Buying a chain block or hoist can be tedious without a clear idea of how chain blocks work, their best features, and what to look out for. There are many options available on the market for various tasks and capacities. So, we reviewed some of the chain blocks available in Australia and compiled a list of the best available for every project and budget.
We also discuss in this guide what chain blocks are and every necessary information you need before investing in one. Hopefully, this well-researched guide caps your search for a fitting chain block or hoist for your project. Ready to explore or top picks? Let's get into it.
Our Top Picks
While we shortlisted the best chain blocks in Australia to five, here are our top three picks for a quick purchase:
Torin Manual Hand Lift Steel
Best chain block for industrial use with a load capacity of 1 ton, a mechanical load brake, and a high-quality 20Mn2 alloy steel build.
SPECSTAR 10 Feet Chain Block
Best chain block for workshops with a load capacity of 1.25 tons, a mechanical load brake, and a high-quality 20Mn2 alloy steel build.
Happybuy Lift Lever
Best chain block for heavy loads with a weight capacity of 3 tons, a lifting distance of 10ft, and a built-in mechanical brake.
Top 5 Chain Blocks for Australians — Tests, Reviews, and Comparisons
Our tests and evaluation of the best chain blocks in Australia considered various factors such as performance, durability, safety features, and overall user satisfaction. Here's everything we found.
1. Torin Manual Hand Lift Steel
Best Chain Block for Industrial Use
The manual chain hoist has a load capacity of 1 ton and features a mechanical load brake, which allows precise operation. It has a 1/4-inch diameter chain with high-quality 20Mn2 alloy steel and black oxide coating to protect against corrosion and dirt. Its Load distribution wheels also make it easy to lift heavy loads; you get two heavy steel hooks and a lock that rotates 360 degrees.
The rotating components are mounted on ball bearings to increase efficiency and reduce friction. It is excellent for industrial environments and construction sites such as factories, garages, warehouses, workshops, farms, mines, and shipyards. Additionally, it complies with safety standards for hoists following ASME B30.16 to ensure safety. On purchase, you get a one-year warranty.
Pros
- 1-ton load capacity
- High-quality alloy steel chain
- Load distribution wheels
- Suitable for industrial use
Cons
- 1-year warranty
2. MYOYAY 3/4 Ton Chain Lever
Best Value Chain Block
The MYOYAY Lever Lock Chain Hoist has an aluminium alloy steering wheel for dragging or lifting. The maximum weight is 3/4 ton (750 kg), which is more than adequate for industrial use and application. It has a simple construction, is small-sized, and is easy to transport. Besides, the cable has a unique non-slip textured rubber coating, is ergonomic, and requires less force to operate the line. The 6 m chain structure makes the use of this hoist more flexible.
The chain has a load capacity of 0.75 T, a length of 6 m, and sufficient tension and resistance to cause deformation. Its premium brake makes it more stable and safer and helps prevent lifting when the load exceeds the rated capacity, boosting safety and avoiding damage. Due to its regularity, you can use this chain hoist operator in construction, transport, and other areas to lift goods and transport loads. It is also excellent for portable use in garages, workshops, and factories.
Pros
- 750 kg weight capacity
- Simple construction, easy to transport
- Non-slip textured rubber coating
- Versatile use
Cons
- Ratchet system can be stronger
3. SPECSTAR 10 Feet Chain Block
Best Chain Block for Workshops
This compact hand-lift chain features a high-quality steel alloy construction with a maximum capacity of 1.25 tons / 2,755 kg. The chains have 20MN2 steel, which guarantees strong support and a crane mounting on a steel alloy hand chain. Plus, the heavy chain heating by forging combined with steel cutters improves durability with cold-rolled steel, increasing this hoist's reliability.
The chain block features a mechanical load brake that helps users operate the machine with precision and safety. Steel gears facilitate precise handling and reduce the need for maintenance and repair. It has a unique design to meet ASME B30.16 hoists, including a hook that attaches to a chain hoist to construct a fully forged steel material that unfolds.
Pros
- 1.25-ton weight capacity
- High-quality construction
- Steel alloy hand chain
- Mechanical load brake
Cons
- Lift chain occasionally binds
4. Happybuy Lift Lever
Best Chain Block for Heavy Loads
The Happybuy Lift Lever Block Chain host can lift 3 tons (2721.55 kg) of load weight. It has a lifting distance of 10ft and a block diameter of 5/16" thick. Its build material of Alloy steel G80 makes it a durable chain block for various tasks. Happybuy's chain hoist features a built-in mechanical brake, a safety-control feature that eliminates the problem of lifting objects. It also features two heat-treated, forged steel eye hooks with safety latches to grasp your loads and boost a safe working environment.
The chain block or hoist is easy to use thanks to its built-in gearing functionality and one-hand operation, allowing you to easily control your load during lifting. Happybuy built the chain block with tough steel, making it lightweight enough to function in high and narrow spaces. It's corrosion-resistant due to its high-quality build material and well-engineered design. Still, we recommend taking care of it to prevent early damage, especially in moisturised environments.
Pros
- 3-ton load capacity
- Alloy steel G80 construction
- Built-in mechanical brake
- Easy to use with one hand
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons
- Requires careful maintenance
5. Performance Tool Chain Hoist
Best Chain Block for Home Use
The Performance Tool chain hoist is a simple hoist that carries up to 1 ton (1,000 kg) of weight load, designed explicitly for engine tool maintenance. It has a lifting distance of 8 ft. However, we recommend not using the device for any weight above 800 kg to preserve its durability.
The chain block is excellent for minor to moderate use cases or home duties. It also features three industrial gears for positive positioning and heat-treated bushing and bearings for a great and smooth performance during operation.
