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What Are the Best Manual and Lever Chain Hoists? Read Our Chain Hoist Reviews!
You’ve read through the guide thus far, so you have seen major factors you should consider when making your choice. The decision as to which brand and model of chain hoist will be best for you lies squarely with you. We’ve provided you with background information that will help you decide. As we begin to review our top five products, look carefully for the features that matter to you and grab the product that presents you with the features and functions you need.
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Our Top Choice
The CM 603 Series Mini Ratchet Lever Chain Hoist is designed for portability and ease of use, with a lightweight design so it can be carried and used with just one hand. The rubber hand grip reduces strain during handling. Looking for a 1 ton chain hoist? The
CM Series 622 hand chain hoist has a lift capacity of Capacity 2,200 Lbs.
CM 603 Series Mini Ratchet 1/2 Ton Lever Chain Hoist — 6-3/8" Lever, 1100lbs Capacity, 10' Lift Height, 1" Opening
Features
CM is a producer of high-quality industrial, manufacturing, and construction equipment. It has developed a strong reputation from over a century of consistently delivering high standards in its products and product lines. Each product is well-known for its durability and longevity, and this has helped it develop a highly loyal customer base.
The CM Mini Ratchet Lever Chain Hoist is not as big as regular chain hoists, but is just as capable. Designed for portability and ease of use, it features a small, lightweight design so it can be carried and used with just one hand. The rubber hand grip on the other hand reduces strain during handling. This product’s features include:
- Standard Plated Load Chain
- Weston-type Load Break
- Rubber Hand Grip for a More Secure and Comfortable Grip
- Portable Design
- Upper and Lower Hooks Forged with Standard Latches
- Steel Frame for Increased Impact Resistance
- Case & Cover for Secure Storage
- Load Chain of Hardened Alloy Steel
- Highly Efficient Freewheeling System
Best Value
The Neiko ¾ Ton Lever Block Chain Hoist is perfect for lifting items and tools in garages, workshops, or industrial plants. This chain hoist and its premium alloy steel chain can lift up to 1,500 pounds five feet off the ground. Do you need a chain hoist with more capacity? Try
Neiko 02182A 1 Ton Chain Hoist. It’s a manual hand chain block with 2 hooks
Neiko ProForge 3/4 Ton Lever Block Chain Hoist - Positive Load Control with Mechanical Brake, Hardened Forged Steel Hooks
Features
Neiko, as a brand, stands for value. It believes that every worker should have easy access to reliable and well-made tools, and so it’s set out to offer quality tools at prices that are affordable. You can hardly go wrong when purchasing a Neiko product—find out for yourself!
The Neiko Lever Block Chain Hoist is a high-quality chain hoist for use in lifting heavy equipment and items. This chain hoist, along with its premium alloy chain, can lift up to 1,500 pounds as high as five feet off the ground. You can also change direction of the lift quickly, using its up and down toggle switch. This product’s features include:
- Rubberized Non-slip Grip
- Hand-operated Cranking Lever
- Mechanical Load Brake
- Chain Made from Heat-treated Alloy Steel
- Hook Made from Hardened and Heat-treated Steel
- Swivel Hook that has a Safety Latch
- Heat-forged Steel Gear
- Cold Rolled Steel Cover
- 1,500-pound Lifting Capacity
- Chain Length of 5 Feet
- Two Chain Fall Lines
The Harrington Mini Hand Chain Hoist with Hook Mount is designed with a weight limiter and a Weston-style friction disk break to provide security during use. It’s also great for tight spots! If you need a chain hoist with a much greater carrying capacity, try the
Harrington LB Series Steel Lever Hoist, which has a 10.4-inch lever and 2-ton capacity.
Harrington CX003 Mini Hand 1/4 Ton Chain Hoist with Hook Mount — 10' Lift, 8.5" Headroom, 0.8" Hook Opening
Features
Harrington specializes in the production of a wide variety of hoists and cranes, each with its own industrial application. Every Harrington product is the result of highly innovative designs from one of the industry’s leading companies. By choosing this brand, you’re also opting for quality products that are tried and true.
The Harrington Mini Hand Chain Hoist boasts a highly efficient design in a compact package. This chain hoist was designed to work well with light loads in tight or difficult-to-reach places. It also possesses features such as a weight limiter and a Weston-style friction disk break to provide security during use. This product’s features include:
- Steel Frame with an Aluminum Body
- Portable Design for Easy Storage and Movement
- Manual Operation
- Operated with Minimal Pulling Force
- Load Limiter for Preventing Lift Operation with Exceeded Carrying Capacity
- Metal Chain Guide Provides a Smooth Operation
- Strong Hook Latches with Safety Tip
- Chain is Grade 100 & Nickel-plated to Resist Wear and Corrosion
- Wear-resistant, Stainless-steel Hand Chain
- Compliance with ASME B30.16 Regulations
The Roughneck Manual Lever Chain Hoist has a convenient setup that enables it to be operated with ease using just one hand. Its lightweight design and durable frame lets it lift lighter loads reliably in tight corners. Need a similar chain hoist with more longer chain? Get the
Roughneck 3 Ton Manual Chain Hoist with 10 foot chain.
