Industrial Hoists and Chain Blocks

A chain block rated at 5 tons is rated for a straight vertical lift, in good condition, used properly. Angle the pull or shock-load it and that number stops meaning what you think it means.

Description

A chain block lifts by pulling a hand chain through a geared mechanism, multiplying your effort into lifting force. A lever block does the same job with a ratchet handle and works at any angle, which makes it useful for pulling and tensioning as well as lifting. Electric hoists do it with a motor, and they earn their place where lifts are frequent.

The rated capacity assumes a vertical lift with the load hanging free. Pull at an angle and the effective load on the mechanism goes up, sometimes a lot. Shock-load it by jerking and the peak force can far exceed the static weight. Neither is what the rating describes.

There's a counterfeit problem in this category too, particularly with branded electric hoists. Yale, CM and Kito badges show up on units that never came from those factories, and this is lifting equipment, so the consequences of a failure are different from a fake bearing failing.

Our approach is the same one we take on bearings: verify branded goods through the manufacturer's channels, or quote honest unbranded equipment from an established factory and say plainly that's what it is.

The rating assumes a straight vertical lift

Angled pulls increase the real load. Rated capacity describes a vertical lift with the load hanging free. Pull at an angle and the force through the mechanism climbs above the load's actual weight.

Shock loading beats the rating. Jerking a load creates peak forces well above its static weight. Lift smoothly, and size with margin rather than to the exact weight.

Branded lifting gear gets counterfeited. Yale, CM and Kito badges appear on units those factories never built. On lifting equipment that's a safety question, not just a value one.

Inspection is not optional. Chains, hooks and brakes need regular checking, and hooks that have started to open are telling you the unit has been overloaded. Build inspection into your routine.

Specification

These figures decide what the unit safely lifts. We confirm them against written supplier data before quoting.

Rated capacity	In tons, for a vertical lift. Size above your actual load rather than exactly to it.
Lift height	Standard chain length, usually 3 to 6 metres. Longer chains are available and need specifying up front.
Type	Hand chain block for vertical lifting, lever block for angled pulling and tensioning, electric hoist for frequent repeated lifts.
Chain grade	Load chain grade, typically G80 or G100. This is the component carrying your load, so it's worth confirming.
Brake mechanism	The load brake that holds the load when you stop pulling. Ask what type and whether it's been tested.
Power supply for electric units	380V three-phase at 50Hz, matching our grid. Single-phase units exist at lower capacities.

We do not publish prices, because the landed figure depends on the specification, the Customs valuation and the exchange rate on the day you pay.

Minimum order

One unit. Small orders are normal in this category.

If you're equipping a workshop, ordering several together with slings and shackles brings the per-unit freight down and means you get a complete rigging setup rather than pieces of one.

What decides the right one

Your actual load, plus margin. Not the exact weight of the heaviest thing you lift, because angled pulls and shock loading eat into the rating.

Then how often you lift. Occasional lifting suits a hand chain block. Frequent repeated lifting justifies an electric hoist and saves your workers' shoulders.

Then whether you need branded equipment with documentation. On lifting gear, if your site is audited or insured against lifting incidents, the paperwork matters. We'll verify it or tell you honestly that we can't.

Common questions

What's the minimum order

One unit. Common capacities run from half a ton to 10 tons.

Chain block or lever block

Chain block for straight vertical lifting. Lever block where you need to pull at an angle or tension something, since it works in any orientation.

Is a branded hoist worth it

If your site is audited or you need documentation for insurance, yes, and we verify it. Otherwise good unbranded equipment from an established factory does the job.

What capacity should I buy

Above your heaviest actual load, with margin for angled pulls and imperfect lifting. Tell us what you're lifting and how, and we'll advise.

What else do I need

Slings, shackles and a beam clamp or trolley depending on how it's mounted. We quote the rigging alongside so you're not missing something on day one.

Tell us what you're lifting and how often

The heaviest load, how high, how often, and whether the pull is straight down or at an angle. We'll size it with proper margin, tell you what it lands at in Naira with every line itemised, and include the rigging you'll actually need.

Costs you nothing and commits you to nothing.

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