Key Chain Block Components

Here’s a breakdown of the essential parts of a chain
block: 

• Load Chain: The chain that directly lifts and supports the weight
  of the load. Made of high-strength steel to handle heavy
  loads during lifting operations.
• Hand Chain:
  The chain used by the operator to control the lifting
  mechanism. Allows manual operation of the hoist by
  pulling to lift or lower the load.
• Lifting Hook: A robust hook at the end of the load chain for
  attaching to the load. Provides a secure connection
  point for various objects being lifted.
• Main Sprocket or Load Sprocket:
  Toothed wheel driving the load chain. Transfers power
  from the gearbox to the load chain, facilitating
  controlled lifting.
• Pawl: Mechanical device engaging with the gears to prevent
  reverse movement. Ensures the load remains securely
  suspended by preventing chain slippage.
• Gears: Mechanical components that transmit force and control
  the speed of lifting. Amplify the force applied to the
  chain, enabling controlled lifting operations.
• Braking System: Mechanism to stop and hold the load at a desired
  position. Ensures safety by preventing accidental
  lowering and maintaining stability during lifting.
• Gearbox Casing:
  Enclosure housing the gears and other internal
  components. Protects the gears and ensures smooth
  operation by containing and lubricating moving
  parts.
• Hand Wheel: Component attached to the hand chain for manual
  control. Enables the user to control lifting and
  lowering operations with precision.

How Does a Chain Block Work?

To use a chain block, first attach the load to the lifting
hook. The lifting chain, wound around two wheels, tightens
its grip when the hand chain is pulled. This action forms a
loop within the mechanism, creating tension that precisely
lifts the load off the ground. 

Chain blocks can be attached to lifting slings
to lift the load more evenly. These slings can be made of
chain, webbing, or wire rope.

What are Chain Blocks Used For?

Chain blocks are used across various industries for lifting
and lowering heavy loads with precision and safety.
Typically, they are used in construction, manufacturing,
logistics, and maintenance tasks. They are indispensable in
situations where manual lifting is impractical or unsafe,
offering a reliable solution for handling heavy
objects.

Since they are manually operated, they can be used in
locations where there is no power, and they can be easily
and safely used by a single person on their own. For
example, a chain block could be used if a technician needs
to lower a hoist into place carefully, if a motor needs to
be removed from a tight spot, or in a factory to lift heavy
objects onto conveyor belts.

What’s the Difference Between a Chain Block and a Chain
Hoist?

While “chain block” and “chain hoist” are often used
interchangeably to refer to equipment that lifts heavy loads
with chains, there are distinctions. A “chain block”
specifically refers to a manual lifting device, whereas
“chain hoist” can refer to both manual and electric lifting
equipment.

Find out more about the difference between electric
chain hoists and manual chain hoists.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Chain Blocks

Here are some of the major advantages of chain
blocks:

• No Power Needed: Operates manually, making it ideal for remote or
  power-limited locations.
• Easy to Use: Simple design enables easy operation by a single
  person.
• Highly Portable: Compact and lightweight, facilitating easy transport
  and setup.
• Cost-Effective: Typically, more affordable than electric hoists,
  reducing initial investment and maintenance costs.
• Low Maintenance: Requires less maintenance compared to more complex
  lifting equipment, leading to lower upkeep costs.

Some of the major disadvantages of chain blocks
include:

• Slower Lifting Speed: Not suited for applications where quick lifting and
  lowering is required, as the manual operation is
  inherently slower than electric hoists.
• Limited Load Capacity: Generally has a lower maximum load capacity compared to
  electric hoists, restricting its use for extremely heavy
  loads.
• Limited Range: Typically designed for vertical lifting only, limiting
  their versatility for horizontal or angled lifting
  tasks.

Expert Advice When Buying a Chain Block

When looking to buy a manual chain block, ensure it has an
adequate load capacity for your needs and look for brands
that offer maximum protection in terms of safety (overload
protection). Consider brands that give better value in terms
of life span and cost of ownership.

Be careful of brands that use non-standard chain sizes as
this could affect your productivity when distributors have
stock issues. Non-standard chains also typically cost
significantly more than standard chains without any tangible
quality improvement.

Our Range of Manual Chain Blocks

RGM Cranes offers a range of manual chain blocks that serve
as cost-effective, safe, and portable alternatives to
electric chain hoists. With load capacities from 250kg to 30
tonnes, these chain blocks feature galvanised load chains,
corrosion-resistant stainless-steel housing, and reliable
safety brakes. Their compact and robust design makes them
ideal for various industries, ensuring secure and precise
lifting operations.

Find out more about our range of manual chain
blocks.