Types of Hoisting Chains: A Guide to Hoist Selection

While the runway and bridge rails of a crane provide the structural framework for the mechanism, the hoisting chain is responsible for the actual lifting and moving—a big task! Overhead cranes provide a safe and effective way to move materials or products from one place to another in a facility, workshop, or warehouse where loads are heavy—typically measured in tonnage.

The hoist lifts objects secured onto the attached hook by chain, woven fabric, or wire rope sling, or by one of several types of below-the-hook devices like a spreader beam that serves to evenly distribute the weight of a load. Overhead cranes are mounted close to a facility’s ceiling for maximum clearance, and the hoist lowers a hook from a chain or wire rope to pick up the load. Hoists glide along the length of a crane girder, or straddle two in heavier-duty cases, either along the top (called top running) or attached to the bottom I-beam(s) if overhead space is limited in the facility.

A Hoisting Chain: What Is It?

An apparatus used for vertical lifting, lowering, or transporting an object along a horizontal route is called a hoist. It can be operated manually, electrically, or pneumatically. As the hoist drum revolves, a wire rope or chain winds or unwinds to achieve lifting. An overhead crane operator can remotely operate hoists via radio or by using an electronic push-button pendant device that is connected. 

Aerospace, agriculture, computer, construction, chemical, food, logging, marine, manufacturing, medical, mining, telecommunication, transportation, hospitals, health care, entertainment, and many more sectors use hoists in their day-to-day operations.

A few varieties of hoists are available with a range of choices, including lift weight, chain length, and lift speed. The lifting medium, operation, and suspension often determine the layout of the hoist. The sort of power utilized to drive the hoisting action is indicated by the hoist’s functioning.

Hoisting Chain Types

Hand-held Hoists

When a power supply is unavailable, a manual hoist is powered solely by hand. Using a manual hoist has the benefit of being portable and requiring little headroom to operate. These are straightforward devices that move a weight using chains, a hook, or hooks and gears. 

When an operator applies pressure to one of the chain loops on one end of the chain, they function. This raises the hook-equipped end of the other chain by turning a pulley. Manual hoists come in two varieties:

• Hand Chain Hoist, also known as a Chainfall 
• Lever Hoist, which is sometimes referred to as a Pull, or Ratchet Hoist

Electric Hoists

Electric hoists use a wire rope or chain that is motorized to raise and lower items vertically. They are primarily designed to operate in a single location and are not intended to be transported from one construction site to another because of their integration with the overhead crane system. 

Similar to the manual hoist, the electric hoist uses a motor, wire rope, a drum, a hook or hooks, chains, and gears to raise objects. When selecting an electric hoist for your overhead crane, there are many factors to take into account, such as the application and operating environment. 

These hoists may be mounted to a crane, beam, or gantry using motors that come in a range of voltages and work tasks. They may also include practical attachments like a push trolley, geared trolley, or motorized trolley, as well as a rigid hook, swivel hook, and lug. 

Electric hoists come in two varieties:

• With an electric chain hoist, a weight is raised and lowered using a chain.
• Wire Rope Hoist, in which a weight is raised and lowered using a wire rope

If these hoists are attached to a trolley, they can raise, hold, and move the weight. Working space is necessary for electric hoists, and the operator must be able to keep a safe distance while the hoist is in use.

How can I pick the best hoisting chain?

When it comes to chain assembly, the options are virtually limitless, but where do you begin? For you, we have outlined six precise steps. By following these procedures, you have put together the perfect lifting chain.

Step 1: Find how many legs the chain sling has.

It has to have lifting points to raise a weight. Assign the chain’s number of legs to the load’s number of attachment points. Consider a chain sling with one, two, three, or four legs, for instance.

Step 2: Align the load with your chain’s workload limit.

There are many diameters of chains available. The amount that the chain can lift depends on both its diameter and the material. The lifting chain’s maximum working load is also affected by the number of chain legs and the angles at which they are oriented with respect to the weight. You may read whatever safe workload you require from various perspectives in the diagram.

Step 3: Identify if the hoisting chain needs to be shortened

Grab hooks make it simple to shorten the legs when the connection points are not at the same height. You can pick a top link with shortening hooks or place grab hooks individually on the master link. Because there are fewer moving components in the latter version, it is more robust. 

Additionally, shortening hooks are frequently affixed to preserve flexibility. The chain may be used for a variety of reasons since it is simple to modify to the appropriate size.

Step 4: Measure the lifting chain’s length.

This is known as chain length or working length. The working length, also known as the chain’s effective length, is the distance between the inside of the top link and the inside of the hook.

Step 5: Select the appropriate material for the workplace.

Selecting Liftinggear Shop means selecting excellence. As a result, we only use goods composed of sturdy steel. Because Grade 100 steel has great strength, hoisting chains can withstand heavy loads. 

Stainless steel is a suitable option in a situation where corrosion may occur. When it comes to the maximum workload, stainless steel chains are less flexible than Grade 100.

Step 6: Select the hook 

The self-locking hook and the latch hook are the most popular varieties, while there are many more options and exceptions. When using a latch hook, the latch opens inward, making it perfect for rapidly lifting a cargo. A catch at the rear of a self-locking hook allows the hook to open outward. 

Self-closing hooks have the benefit of having a latch built into the hook itself, which guarantees strength and security. The hook cannot accidentally open while lifting since it closes instantly due to the weight of the cargo.

Conclusion 

The quantity of hoisting chain required, the overhaul length (the length of the hand chain needed to raise the load), and the frame material should all be taken into consideration when choosing a hand chain hoist. Hand chain hoists are perfect for applications that necessitate mobility and affordability.