4.1 FOREWORD

Chain lever hoists are widely used in various industries for both lifting and pulling applications. They provide a comparatively lightweight method of moving loads over a short distance and the lever operation allows them to be used in any operating position.

This ability to operate in any attitude makes the chain lever hoist a very versatile tool particularly in rigging applications where it may be used as an adjustable sling leg to enable a load to be balanced or for line adjustment when positioning a load or as a means of restraint to quote just three examples.

Most modern chain lever hoists have a ‘free wheel’ facility, which allows the operative to rapidly extend or take up slack chain under no load conditions.

Two basic types are available, one employing fine tolerance (calibrated) steel short link chain, the other employing roller chain. Some manufacturers offer both types and in addition there may also be a choice between a lightweight aluminium alloy model and a ferrous model.