The chain hoist weighs 9.75 kg, making it exceptionally lightweight. As a result, the build material of the Performance Tool chain block feels a bit cheap in quality. It makes up for this with its mechanical brake functionality and yellow powder-coated finishing for longevity and durability. It also includes a ¼-inch thick diameter chain.
Pros
- Simple hoist design
- Suitable for minor to moderate use
- Three industrial gears
- Mechanical brake functionality
Cons
- Not for weights above 800
- Build material feels a bit cheap
What is a Chain Block?
A chain block is a mechanism for lifting and lowering heavy loads utilizing a chain. The chain block has two wheels around which the chain is wrapped. When you pull the chain, it wraps around the reels, beginning to lift an object attached to the rope or chain with a hook. You can also attach chain blocks to lifting straps or chain bags to lift the load more evenly. The chain block includes a hand chain and a bracket.
How Do Chain Blocks Work?
Most chain blocks use motors in their operation, but also you can use manual chain blocks. First, you have to connect the chain block to the load utilizing the clamp. Pulling the hand chain strengthens its grip around the wheel and makes an inside loop in the mechanism, causing the tension to lift the load off the ground. Because of their carrying capacity, chain blocks often work in workshops to easily remove car engines.
Since only one person is needed to operate a chain block, chain blocks are a remarkably efficient way of doing jobs that may require more than two people. You can use chain blocks on construction sites to lift heavy loads at the highest level, assembly-line factories to lift heavy objects on a belt and vice versa, and sometimes even lift cars on dangerous terrain.
Chain blocks are available in different capacities and are suitable for various functions. Depending on your use case, you can get chain blocks with a load capacity of up to 20 tons (18,143.7 kg).
What is the Difference Between a Chain Block and a Chain Hoist?
Chain blocks are suitable only for vertical lifting and may lock up if used laterally or horizontally. In contrast, lever hoists can lift loads both horizontally and vertically in various positions, allowing for tightening and tying cargo during transportation.
Most chain blocks operate manually, using internal gears and a chain. The operator pulls a hand chain, turning the pulley mechanism to move the load. A hook at the end of the chain attaches to the item, while an upper hook connects to a support.
On the other hand, a chain hoist has a lever handle, internal gear, and ratchet system on the chain block side. The lever lock activates the ratchet, allowing the load to move up or down by turning a crank. The lifting chain has a hook for attachment and a clip securing it to the lever hoist housing.
Chain hoists come in manual or electric forms, lifting 250 kg to 20 tons at heights of 3 to 6 metres. In contrast, lever hoists have standard lengths of 3 or 1.5 metres, with load limits ranging from 250 kg to 9 tons, although other sizes and capacities may be available upon request.
How to Choose the Right Chain Block?
Here are some factors to consider when deciding on a chain block.
Tip #1. Lifting Capacity
The biggest mistake is entering the chain block arena without knowing your lifting needs. Generally, a block's lift capacity ranges from 250 kg to 20 tons. First, determine the capacity requirements regarding your needs to understand which chain block fits your needs. You can find chain blocks with 50 tonnes or more capacity. Choose the ability of your chain block based on the weight of the heaviest object you plan to lift.
Tip #2. Lifting Distance
As a rule of thumb, measure the height of the lift before committing a purchase. Ensure that the lift chain's size matches the lift height and that the hand chain is roughly two feet shorter than the lift chain length. For instance, if the lift chain block is approximately 20 feet long, the hand chain should be around 18 feet.
However, keeping the lift chain's length longer than its size is possible. In particular, chain blocks contain methods that you can use to determine if the length meets your needs. Check for details in the product description and buy only when the chain's length suits you.
Tip #3. Interchangeable Parts
If you are looking for long-term use rather than just short-term performance, always check that changing the chain block's standard parts is possible easily. It may seem insignificant now, but wear is inevitable.
These replaceable parts allow for quick repairs and a quick return to regular operation. Standard parts also guarantee easy replacement—if you choose a common chain block with interchangeable spare parts, you can replace them anytime.
Tip #4. Trolley Mounted or Fixed Mounted
You can choose a fixed bracket (mounted on the hook) or a chain mounted on the trolley. Assembled trolleys are useful when you want to move the load on the beams. Hook latches are helpful when the blocks remain static in one place for a long time. Talking to gear sales experts can help you clarify your doubts and questions about the best option.
Tip #5. Build Material & Features
The chain block loading chain must feature a grade 80 alloy steel. When buying a chain block, the most important thing is to check that there is no welding on the load chain. Additionally, we recommend you purchase chain hoists with an overload protection system factory configuration, especially if you are unsure of the weight of the objects you will be lifting or dragging.
Also, choose a chain hoist with the most effective spur gear mechanism, as it offers greater load capacity with little effort. Ensure that the lifting wheel housings are deep enough for the chain space to move smoothly, freely, and without obstacles.
Tip #6. Budget & Warranty
Always consider your budget when purchasing equipment. However, it is essential not to be short-sighted to buy the cheapest and expect the best. You must also ensure that your service provider is fully supportive in terms of experience and parts if something goes wrong. One way to get this is to check whether your supplier is an OEM or an official distributor of the product. Also, be sure to check the product terms and warranty period.
Laura Kemp
Conclusion
Chain blocks are available in varying shapes and sizes and are suitable for various functions. The chain block consists of a lifting chain, a one-hand chain, and hooks. You can operate it manually or electronically.
Choosing the right chain block unit is not straightforward, but we hope you can now make a better and more intelligent decision. Consider the above crucial factors before ordering chain hoists for your specific needs. And remember to follow the manufacturer's instructional manual to avoid injury or damage when operating a chain block.
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