Chain Hoists & Come-Alongs

Manual chain hoists (chain falls) and lever hoists (come-alongs) lift and pull heavy loads with hand power. They are designed so one person can reach rated capacity without a cheater.

• Construction
• General Industry

Types

• Hand chain hoists (chain falls): pulling the hand chain lifts the load chain through gears. Hung from a beam clamp, trolley or rated anchor.
• Lever hoists (come-alongs): a ratchet lever pulls a load chain or webbing. Used for lifting, pulling and tensioning in any direction.
• Wire rope pullers: cheap cable come-alongs are often rated for pulling only, not lifting. Read the label.
• Electric and air chain hoists: powered versions with pendant controls. See Overhead Cranes & Hoists.

Inspect before use

• Rated capacity marked and readable
• Hooks have working latches, no cracks, twist or opened throat
• Load chain not stretched, twisted, nicked or corroded
• Brake holds the load; ratchet and pawl work
• Hook throat not stretched (compare to the original opening or the gauge marks some hooks have)
• Chain feeds smoothly through the hoist without jumping or binding
• Hand chain and lever not bent or damaged
• Periodic inspection current (hoists get a documented inspection on a schedule based on how often they’re used)

Remove any hoist from service that is damaged, slips under load, or has a stretched hook or chain.

Choosing the anchor

The hoist is only as strong as what it hangs from. Use a beam clamp or trolley rated at least as high as the hoist, on a beam that can carry the load. Don’t hang hoists from pipe racks, cable trays, conduit, joists or sprinkler pipe unless an engineer or qualified person has approved it. Remember that the hoist’s own weight adds to the load on the anchor.

Safe use

• Hang the hoist from a rated anchor or beam clamp capable of supporting the load. Check with a qualified person if unsure.
• Pull in a straight line between the hooks. Avoid side loading.
• Seat the load in the bowl of the hook, not on the tip.
• Stay out from under the load and out of the line of pull.

• Don’t use a cheater bar on a lever hoist, or more than one person on the hand chain. If it takes more force, the load is too heavy.
• Don’t wrap the load chain around the load as a sling.
• Don’t leave a load hanging unattended.
• Don’t use a pulling-only cable come-along to lift.
• Don’t run the load chain all the way out or into the hoist body.
• Don’t tip-load a hook or pull at an angle over an edge.

Pulling and tensioning

Come-alongs are often used to pull equipment into place or tension cables. Stored energy in a tight chain or cable can whip violently if anything lets go. Stand to the side, never in line with the pull, and release tension slowly. See Rigging Basics.

Last updated: October 1, 2026