Roughneck Manual Lever 3 Ton Chain Hoist — Rugged Steel Frame, Compact Design, 5’ Grade 80 Load Chain Hardened for Strength and Durability
Features
Roughneck designs and produces a wide range of products for an even wider customer base. Its products range from equipment such as diaphragm pumps, hydraulic dollies, chain hoists, foam guns, recycle bins, tarps, and even apparel. You’re sure to find something that will fit right into your workshop among its range of products.
The Roughneck Manual Lever Chain Hoist is a compact, high-quality hoist for lifting lighter loads. It has a convenient setup that enables it to be operated with ease using just one hand. Its lightweight design and durable frame lets it work reliably in tight corners without risks to the load or the operator. This product’s features include:
- A 59-inch Lift Chain
- 6.15-inch Lever Handle
- A Free-spooling Design
- Friction Braking System for Fast Adjustments
- Sturdy Steel Construction
- 3 Ton Capacity
- 5-foot Lift
- Requires Just 12 inches of Head Room
- Bag for Storage and Movement
The Black Bull 2 Ton Capacity Chain Hoist with 8 Foot Lift is a high-efficiency chain hoist that can securely lift loads of up to 2 tons. It can lift these loads as high as 8 feet off the floor, and does this safely and with ease. Need to lift even more? The heavy duty
Black Bull CHOI1 8 Foot Chain Hoist can handle up to 3 tons (6,000 pounds).
Black Bull CHOI2 2 Ton Capacity Chain Hoist with 8 Foot Lift — Heavy Duty Construction, Use in the Shop or as an Engine Hoist
Features
Black Bull is an American provider of quality shop and DIY auto repair tools and accessories. It uses only the best of materials for its products. This ensures that when you choose Black Bull, you won’t be let down by its high-quality and affordable offerings.
The Black Bull 2 Ton Chain Hoist is the perfect chain hoist for manual tradesmen in all industries regularly involved with heavy loads. This high-efficiency chain hoist is able to securely lift up to 2 tons, lifting it as high as 8 feet in the air, and does this safely and with ease. This product’s features include:
- 8-foot Lift Height
- 4000-pound Capacity
- Chain of ¼-inch Hardened Steel
- Mechanical Load Brake
- Suitable for Heavy-duty Use
- Easy to Assemble and Use
- Weighs 25 Pounds
Best Chain Hoist Buying Guide — How to Decide Which Type Is Right for You and What to Look for in a Manual Chain Hoist
Many years ago, in a small village in Africa, a group of warriors with too much free time on their hands decided that since there was no war going on (where they could showcase their strength), they had to find something that would keep the knowledge of their strength and fighting prowess alive in the hearts of the villagers, especially the maidens. After spending much time thinking of an act of pure strength they could perform, a smart warrior came up with a “smart” idea which they all gleefully accepted.
Keep your seats, we’ll tell you the great plan. Close to the village, there was a mighty Iroko tree that was a major landmark. It had been there since anyone could remember. Their big plan was to cut it down and catch it with their bare hands as it fell. Well, this story was passed down to the next generation by the weak warriors who claimed illness or other such excuses, and so could not participate in this show of strength. Just in case you don’t understand what happened, they all died. The on-rushing trunk of the tree crashed into their outstretched hands, crushing both hands and men into the ground beneath. The morale of the story in the words of Kenny Rogers is, “you don’t have to fight to be a man.”
Fast-forward to today. There may still be some folks who feel the need to show off their strength by lifting heavy stuff like car engines and the like. Well, good for them. With a chain hoist, you can lift massive loads without breaking a sweat. For those who aren’t keen on showing off their strength this way but want smart ways to lift heavy loads and get their jobs done without stress, this guide is for you.
As with all tools, whether it’s a specialized one like an MIG welder or a simple and general one like a ratchet, there are specifications that need to be considered before making a choice. We will, in this guide, show you how to pick out the right chain hoist for you by considering these factors.
Video: How Does a Chain Hoist Work?
How to Use a Chain Hoist for Beginners. | Courtesy of Crazy Builders
Price
Price is certainly a major factor to be considered when choosing a chain hoist. A chain hoist can cost hundreds of dollars. Factors that can affect its price include the material used, the length of the chain, and the quality of the build, among other factors.
