Hoists & Chain Blocks

About Hoists & Chain Blocks

Hoists and chain blocks are essential lifting equipment designed to safely raise, lower, and position heavy loads in workshops, warehouses, construction sites, and industrial environments. These mechanical lifting devices use chain mechanisms and gear systems to provide significant mechanical advantage, allowing operators to lift loads weighing hundreds or even thousands of kilograms with minimal physical effort. Whether you're a professional tradesperson working on site or managing a busy workshop, the right hoist or chain block can dramatically improve efficiency whilst maintaining the highest safety standards required by HSE regulations.

Our comprehensive range includes manual chain blocks for straightforward vertical lifting, lever hoists (also known as ratchet hoists or pull lifts) for precise positioning in any direction, and powered lifting hoists for frequent or particularly heavy-duty applications. We stock trusted brands including Sealey and Draper, offering lifting capacities from compact 250kg units perfect for small workshops through to heavy-duty gantry crane systems capable of handling multi-tonne loads. Many of our hoists feature forged steel hooks, hardened load chains, and automatic braking systems to ensure maximum safety during operation.

Complementing our core hoist range, we also supply essential accessories such as beam clamps for secure mounting, chain clamp kits for load securing, and adjustable gantry cranes that provide a complete portable lifting solution. All our hoists and chain blocks are designed to meet or exceed British and European safety standards, ensuring compliance with workplace lifting regulations and providing peace of mind for professional users.

Jargon Buster

• Working Load Limit (WLL): The maximum weight a hoist or chain block is certified to lift safely under normal working conditions. Always clearly marked on the equipment and must never be exceeded.
• Lever Hoist: A type of manual hoist operated by pumping a lever handle back and forth, allowing lifting, lowering, and horizontal pulling operations. Particularly useful in tight spaces or when working at angles.
• Duty Rating: Classification system (typically M1-M8) indicating how intensively a hoist can be used, based on the number of lifting cycles per hour and average load capacity utilisation.
• Load Chain Grade: Indicates the strength and quality of the lifting chain, with Grade 80 and Grade 100 being common standards for industrial hoists. Higher grades offer greater strength-to-weight ratios.
• Mechanical Advantage: The ratio between the load being lifted and the force required by the operator. A 10:1 mechanical advantage means applying 10kg of force can lift 100kg.
• Beam Clamp: A specialized fitting that attaches to I-beams, RSJs, or overhead structures to provide a secure mounting point for hoists without permanent installation.

Who Uses Hoists & Chain Blocks?

Hoists and chain blocks are indispensable tools across numerous trades and industries:

• Mechanical Engineers - for installing heavy machinery, engines, and industrial equipment
• Vehicle Mechanics and Automotive Workshops - removing and fitting engines, gearboxes, and heavy vehicle components
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers - handling palletised goods and heavy stock items safely
• Construction Site Workers - positioning steel beams, concrete sections, and building materials
• Manufacturing and Fabrication Facilities - moving raw materials, components, and finished products through production
• Agricultural and Farm Workers - lifting tractor parts, feed sacks, and agricultural machinery
• Maintenance and Facilities Teams - installing HVAC systems, replacing heavy equipment, and general site maintenance
• Theatre and Event Riggers - suspending lighting rigs, sound equipment, and staging elements
• DIY Enthusiasts and Home Workshop Owners - tackling heavy lifting projects that would otherwise require multiple people

How to Choose the Right Hoists & Chain Blocks

Determine Your Required Lifting Capacity: Calculate the maximum weight you'll need to lift and add a safety margin of at least 25%. Never work at the absolute limit of a hoist's WLL. Consider future requirements as well as current needs.

Consider Lift Height Requirements: Measure the maximum vertical distance you need to raise loads. Chain hoists are available with various chain lengths, typically from 3 metres to 6 metres or more. Remember that some chain will remain in the mechanism, so a 3-metre chain won't provide a full 3-metre lift.

Manual or Powered Operation: Manual chain blocks and lever hoists are economical, reliable, and require no power source, making them ideal for occasional use and site work. Powered electric hoists offer faster operation and reduced operator fatigue for frequent or production-line applications, but require 230V electrical supply.

