---

How much is a chain block?

We only supply quality manual chain blocks and prices start from £56.26 for the Delta chain block. This is followed by £ 70.06 for the GT model. However other top brands are also available to buy online like Yale. With the VSIII starting at £125.30 in addition to the Yale 360 chain block starting at £181.51.

(Prices correct at time of going to press and are subject to change!)

What is a Chain Block?

A Chain block is also commonly known as a manual chain hoist, block and tackle, hand chain hoist, chain hoist, manual hoist or manual chain block. A block and tackle provides a convenient and versatile method to lift heavy loads without a power supply. They are quick to fit, portable and cost effective. They are also extremely useful for finer, accurate control of the load.

Where can Chain Blocks be Used?

A block & tackle is very useful in areas where there isn't any electric supply. Or where using electrics could possibly be hazardous, e.g. chemical plants. Subsequently a manual chain hoist or a block & tackle is frequently utilised in workshops, factories, the construction industry and many more. The only requirements needed is a suitable anchor point from where to hang the hoist from.

What are the benefits of a Manual Chain Hoist?

Most manual chain hoist systems require minimal maintenance. But more importantly they are easy to use piece of lifting equipment. They are attached to an appropriate fixing point with its top hook. This is usually to a beam clamp or trolley, Jib crane, mobile gantry system or overhead crane. The load is then attached on the lower hook. Once the block & tackle is suitably hung  the load to be lifted may be attached to the bottom hook on the end of the chain.

When securely attached the operator can begin to pull down on one side of the chain, however don't rush. This should be done slowly at first to allow you to check the stability of the load once it is lifted clear of the ground. (an unstable load can cause severe injuries). The chain rotates around two gears inside the housing, as a result this multiplies the force caused by the gear ratio to lift the load.

A chain hoist will usually have a brake system to then hold the load in position, whilst manoeuvring to its final resting place. Most modern day varieties will have an overload prevention device fitted for extra safety. A manual chain hoist may also be supplied with a chain bag/bucket which can be extremely useful, as they not only keep the surplus chain out of the way, and stop people from tripping; they also protect the chain from damage.

Types of Block & Tackle Available

These chain hoists are available in various forms with differing lifting capacities. Lifting Hoists Direct  offer an extensive range from all the top manufacturers at very competitive prices. We can supply various models with capacities from 500kg up to 20’000kgs. Some varieties come with an integrated trolley for convenience, and there is also the popular 360 degree model which allows full rotation to enable the user to work in nearly all positions, even above the load.

We can also supply Atex rated manual chain hoists for hazardous environments, see our Atex rated hoists page and sub-sea chain hoists for the marine industry.

The most commonly used manual hoists have 1 fall of chain to lift and lower the load. This is the lightest and fastest to use, however some are available with different falls of chain, i.e. two or  four. They work exactly the same but the extra falls enable the hoist to lift heavier loads however are much slower as there is more chain to be pulled through more gears. The chain can be any length but usually come with 3 meters height of lift as standard.

Delta Chain Blocks

We import the Delta manual chain hoist from the Netherlands and is well tried and tested and comes in at a great price. So is a good choice when you need to keep your prices down. With a range of models with differing lifting capacities up to 5000kg you are sure to find one to suit your needs. This is a robust hoist which operates smoothly and is easy to install, use and maintain. Head over to the product page to find out all the technical details. As well as more useful information on the Delta manual chain hoist. Compare it to some other brands if you need to, you won't be disappointed!

Yale Manual Chain Hoists

Yale hoisting devices are well known and respected throughout many industries. The excellent range of Yale manual chain hoists covers the majority of manual lifting applications. The range includes corrosion resistant models and Atex rated Yale manual chain hoist models for those more extreme environments. Furthermore there are Yale chain hoist models for extra heavy lifting. Because of its lifting capacities up to a whopping 20000kg. That’s 2 tonne, quite a substantial weight to lift for a manually operated hoist. The innovative 360 Yale hand chain hoist enables operation from most positions because of the hand chain guide fully rotating. The 360 is also available complete with an integrated trolley system for added convenience. One of the older models the Yale VSlll has been recently re-developed. It comes with numerous improvements and comes with lifting capacities ranging from 250kg up to 5000kg.

