Chain Blocks
Discover our extensive selection of chain blocks and manual chain hoists, perfect for heavy-duty lifting tasks. Built for durability and ease of use, our range of hoists comes from trusted brands and is available at truly competitive prices. Browse our collection to find the ideal chain hoist and blocks for your industrial or commercial application.
WHAT IS A CHAIN BLOCK?
Chain blocks, also called chain hoists, are an essential part of any lifting equipment armoury, regularly used in industrial settings such as maintenance, construction and warehousing.
Chain blocks and chain hoists come in a wide range of safe working load capacities, from 250kg through to 50 tonnes and are available with an unlimited height of lift. This allows you to purchase a manual hoist that’s suitable for your specific requirements.
WHAT ARE OUR MOST POPULAR CHAIN HOISTS?
There are many great manufacturers of chain blocks and hoists, but only a few really stand out in the market, and we supply them all! We only offer chain blocks from trusted brands that have proven their manual chain hoists stand the test of time in rough environments, such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, industrial and construction site environments.
HOW DOES A MANUAL CHAIN HOIST WORK?
A manual chain hoist, commonly known as a chain block and tackle, typically features top and bottom hooks; a static top hook to suspend the hoist from a beam clamp or trolley, and the bottom hook is the load hook. The device is raised and lowered by simply pulling down on the hand chain, turning the gears inside the hoisting unit to raise or lower the load. Both hooks feature safety catches to ensure the load and hoist are secure once suspended and lifting.
CHAIN BLOCK USE CASES
Chain block hoists are a reliable, manual lifting solution used across countless industries. One of their most valuable features is the ability to be suspended in various ways, depending on the environment and lifting requirements.
SUSPENSION METHODS
There are multiple ways that you can safely suspend your electric or manual hoist. Each of the following is suitable for different scenarios, applications and environments. We advise that you carefully consider your options prior to making your decision.
BEAM CLAMP
One of the most traditional and commonly used methods of chain block suspension is a static beam clamp. Used in industrial settings such as construction sites, warehouses and workshops, they’re attached to an overhead beam and structural steelwork and offer a safe method of raising and lowering loads only.
BEAM TRAVEL TROLLEY
Not only can your chain block hoist be suspended from a static beam, it can also work on a beam travel trolley, allowing for the horizontal traverse of the hoist and load along a beam. Either manually or powered by electricity, a beam travel trolley can easily be fitted to a suitably rated RSJ or I-beam.
Push travel trolleys can be purchased separately, as well as electric travel trolleys; however, certain manufacturers supply integrated push/geared travel trolleys with lower headroom.
GEARED TRAVEL TOLLEY
Geared travel trolleys are operated by pulling a hand chain that turns wheels on the trolley, moving the trolley along the beam. These are ideal for heavier loads.
Nearly all of our chain block and tackle apparatuses are built to order; therefore, we can modify any standard setup. For example, you may require a 10m height of lift, but only a 3m hand chain. Our knowledgeable sales team can provide a solution to meet your exacting requirements.
MANUAL CHAIN BLOCK VS AN ELECTRIC CHAIN HOISTS
The primary difference between a manual chain hoist and an electric version lies simply in its operation – one by human physical effort, the other by electrical connection.
When operated by hand, chain blocks require a manual pull of the chain to lift and lower loads. This type of equipment is more suited to lighter loads or scenarios where access to power is limited or unavailable.
Hand-powered chain blocks are better suited to intermittent or less frequent usage due to their manual nature. When deciding between a manual or electric chain hoist, you should first consider factors such as the weight of the load, frequency of use and available power.
Explore Our Electric Chain Hoist Range
WHY BUY CHAIN BLOCKS FROM US?
Here at LES, we supply a wide range of chain blocks from leading brands, all tested and certified for use in warehouses, industrial and construction sites and other environments where reliable lifting is required. We have been in business for over a decade, and have established ourselves as a market leader, with extensive knowledge and experience to help our customers find the right chain blocks and hoists, lifting equipment and diverse product range. We provide rapid delivery and organise returns promptly. For any support on your order, contact the team at LES.
Chain Block FAQs
Chain blocks are used to lift and lower heavy loads using a manual chain mechanism. This lifting equipment is used in warehouses, workshops, construction sites and other industrial environments which require precise and controlled vertical lifting.
While the terms chain hoist and chain block are interchangeable, a chain block refers to a manual chain hoist operated by pulling a hand chain, while a chain hoist can also include electric or pneumatic versions of powered lifting.
Chain blocks are available in a range of lifting capacities, from 500 kg to over 20 tonnes, depending on the model and manufacturer.
No, manual chain hoists are designed strictly for vertical lifting; using them for horizontal pulling is unsafe and can damage the equipment or cause injury.
Yes, operators should be trained in the safe use of chain blocks, including proper inspection, rigging techniques, and load handling, in accordance with UK health and safety regulations.
Yes, under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), chain blocks must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 12 months—or more frequently if used in a hazardous environment.