Lifting vs Pulling: Chain Hoist vs Hand Winch

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the differences between chain hoists and hand winches (come-a-longs) regarding their lifting and pulling capabilities. A chain hoist, typically made of robust materials like steel and rated for higher safe working loads (SWL), is designed to lift heavy weights, requiring a force equivalent to the weight of the object multiplied by gravity. In contrast, pulling an object involves overcoming friction, which is significantly lower than the gravitational force, allowing for lighter equipment to handle similar loads. The consensus is that while both tools can handle the same SWL, chain hoists are generally built to be stronger and more durable than hand winches.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of force calculations (F = mass * gravity)
  • Knowledge of friction coefficients and their impact on pulling force
  • Familiarity with safe working load (SWL) ratings for lifting equipment
  • Basic mechanics of pulleys and their role in force distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and applications of chain hoists versus hand winches
  • Learn about friction coefficients in different materials and their practical implications
  • Explore the mechanics of pulleys and how they affect lifting and pulling forces
  • Investigate safety standards and regulations for lifting equipment usage
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for engineers, construction professionals, and anyone involved in material handling, lifting operations, or equipment selection for heavy loads.

Gsu student
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Ok so I was at the store today and I notised that the hoist they sell seam to be a lot beefyer and stronger lookin them the come a longs ie hand winches and I was wondering why that was dose it take more force to lift 2 ton then it takes to pull the same, I was looking at a 1 ton chain hoist and it's all steel and thick chain looks real strong yet right next to it is a 4 ton puller made from thin steal and wire rope, now granted the puller dose use a pullie but that dosent change the fact that the force on the unit is still greater
if anyone can help please let me know. Would a chain hoist pull more that a similar rated hand winch?
 
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Force required to lift has to overcome gravity
F = mass* gravity

Force required to pull has to overcome friction.
Friction Force = Force from gravity * Friction coefficient.

Friction fore is much smaller then gravitational force, as coefficients of friction are much less then 1 usually.
 
Yes it's a question of force.
If you lift a 1 ton object you need a force of 1000kg * 9.8m'/s^2 (ie g) = 9800N
To pull the same object would depend on the friction between the object and the surface, for steel wheels on a steel rail (such as a railway car) the friction would be about 0.1% so you only have to pull with a force of 9.8N, equal to lifting only a 1kg.

For very low friction like oil bearings it's possible to push huge masses, like a 100ton telescope, with almost a finger tip.
 
Gsu student said:
Ok so I was at the store today and I notised that the hoist they sell seam to be a lot beefyer and stronger lookin them the come a longs ie hand winches and I was wondering why that was dose it take more force to lift 2 ton then it takes to pull the same, I was looking at a 1 ton chain hoist and it's all steel and thick chain looks real strong yet right next to it is a 4 ton puller made from thin steal and wire rope, now granted the puller dose use a pullie but that dosent change the fact that the force on the unit is still greater
if anyone can help please let me know. Would a chain hoist pull more that a similar rated hand winch?

If the chain hoist and the come-a-long have the same SWL (safe working load) of 2 tons (or whatever), then they can pull or lift the same amount. The position is irrelevant. I can take a come-a-long (puller) rated for 2 tons (SWL) and use it vertically to lift 2 tons.

What you are probably noting is that most come-a-longs have typically lower SWL's than do chain hoist for the reasons stated above.

CS
 

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