What is a Lever Hoist and How to Use it ?
What is a Lever Hoist?
A lever hoist, also known as a lever block or a ratchet lever hoist, is a type of mechanical lifting device that is used to lift and move heavy loads. It is typically used in situations where a manual lifting device is needed and where electric or hydraulic options are not available or practical.
A lever hoist consists of a lever handle that is used to operate a ratchet and pawl mechanism, which allows the hoist to lift and lower loads with precision and control. The lever handle is attached to a chain or wire rope that is wound around a drum inside the hoist body. When the lever is pulled, the ratchet and pawl mechanism engages, allowing the drum to rotate and the chain or wire rope to be lifted or lowered.
Lever hoists are commonly used in construction, manufacturing, mining, and other industries where heavy loads need to be lifted and moved. They are designed to be compact, durable, and easy to use, and can be operated by one person. They come in a range of sizes and lifting capacities, so it's important to choose the right hoist for the job based on the weight of the load that needs to be lifted.
How to Use a Lever Hoist?
Instead of pulling a chain, this mechanical device has a lever that can be cranked up and down to move an object. By switching the pawl rod lever, you can easily change the operation direction, i.e. to raise/lower the object (See details below).
Unlike hand hoists, lever hoists, especially small devices, can be operated using just one hand. Speed is not a characteristic of the mechanical device.
To raise the load: Turn pawl rod lever to the lifting position (↑) and operate the lever with a pumping action.
To lower the load: Turn pawl rod lever to the lowering position (↓) and operate the lever with a pumping action.
To adjust the chain length: Turn pawl rod lever to the neutral position (central). The chain can now be pulled in both directions and the bottom hook will be quickly brought to the required position.
To suspend a lever chain hoist, the top hook of the hoist can be attached to a shackle, beam clamp, push trolley or other secure supports. To secure a load, the bottom hook can be attached to an object directly if the load has an appropriate fitting or via lifting slings with a shackle. If it is for pulling or tensioning, the top and bottom hooks are usually secured to the objects via lifting slings.