C&M 640 series was always my favorite because the aluminum housing made them lighter and they didn't jamb up like some others would. Their expensive new but I've seen them pretty cheap on eBay, the cheap imported junk has driven the prices way down on quality used tools.

 

[shawhite]

CM/Coffing hoist are great hoist I own several. We use a lot of chance hoist and reliable hoist at work even have a few jet hoist floating around. All do their basic function as will the HF. It would depend on what I’m doing and how it could affect my safety as to which hoist I would use in what situation. Disc style drive systems usually have a gear reduction built in which make it easier to take up and usually have a lot shorter handles which maybe a plus in your situation. . The ratchet and double paw system usually has a more positive feed back in the handle which makes it harder to take up and usually have longer handles but are the safest hoist out.

 

[crguy]

The CM hoists are the best IMO. Used lots of different ones over the years as a millwright. They are expensive new, but you can find good used ones very reasonably priced.

 

[sberry]

I have used many of them thru the years, most of the brand ones are good. I got a jet type thing in a 3/4 which is good and a 3T CM which I don't like as well. I actually really wore out an IR which I really liked but parts are a problem and cost so much to fix that replacement is way better. I actually use a wire one, more than the rest, a 4t is a different animal than a cheap 2t. They are all made in different grades but the 4 without the block is nice and so much stronger than a small one that a guy doesn't bend it up.
Seems I might have bought the 3/4 from HF, its brand and came with papers for about 200 at the time. Its compact, it works well.

 

[plinker]

As said above, CM or Coffing for anything serious.

I did buy a mini 1/2 ton Jet (which is likely a generic piece), for doing a few things, decent quality for what it is.

 

[metaldad]

all made in china these days, except harrington, a fine old japanese name.
i usually buy cm hurricane chain falls, much better mechanism than cm cyclones.
https://www.cmworks.com/Hoists/ManualHoists/HandChainHoists/Hurricane360/Hook-MountedHandChainHoist
and come-a-longs, i like the long handle cm ones. (surprised to see 'made in USA')
https://www.cmworks.com/Hoists/ManualHoists/LeverHoists/Puller/LeverHoist

 

[racerex]

Another vote for CM.....that’s all my father used at his commercial/industrial mechanical contracting business. All of his hoists were total overkill for my needs. I currently have an older Milwaukee 1T chain hoist hanging from my gantry crane, which is more than enough for pulling an engine, lifting a C3 Corvette body off the frame, etc. My father still has a few CM’s at his shop, if I ever have to lift something stupid heavy.

 

[shawhite]

Look at reliable hoist we use them daily as a lineman. They see more abuse then they would ever see at a home shop. They are worth a look and made in the USA.


http://www.reliable-equip.com/pg105rel.html

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I just bought the little 1/2 ton Harrington for a future project. Haven't used it yet, appears to be premo quality. Super compact. I believe I paid $160 NIB on ebay.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044WW620/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[readhead]

CM and Harrington here. I used to have a lot of them for squaring up buildings when we erected steel. Also used them for stretching safety cables.

 

[scooby074]

CM

Kito. Their compact lightweight models are awesome. Aluminum body. Steel bodies available too. Made in Japan, very high quality and worth a look. http://www.kito.ca/manual-hoists-and-trolleys/lx

Edit: Heh. Looks like the Kito owns Harrington and sells them under that brand in the US (havent seen the Harrington brand in use here but it may be).

 

[Dingleburry]

My best friend.

Japanese made. Also comes in a .25t
The size and weight are what makes it an amazing tool. Chain is 5 ft. I think
Stays hanging on my tool box at all times.
Thats a 500ml coke bottle
Hooks are a bit stretched. They are not like that new...
And im positive harrington and kito are the exact same thing.

 

[sberry]

It obviously depends on intent but for a general 1st a 3/4 compact is my pick in chain. It's obvious if a guy needs 3 but this sounds speculative anyway.
Some light rigging would be a good move for the dr.

 

[xela456]

harrington in any size. they are the snapon of chain hoists. and worth every penny.

 

[shawhite]

harrington in any size. they are the snapon of chain hoists. and worth every penny.

I would say CM/coffing is the snap-on of chain hoist. Can’t trust Harrington for the simple fact I have never seen one that does not use the clutch brake system to hold the load. Sorry I have seen way too many of this style slip. I will stick to ratchet and double paw hoist (chance, coffing ra30, ratcliff/reliable).