Fixed Position or Portable Use: Determine whether you need a permanently installed hoist or a portable unit. Portable gantry cranes offer excellent flexibility for workshops without fixed overhead beams, whilst beam clamps allow quick repositioning along existing RSJs or I-beams.

Operating Environment: Consider whether the hoist will be used indoors or outdoors. Outdoor applications may require weather-resistant features and corrosion protection. Dusty or hazardous environments might need enclosed mechanisms to prevent contamination.

Frequency of Use: Check the duty rating matches your intended usage pattern. Light-duty models suit occasional workshop use, whilst heavy-duty industrial hoists are built for continuous daily operation in demanding environments.

Popular Accessories

• Beam Clamps and Trolleys: Enable horizontal movement along beams and provide secure mounting without permanent fixings
• Load Chains and Extension Chains: Replacement chains and extensions to increase lifting height when required
• Hook Safety Latches: Spring-loaded latches that prevent loads from accidentally slipping off hooks during operation
• Chain Slings and Lifting Straps: Connect the hoist to the load securely, available in various configurations for different load shapes
• Portable Gantry Frames: Create instant overhead lifting points in areas without permanent structures
• Load Weighing Scales: Digital or mechanical scales that fit between hoist and load to verify weight before lifting
• PPE Equipment: Hard hats, safety gloves, and steel toe-capped boots essential when operating lifting equipment
• Inspection Tags and Maintenance Kits: Documentation systems and lubrication products to maintain compliance with LOLER regulations

Safety Information

Lifting equipment safety is governed by strict HSE regulations in the UK. All hoists and chain blocks must comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). These regulations require that all lifting equipment is properly installed, regularly inspected by competent persons, and maintained in safe working condition.

Before every use: Conduct a visual inspection checking for damaged hooks, worn chains, unusual noise during operation, and ensuring all safety latches function correctly. Never use equipment that shows signs of damage or wear beyond manufacturer specifications.

Safe working practices: Always ensure loads are properly balanced and securely attached before lifting. Never exceed the Working Load Limit marked on the equipment. Keep hands, feet, and all body parts clear of the load path. Never stand beneath a suspended load, and ensure the area below is kept clear of personnel during lifting operations.

Inspection requirements: LOLER mandates thorough examination of lifting equipment at least every 12 months by a competent person, with more frequent inspections (typically every 6 months) for equipment used to lift people or in more demanding applications. Keep detailed records of all inspections and maintenance activities.

Training: Ensure all operators receive appropriate training in the safe use of hoists and chain blocks. Whilst formal certification isn't always legally required for manual hoists, competent operation is mandatory, and many employers provide specific training to demonstrate due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a chain block and a lever hoist?

A chain block (also called a chain hoist) is designed primarily for straight vertical lifting and is operated by pulling down on a hand chain. A lever hoist uses a ratcheting lever mechanism and can pull loads horizontally, vertically, or at angles, making it more versatile for positioning work in tight spaces or when working from awkward angles.

How often do hoists and chain blocks need LOLER inspection?

Under LOLER regulations, lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 12 months. Equipment used in more demanding conditions or for lifting people requires 6-monthly inspections. Additionally, operators should perform visual pre-use checks before each lifting operation to identify obvious defects.

Can I use a chain block outdoors or in wet conditions?

Most standard chain blocks can be used outdoors occasionally, but regular outdoor use in wet or corrosive environments requires hoists with specific weather-resistant features and corrosion protection. Always check the manufacturer's specifications regarding environmental suitability, and increase inspection and maintenance frequency for outdoor installations.

What lifting capacity do I need for engine removal?

Car engines typically weigh between 100-250kg, whilst larger vehicle and commercial vehicle engines can exceed 500kg. A 500kg capacity hoist provides good versatility for most automotive workshop applications with adequate safety margin. For dedicated engine work, purpose-designed engine cranes or gantry systems with 1000kg or 2000kg capacity offer better stability and positioning control.

Do I need an electrician to install an electric chain hoist?

Yes, electric hoists should be installed by a qualified electrician to ensure correct electrical connection to the 230V supply and compliance with BS 7671 wiring regulations. The structural mounting must also be verified by a competent person to ensure the overhead beam or support structure can safely handle the imposed loads, including dynamic forces during lifting operations.