
We’ve seen an increase in the number of chain comealong rentals lately. This piece of equipment is often referred to as a lever hoist. We believe this is an appropriate time to detail some of the common misuses of this versatile piece of equipment, as well as an easy solution to prolong their lifespan.

Chain Comealong Misuses
One of the most apparent benefits of using a come-a-long is the lever action of the block itself. This allows for easier operation of the hoist over using a pull chain. One situation in which a come along would be the obvious choice is for performing horizontal or angular pulls. In this situation, a hand chain hoist would tend to bind up. However, this leads to one of the most common issues with a lever hoist.
Misuse #1
When used in a straight pull that stays in the plane, whether vertical or horizontal, a comealong’s rated capacity is straight-forward. Whatever is listed is what it can handle. However, once the lift shifts from vertical to diagonal, additional forces will shift the amount of load weight taken on by the hoist. Not taking those forces into account can be the difference between a successful lift and an equipment failure. For example, if your lift is being done at a 45-degree angle and needs to hoist up 5 tons, tt would stand to reason that a 6-ton lever hoist would be up to the task. Right? Wrong. If you were to attempt this pick without adjusting for sling tension on both your hoist and rigging hardware, you can guarantee equipment overload will take place. This would risk the hoist, your load or worse yet, your crew.
Misuse #2
Another common issue arises when, while under full load, a cheater bar is added to the lever to make raising the load easier. While it’s true that a longer handle will reduce the amount of perceived force required to raise or lower a load, it also holds true that the handle supplied with the unit is only rated to be operated manually at the length included on the hoist and not modified in any way. Furthermore, some manufacturers do not design the hoist with overload protection. This action may very well overload the hoist. When a cheater bar is added to the lever (typically done when a unit is at full capacity or in an ill-advised attempt to surpass the rated load of the hoist), the operator is attempting to reduce the force required to raise the load. In turn, this overloads the handle. In these cases, you’ll see the handle bend or snap off entirely. While cheater bars will ease the physical strain of operating the hoist, it should never be used as a method of operating a come-a-long for many reasons, primary of which is the risk of job site accidents or death.
Misuse #3
Most folks in this industry understand that the intended purpose of a come-a-long is for lifting or pulling a load straight in line from one bearing point to another. But these chain comealongs are still occasionally used improperly, with the chain being used in a choker hitch. There are no circumstances where the lifting chain should be used in this manner. Using the lifting chain in a choker risks bending and compromises the integrity of the hook itself. Once bent, the lever hoist is no longer suitable for use in the field. There is no leeway for a bent or twisted hook. Misuse in this fashion is a quick way to remove a unit from service until it has been repaired, inspected, tested, and re-certified.
It should also be noted that while lever hoists are great tools to use on different types of jobs, these hoists are not rated for use as a binding device. Use of a lever hoist to bind down loads puts strain on the hook and chain. There is no way to know the actual rating of the hoist at that point.
Conclusion
An easy way to preserve and extend the life of a chain comealong is to include rigging hardware in your lift plan such as shackles or beam clamps at suspension points. The proper use of these items goes a long way toward preserving the hook, and the integrity of the hoist itself. Using a shackle inside a lug or using a beam clamp instead of placing the hook directly into the lifting point allows the load to be taken on by the shackle and the hook of the lever hoist to grab onto a more suitable surface. Small steps like this with relatively inexpensive hardware, whether owned or rented from LGH, help to reduce maintenance and added costs from unnecessary repair.
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LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 80,000 pieces, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.