A manual lifting device that uses a hand chain to turn internal gears and lift a load vertically.
Usually suspended from a beam, tripod, or trolley.
Operated by pulling the hand chain in a loop → load chain moves and lifts the object.
Best for vertical lifting and fixed positions.
A manual lifting and pulling device that uses a ratcheting lever handle instead of a hand chain.
Works in any direction: vertical, horizontal, or at an angle.
Commonly used for tensioning, pulling, positioning, securing loads in addition to lifting.
More compact and portable than chain blocks.
| Feature | Chain Block | Lever Hoist |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Pull hand chain in loop | Pump lever handle |
| Direction | Mainly vertical lifting | Lifting + pulling in any direction |
| Ease of Use | Slower, requires overhead clearance | Faster, more flexible, works in tight spaces |
| Load Capacity | Usually higher (0.5 – 50 ton) | Usually lower (0.25 – 9 ton) |
| Best Use | Workshop, warehouses, vertical hoisting | Field work, rigging, tensioning, pulling cables |
Load Capacity (SWL – Safe Working Load)
Check the maximum load you need to lift/pull.
Add a safety factor (at least 1.25–1.5× the actual load).
Lifting Height / Pulling Distance
Chain blocks: choose load chain length according to lifting height.
Lever hoists: usually shorter lift but flexible for pulling/tensioning.
Work Direction
Vertical lifting only → Chain Block.
Any direction (horizontal/angled pulling) → Lever Hoist.
Portability & Space
Chain block: heavier, fixed.
Lever hoist: lighter, compact, good for field jobs.
Frequency of Use
Chain block: best for repeated lifting in one place.
Lever hoist: best for mobile, occasional, or positioning work.
Environment
Outdoor, field stringing, rigging → Lever Hoist.
Indoor, warehouse, workshop → Chain Block.
Example Choice:
Installing heavy transformers in substation → Chain Block 5 ton, 6 m lift.
Tensioning conductor during line stringing → Lever Hoist 1.5 ton, 1.5 m lift.
A manual lifting device that uses a hand chain to turn internal gears and lift a load vertically.
Usually suspended from a beam, tripod, or trolley.
Operated by pulling the hand chain in a loop → load chain moves and lifts the object.
Best for vertical lifting and fixed positions.
A manual lifting and pulling device that uses a ratcheting lever handle instead of a hand chain.
Works in any direction: vertical, horizontal, or at an angle.
Commonly used for tensioning, pulling, positioning, securing loads in addition to lifting.
More compact and portable than chain blocks.
| Feature | Chain Block | Lever Hoist |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Pull hand chain in loop | Pump lever handle |
| Direction | Mainly vertical lifting | Lifting + pulling in any direction |
| Ease of Use | Slower, requires overhead clearance | Faster, more flexible, works in tight spaces |
| Load Capacity | Usually higher (0.5 – 50 ton) | Usually lower (0.25 – 9 ton) |
| Best Use | Workshop, warehouses, vertical hoisting | Field work, rigging, tensioning, pulling cables |
Load Capacity (SWL – Safe Working Load)
Check the maximum load you need to lift/pull.
Add a safety factor (at least 1.25–1.5× the actual load).
Lifting Height / Pulling Distance
Chain blocks: choose load chain length according to lifting height.
Lever hoists: usually shorter lift but flexible for pulling/tensioning.
Work Direction
Vertical lifting only → Chain Block.
Any direction (horizontal/angled pulling) → Lever Hoist.
Portability & Space
Chain block: heavier, fixed.
Lever hoist: lighter, compact, good for field jobs.
Frequency of Use
Chain block: best for repeated lifting in one place.
Lever hoist: best for mobile, occasional, or positioning work.
Environment
Outdoor, field stringing, rigging → Lever Hoist.
Indoor, warehouse, workshop → Chain Block.
Example Choice:
Installing heavy transformers in substation → Chain Block 5 ton, 6 m lift.
Tensioning conductor during line stringing → Lever Hoist 1.5 ton, 1.5 m lift.