From our research, we found that you can actually get a good chain hoist for between $35 and $300. These may not have all the bells and whistles of the expensive models, but you can be sure they’re of good quality and can get the job done in most situations. This price range at least puts it within the reach of most people. Be sure, however, to watch out for cheap hoist chains. Sometimes if the price is too good to be true, it is.
Look at our price range, consider your budget, and pick the product that works best for you. Remember, to get more features, you’ll need to pay more.
Features
There are a number of factors that must be considered if one is to choose a chain hoist that will serve the required purpose perfectly. To help you choose correctly, we shall list and discuss some of these important factors here.
Some of the factors to seriously consider include:
- Capacity
- Lift
- Material
- Load Brake
- Safety Issues
Let’s see how these affect our choice.
Construction and Design
A chain hoist helps lift or lower loads. This means that one important factor to consider is the weight capacity of the hoist. On average, many chain hoists have a lift capacity of between 500 pounds and over 4000 pounds. It is therefore vital that you choose a hoist that has the capacity to consistently lift the kind of weight you’ll be dealing with.
After determining the weight capacity that’s right for you, you’ll need to consider the lift height that will suit your work and environment. The lift height simply refers to how high the chain hoist can lift the load. The two factors to consider will be where the chain hoist is fixed and where the load to be lifted is (or where it is to be dropped). If you don’t get a chain hoist with the right length of chain, you’ll have to get a new set of chains, which can cost you some good money.
Lifting these heavy weights certainly puts a strain on the equipment. This brings us to the issue of the material the hoist is made from. The chain hoist is broken into three distinct parts: the lifting chain, the mechanism, and lastly the hook. All of these play important roles and must be made of tough materials to ensure safety and durability.
Most chain hoists are made of steel, though some are made of aluminum. If you’ll be lifting massive weights, then you will be better off with steel. In fact, look for those made with heat-treated steel for added strength.
Another thing to consider is the type of load brake it has. The load brake is important as it makes your operation safer. Most people prefer chain hoists with the Weston-style load brakes over the mechanical- or friction-based types. If you can, go for those with Weston-style load brakes.
Video: Chain Hoists - How Should You Use Chain Hoists?
Learn How to Operate a Chain Hoist. | Courtesy of Marine Online
Performance and Ease of Use
The capacity of your chain hoist cannot be over-emphasized. Never exceed the weight capacity of your chain hoist. In fact, it’s better to get one that has a much higher capacity than you will ever need. That way, you’ll never be in danger of exceeding its weight limit. An accidental dropping of heavy loads can cause serious injuries and even death.
Confirm that the chain hoist you’re buying has met the safety requirements of the regulatory bodies. A certification will be issued for this. Additionally, always check the chains of your hoist to ensure the links are still intact. Once you begin to notice some wear and tear, fix it if you can, or change the chain.
Get the Best Chain Hoist of 2020!
Wow! You’ve finally come to the end of this guide and review. We do hope you found it informative. Hopefully you now know exactly what you need and can easily pick out the chain hoist that’s built for you. Without wasting any more time, go right ahead and place your order. But on the other hand, if you need more options, go ahead and check out what else these brands have on offer.
Our Top Choice
CM Mini Ratchet Lever Chain Hoist
Best Value
Neiko ProForge Lever Block Chain Hoist
Harrington Mini Hand Chain Hoist
Roughneck Heavy Load Lever Chain Hoist
Black Bull 2 Ton Heavy Duty Chain Hoist
Chain Hoist FAQs
How does a chain hoist work?
A chain hoist works by hand operation, involving an individual pulling down a chain loop on either end of the chain. That action triggers the built-in pulley mechanism, lifting the hooked end of the chain. With that action, the chain hoist can raise your vehicle or other heavy objects. Read our review to find a variety of chain hoists for your needs.
How to use a chain hoist?
To use a chain hoist, start by attaching a hook so that the hoist mechanism connects to the support system. After moving the chain hoist below its connection hook, pull the hook above to have it in a hanging position. Position the load to hoist under the mechanism, ensuring it straightens out – you don’t want to strain while lifting it. After wrapping the load with the lower chains, have it entirely secured by getting rid of the slack. That improves efficiency when it comes to lifting the load. All that remains is for you to pull the chain hoist in your direction and to keep doing it until you lift the load.
How to install a chain hoist in your garage?
You can install a chain hoist in your garage using 2x4 joist beams (not trusses). You will also need ½-inch galvanized steel pipes, two 1½-inch floor flange, two 1 1/2 –inch tee, four 2x4x96-inch studs, two plywood, four 3/8-inch eye bolts, four 48-inch long 3/8-chain, eight 3/8-inch quick links, two 7/16-inch quick links, 12 3/8-inch x 2 ½-inch bolts with nuts and washers, and screws. Determine the right measurements, install the H-frame, followed by the motor, and finish off with the platform.
