Lever hoists are portable devices used to manually lift, lower or pull a load. A lever hoist can also be used for tensioning.

Lever hoists have the advantage of being able to lift in most positions, including horizontally, whereas chain blocks and chain hoists can only be used vertically.

All Lifting supplies two kinds of lever blocks – fitted with chain for lifting, or wire rope for lashing and pulling a load.

The lever hoist has a handle (or lever), attached to a block which houses an internal gear system and ratchet, along with either: a length of load chain which travels over the internal gear, or a length of wire rope which runs through a pulley. The lever hoist works by cranking the lever up and down to power the ratchet and pawl system, which move the load a set distance per crank. For both chain and wire rope types, the direction of the internal gear can be easily switched, to move the load up or down as needed. There is a hook on the end of the load chain/cable for easy attachment to a load, and a hook attached to the housing of the lever block for attachment to a secure support (e.g. steel beam).

The load chain or cable on a lever hoist comes in standard lengths of 1.5 or 3 meters. Other lengths are sometimes available, or can be custom made upon request.

For lifting: Every certified lifting lever hoist will be made to a specific working load limit (WLL), e.g. 2 ton. The total weight of the load to be lifted (including the weight of any rigging equipment attached) must not exceed this working load limit. The WLL of a lever hoist will be clearly displayed on the side of the hoist, along with the manufacturer and serial number. These block are usually available from 250kg WLL to 10 ton WLL.

For lashing: Cable lever hoists are used for lashing. These are commonly used in the transport industry for tensioning or pulling a heavy load, but NOT lifting. The cable lever hoist will have a Lashing Capacity (L.C.) displayed clearly on the housing e.g. 3800kg. These lever hoists are usually available in lashing capacities from 2000kg to 9000kg.

Lever hoists are also referred to as “Come Alongs” or lever blocks. They are most commonly used across industries such as: power line work, pipe laying, confined space, forestry, automotive garages and heavy machinery work.

For safety, lever hoists must be periodically inspected and load tested by a competent Inspection Officer. All Lifting recommends inspecting lever hoists every 12 months. All Lifting can arrange inspection and load testing, and provide certificates and registers for the item.