GT Chain Block

As GT are highly respected for safety and customer satisfaction with their products, you can be assured of a quality manual hoist fit for purpose, having undergone quality testing and conforming to all the necessary regulations and standards GT Manual blocks are heavy duty with lifting capacities available up to a whopping 30 tonne. We supply GT chain hoists at the most cost effective prices direct to you. Our engineers can chain up the hoist with any length of chain to suit your requirements. 3, 6 & 10 meter lengths are the usual standard lengths.

Hacketts chain blocks

William Hackett products have been around for over 100 years. They produce many types of lifting equipment so you can be assured of high quality products. These are readily available for purchase from Lifting Hoists Direct. The lifting capacities for this type goes right up to a whopping 50 tonnes. Lifting Hoists Direct have been supplying our customers with the GT manual hoists for many years, as well as using them ourselves in our own factories, which is testament to a good product. A simple but very effective piece of lifting equipment which does exactly what it says. There is also a corrosion resistant model and a dual speed model. The corrosion resistant model and the C4 can also be supplied with a combined beam trolley, thus making it easier to use. There are manual chain hoistss for more specialised areas such as the marine and subsea environments and hazardous areas. There are currently 2 models for subsea use. Firstly there is the Hacketts SS C4 offshore chain hoist, and secondly the WH Rov chain hoist. All the details for these two hoists can be found in the Subsea hoisting category. For those explosion hazard environments there is an ATEX rated model. The Hacketts C4 Atex.

Kito Chain Blocks

Kito manual chain hoists are well respected and are a popular choice for many different types of industries. Such as ship building, manufacturing, food industry, mining, civil engineering, construction and many more. They are well tried and tested in all areas and are trusted hoisting devices. Kito chain hoists are made in Japan and have a great record for well designed lifting equipment. They have ISO rated factories around the globe and produce many types of quality hoists. Including Manual chain hoists , lever hoists and electric hoists. There are a range of Kito blocks on the market including the CX smallest ever hoist. With capacities up to 500kg this hoist fits in one hand. However they also produce the CB range and the CF hoist ranges. The CF blocks are the mid range of this category and has hoists with lifting capacities up to 3000kg. If you are looking for something even more powerful then check out the Kito CB range. Here you will find hoists with capacities right up to a whopping 50000kg or 50 tonnes. So whatever your needs are for a block and tackle there is a Kito model to suit.

Raptor Chain Blocks

Raptor manual chain hoists have been around for many years. Although only under the Raptor brand since around 2008 due to a re-brand. Raptor manual chain hoists are imported from East Asia. They are amongst the cheapest block and tackle options available in today’s lifting equipment industry. But don’t be fooled into thinking Raptor equipment is sub-standard because of its price. These manual chain hoists are becoming more and more popular amongst many areas due to their affordability and ease of use. There is currently just one model in the Raptor range, however there are numerous safe working loads to choose from ranging from 500kg up to 20000kg or 20 tonne

How to use a Manual Hoist Safely

There are many safety guidelines for the safe use of any type of lifting equipment these should always be issued with your equipment. Here are the very basic do’s and don’ts for a manual hoist. block and tackle system / chain blocks.

YOU SHOULD NEVER;

Exceed the safe working load which should be clearly marked on the block and tackle; use if defects are noticed or problems suspected; stand under a suspended load; tip the load; replace the chain without consultation with the supplier/manufacturer; lift people.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS;

Check over the block & tackle for defects before each use; ensure it is regularly inspected by a qualified person (6 monthly); use appropriate safe slinging methods; pull chain smoothly; ensure the chain/bottom hook will reach the lowest point without running out the chain completely; attach load directly beneath top hook, keeping the centre of gravity as closely as possible.

Where can I buy a Chain Block?

You can buy one online from leading UK supplier – Lifting Hoists Direct. Not only do you get the keenest prices but you get back up. Hoist services available include thorough inspections to comply with LOLER regulations, repairs & maintenance, testing & servicing. You don't get this level of service from other sellers!

Call us now on 01384 76961 for help, advice, prices or to book a service.