chain fall

[Southern Ray]

years ago I used a chain fall that had no moving parts except for the chain and sprockets.
this was over forty years ago.

The upper block consisted of two sprockets, one larger than the other and fastened together.
The lower block had one sprocket.

The chain was a continuous loop through the blocks.
To raise the load you pulled the chain from one side.
To lower the load you pulled the chain from the other side.

The differential size of the sprockets in the upper block accounted for taking up the chain loop to raise the load and paying out the loop to lower the load.

The hoist worked well for my needs and I didn't experience any problems.
Over the years my career has changed and I lost association with this type of hoist.
I did use the lever hoist and the common chain hoist we now see.
I have two cable type come-a-long hoist.

I no longer see this type of hoist. Was there a problem with the hoist?
Has anyone used these hoists, or still have one?

 

[Andy Martin]

It is called a "Differential Chain Hoist", I used to have one and don't know what happened to it. They work quite well, but the loose chain can get in the way if you lift all the way up.

They don't seem to be available new, but are still sold as antiques.

 

[Mike Groom]

I have one,still use it from time to time on tractor or machine assembly-disassembly you can get precise adjustments with it if you use slowly to line up splines, bearings etc.

 

[DENNIS MIN]

Yessiree.

My younger brother with tall shed is the proud owner of that man-killer (as stated by the workplace safety folks).

Strangely enough, he's alive and well, and I know he used it. At work, we couldn't prove it's lift rating, then it was doomed for use.

D>

 

[4wdtom]

I have one and use it from time to time, used one as a kid on farm where I worked too. As someone said they are good for making small adjustments for positioning things. If one is in good condition I don't see why there would be a problem using one.

 

[gajack]

Got one hanging in my shop now. Have used it for years and years for tractor work, pulling engines from some of the hot rods and pickups. Even lifted the rear of a 57 chevy hardtop to change out the complete rear end assembly ( used stands of course once it was high enough)
I thinks its manufactured by Coffin, think that what the tag says. Even chained around a tree once to pull my brothers pickup out of the ditch. Allways worked. jack

 

[Andy Martin]

There's been lot of good equipment scrapped because "we don't know". Proof testing does no good, it has to be a manufacturer's rating. It is promoted by the "if it's not new it's no good" crowd. We had to take down all our bundle pulling chain falls because recertification of the chain falls was deemed too expensive by that group. So you pay for a 65 ton cherry picker that had the reach to get in where the chain falls would have lifted a two ton load very safely. All because all lifting equipment came under scrutiny because of operator errors in powered equipment. I have an 80 year old 1-1/2 ton monster I use in my shop with confidence.

 

[TimV]

Attached video is a basic explanation on how a differential chain hoist works. We had one at the farm. Its usual use was at butchering time--we had a gambrel for it and would hoist a cow up on it for skinning and cutting up. Worked fine for us, though I'm sure many a finger got shortened with them over the years if you weren't paying attention. Ours is still there and still gets used occasionally for the usual farm projects, though we haven't butchered there for a number of years.
differential chain hoist video

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I have two. One is a 1000# the other is 4000#. Only problem is getting finger pinched between lower wheel and chain.

 

[Brian G. NY]

My Dad bought a Yale hoist like that back in the 50s.
It was rated at a 1/4 ton.
He, as well as my brother and I used it many times when pulling car engines and lifting other heavy objects.
I gave it to my BIL a couple of years ago for lifting the front of his garden tractor when cleaning the deck.
I picked up a 1/2 ton a few years ago real cheap at a garage sale but have yet to use it.
I have a one ton gear type chain hoist that gets used pretty regularly.

 

[Russ from MN]

I think the system is called a chinese windlass, it's an ancient system. The problem with them is the length of the pull chain changes relative to the distance between the 2 blocks. A modern chain fall is more convenient that way, the pull chain length can be shortened or added on to but it stays the same during use.

 

[Duane WI]

I have a 1 ton differential pulley in my shop hanging from a trolley on an I beam. Use it quite a bit. I got it in a garage sale a few years ago for $20. I am always amazed at how someone invented it. If you sit down the draw out how it works it is very simple force balance. I guess that is the beauty of it. So simple yet not logical to invent. Wikipedia says it was invented in 1854.

 

[jeffcat]

Have one hooked up in a back yard tree for garden tractor work. Got it for free laying on the curb for trash day. I put a new loop chain on it this year cause it had been damaged before I got it. You MUST find old stock original American made chain to fix it. Hang two pieces of ten links side by side and they must match perfectly. Brazed the link together and it works great.

 

[CenTex Farmall]

I was looking at one a week ago that belongs to an older friend. Good simple equipment.

 

[Vern]

I have 2 of them, a 1/2 ton & a 1 ton.

Vern

 

[DelMN]

Harbor Freight has them

 

[gab]

My father in law gave me one 25 years ago, pulled a few engines, lifted a 2 bottom plow out of my truck, a fast hitch blade, a big air compressor and raised the truck box to replace a fuel pump. Works good but it takes a little extra caution to keep the chain from dragging on a fender or grill.

 

[Russ from MN]

Not like that one!

 

[Andy Martin]

(quoted from post at 15:21:12 12/29/15) Harbor Freight has them

I don't see differential chain falls on the Harbor Freight site.

 

[Sprint 6]

I have a half ton Yale that belonged to my great grandfather. I have used it a lot over the years. The only thing I have had to watch is that mine will tend to coast it you lower a heavy load fast.

 

[jeffcat]

Want to add something else. These show up at flea markets most every weekend. lots of half ton and now and then a one ton. A bit less often a two shows up. Go take a walk around your local flea market.

 

[RTR]

(quoted from post at 15:31:45 12/30/15) I have a half ton Yale that belonged to my great grandfather. I have used it a lot over the years. The only thing I have had to watch is that mine will tend to coast it you lower a heavy load fast.

Is there a reason it does this (like wear) or a way to fix one that "bleeds down". I've noticed within the past 10 years or so that ours does the same thing. We have a couple of Yale brand older ones. If you raise something heavy the chances are that it will stay. If you lower the heavy item then let it rest it will slowly lower itself (SLOWLY), but if you give it a tug back in the "raise" direction it will "lock back in place".