Hello there. I'm new to this forum but found it doing a search trying to research my vintage Wright 1/2 ton hoist. I recently acquired this hoist, and it seems in nice working order. But a cannot figure how to release the arm that locks the the gear / wheel that the lifting chain turns on. I'm sorry I may not use the correct terminology but I'm not real educated on chain hoists. I'm including a couple of photos, two where you can see the locking arm that has an open hole in it. Can anyone tell me what I am missing here? Thanks so much for the help!
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Vintage Wright 1/2 ton hoist issues
- Thread starter Nazryt
- Start date
Hello, Nazryt,
The part you reference is called a 'pawl', and its function is to hold the ratchet disc, which, with the chainwheel and the brake disc, forms the brake assembly which holds the load. The hole in the pawl is an oil hole for lubricating the pawl, so that it will not 'stick' on the pin which holds it.
Since there are really obvious safety considerations with any sort of overhead lifting equipment, I would strongly suggest that you have the chain fall completely apart, carefully clean (solvent and fine-bristle wire-wheel, not electrolysis) all its parts, then very carefully inspect for any cracks or other signs of damage or abuse.
A chain fall is a simple device, so disassembly, cleaning, and re-assembly will be obvious, but it can't hurt to take photos or make sketches as it comes apart. Clean and re-grease the load shaft bearings, and use some 'sticky gear lube' on the gears.
Clean the leather brake disc carefully. I would just scrape the build-up of grime from the surface of the leather, instead of risking the use of any solvent which could attack the leather.
If you know anyone who has a deburring or finishing tumbler, getting the hand and load chains tumble-cleaned will make them feel 'as new'.
added on edit... I've 'serviced' or 're-conditioned', i.e. just clean, inspect, and re-lubricate, a few of this older type of chain fall, one time and another. It really is a quick, simple, and easy project.
cheers
Carla
The part you reference is called a 'pawl', and its function is to hold the ratchet disc, which, with the chainwheel and the brake disc, forms the brake assembly which holds the load. The hole in the pawl is an oil hole for lubricating the pawl, so that it will not 'stick' on the pin which holds it.
Since there are really obvious safety considerations with any sort of overhead lifting equipment, I would strongly suggest that you have the chain fall completely apart, carefully clean (solvent and fine-bristle wire-wheel, not electrolysis) all its parts, then very carefully inspect for any cracks or other signs of damage or abuse.
A chain fall is a simple device, so disassembly, cleaning, and re-assembly will be obvious, but it can't hurt to take photos or make sketches as it comes apart. Clean and re-grease the load shaft bearings, and use some 'sticky gear lube' on the gears.
Clean the leather brake disc carefully. I would just scrape the build-up of grime from the surface of the leather, instead of risking the use of any solvent which could attack the leather.
If you know anyone who has a deburring or finishing tumbler, getting the hand and load chains tumble-cleaned will make them feel 'as new'.
added on edit... I've 'serviced' or 're-conditioned', i.e. just clean, inspect, and re-lubricate, a few of this older type of chain fall, one time and another. It really is a quick, simple, and easy project.
cheers
Carla
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