A chain hoist is a mechanical device used for lifting and lowering heavy loads with the help of a chain. It makes it possible for a single operator to lift and position heavy loads without requiring a large crew. This reduces the amount of manpower needed and minimizes the risk of injury from manual lifting. It consists of a pulley system that multiplies force, making it easier to lift heavy objects. Chain hoists are often used in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and other industries where heavy lifting is required.

Key components of a chain hoist include:

Load Chain: The chain that directly lifts or lowers the load.

Hand Chain: The chain that is pulled by the operator to raise or lower the load.

Gear Mechanism: Transfers the motion of the hand chain to the load chain.

Lifting Hook: The hook attached to the load for lifting.

Housing: Contains the internal mechanisms.

Type of chain hoist:

Welded Link Chain

  This is a robust type of chain where individual links are welded closed. It is used in manual and electric chain hoists for heavy-duty lifting. It has advantage of strong and durable, suitable for handling heavy loads.

      Load Chain

A specific type of welded link chain designed for use in lifting and hoisting equipment. It is common in chain hoists (both manual and powered). It has advantage of high tensile strength, designed to handle heavy loads repeatedly.

Alloy Steel Chain

Made from alloy steel, known for its high strength and durability. It is usually used in heavy-duty lifting applications, including hoists, slings, and rigging. It is resistant to wear, corrosion, and high-stress applications.

Roller Chain

    A type of chain made of small rollers, typically used in more complex machinery. Less common in hoisting but used in certain lifting equipment and conveyor systems. It has the advantage of smooth operation and can handle high speeds.

Hand Chain

A chain that operators pull to manually operate a chain hoist. Usually used in manual hoists for lighter lifting tasks. It has the advantage of lightweight, easy to use, and doesn't require power.

G80 and G100 Chain

G80 Chain: This is a grade 80 alloy steel chain, commonly used for lifting, rigging, and load-bearing purposes.

G100 Chain: A grade 100 alloy steel chain, offering even greater strength than G80.Used in electric hoists, manual hoists, and for rigging. Its advantage includes high strength, resistant to deformation, and typically used for very heavy lifting tasks.

Stainless Steel Chain

Made from stainless steel, known for its resistance to corrosion. Suitable for environments with high moisture or chemical exposure (e.g., marine or food processing industries). It has the advantage of corrosion-resistant, durable, and requires low maintenance.

The function of chain hoist 

Lifting and Lowering: The chain hoist is responsible for lifting or lowering heavy objects by transferring mechanical energy from the hoist mechanism to the load. Then the chain is pulled (manually or by an electric motor), the links move through the hoist’s pulley system or sprockets, lifting the attached load. The chain allows for controlled and precise raising or lowering, ensuring accurate positioning of the load.    

Load Bearing: The chain hoist bears the entire weight of the load being lifted. It is designed to withstand extreme tension and stress during operation without breaking or deforming. Made from high-strength materials like alloy steel, hoist chains can handle very heavy loads, often several tons.

Transferring Force: The hoist chain works with the pulley system or gearing of the hoist to multiply the applied force, making it possible to lift heavy loads with minimal effort. By distributing the weight across the chain links and sprockets, the chain reduces the force needed by the operator or motor.

Adjusting Load Position: The chain hoist enables the operator to control the vertical movement of the load, whether it’s being raised, lowered, or held in position. A properly maintained hoist chain ensures smooth lifting and lowering without jerks, preventing damage to the load or the hoist Itself.

Safety Mechanism: In case of a malfunction or overload, a well-maintained hoist chain, combined with safety mechanisms like braking systems or overload limiters, helps prevent the load from free-falling, ensuring the safety of both the load and workers. Hoist chains are designed to be highly durable and resistant to wear, corrosion, and deformation, ensuring long-term safety and reliability.

Accommodating Different Load Sizes: Depending on the length and strength of the chain, a hoist chain can accommodate loads of various sizes and weights. Longer chains are often used for higher lifts, while shorter chains are used for low-height application. Chains can be customized to specific lifting heights and capacities, making them adaptable to different hoist models and lifting requirements.

Maintaining Balance and Stability: The chain helps in evenly distributing the load's weight, especially in multi-chain or dual-hook hoist setups. This helps maintain stability, preventing the load from swinging or tipping during lifting. For larger or more awkwardly shaped loads, the chain ensures that the weight is balanced, reducing the risk of accidents.

Allowing for Compact Hoist Design: The chain’s compact structure allows hoists to be designed smaller and more portable than other lifting systems like hydraulic lifts, making them ideal for confined spaces.

In short, the purpose of a hoist chain is to safely and efficiently lift, lower, and position heavy loads in a controlled manner. It provides mechanical advantage, reduces the need for excessive manpower, and ensures load stability, making it an essential tool in industrial and commercial lifting operations. Their versatility, affordability, and ease of use make them indispensable tools in settings where heavy lifting is required. If you are looking for hoist chain but still hesitate to choose the best one. TOPONE® can exactly solve your problem, we not only have advantage in products but also in price. We provide different type chains that are suitable for chain hoist of different size such as grade80 grade 100 chains and so on. At TOPONE®, you may find different kinds of chain product that you may need. We are always waiting for your enquiry. We promise to provide you with quality service and quality products.