A lever hoist, also known as a lever block, ratchet lever hoist, or "come-along," is a manual mechanical device designed for lifting, pulling, or positioning heavy loads in industrial, construction, and fieldwork settings. Below is a detailed breakdown of its concept, components, operation, applications, and safety considerations:

Core Function & Mechanism

Definition: A lever hoist uses a ratchet-and-pawl system and a lever handle to provide mechanical advantage, enabling users to lift or pull loads far heavier than manual capacity. Unlike chain hoists (which focus on vertical lifting), lever hoists can operate in multiple directions (vertical, horizontal, or angled).

Key Components:

Lever Handle: Cranked up/down to engage the mechanism.

Ratchet & Pawl: Allows incremental movement (lifting/lowering) and prevents slipping. The pawl can switch directions (lift/lower) or set to "neutral" for free-wheeling to adjust chain length.

Load Chain: Suspended from the hoist; typically made of durable alloy or roller chain.

Hooks: Top hook for suspension, bottom hook for load attachment.

Brake System: Ensures the load stays secure when not in operation.

Working Principle

Operation: Pumping the lever engages gears and the ratchet, moving the chain incrementally. The mechanical advantage amplifies user force—e.g., a 10:1 ratio allows lifting 1 ton with 100 kg of effort.

Direction Control: Adjusting the pawl lever changes operation mode:

Lift: Pawl set to "↑" (upward).

Lower: Pawl set to "↓" (downward).

Neutral: Pawl centered; chain free-wheels for quick slack adjustment.

Types & Load Capacities

Heavy-Duty Models: Industrial-grade (e.g., LB series) for high-load tasks (up to 6+ tons), often with heat-treated components for durability.

Mini/Portable Models: Compact (e.g., LX series), toolbox-sized for precision tasks in tight spaces (e.g., equipment alignment, rigging).

Specialized Variants: Entertainment hoists (for rigging), corrosion-resistant models, and those with fail-safe freewheel systems.

Applications

Lifting/Pulling: Vertical lifting (e.g., machinery), horizontal pulling (e.g., vehicles), or angled tensioning (e.g., securing scaffolding).

Tensioning: Adjusting cables, ropes, or chains in operations like pole erection or load securing.

Industries: Construction, manufacturing, mining, farming, tree care, emergency rescues, and theater rigging.

Mobile/Remote Use: Portable design suits fieldwork, remote sites, or tasks requiring movement between locations.

Safety Considerations

Pre-Use Checks:

Inspect for defects (e.g., damaged chain, worn hooks).

Ensure proper rigging (chains not twisted, load free to move).

Verify brake function and chain lubrication.

Operation:

Maintain firm footing; avoid overloading (adhere to rated capacity).

Keep clear of the load; prevent swinging or shock loads.

Never extend the lever (e.g., with a pipe) or use defective equipment.

Storage/Maintenance:

Store hung from the suspension hook, chains raised.

Protect from corrosion, weld spatter, or contaminants.

Avoid dropping, dragging, or galvanizing load-bearing parts without manufacturer approval.

Comparison with Chain Hoists

Lever Hoists: Portable, multi-directional, suited for lighter loads (0.5–6 tons) or tensioning.

Chain Hoists: Fixed for vertical lifting, better for heavier loads (via pulley systems), but less versatile in direction.

Key Advantages

Precision: Incremental control for delicate adjustments.

Portability: Compact and lightweight for field use.

Versatility: Handles vertical, horizontal, and angled tasks.

The main equipment produced by Hebei Makita: stage electric hoist, electric chian hoist, wire rope electric hoist，Hand chain hoist, lever hoist, pneumatic hoist and other lifting equipment