The Vestil HCH is a manually operated hand chain hoist with a hook mount, stamped steel housing for resistance to wear, and steel components for strength, and low headroom for work in tight spaces. This hoist has a grade 80 chain tempered to ISO 3077, galvanized hand chain, and hardened two-stage gears for strength. The mount hook and load hook on this hoist are made of forged steel for strength. The Vestil HCH hand chain hoist has been load tested by the manufacturer to 150% of rated capacity, and is produced to comply with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.16 standards.

Hoists are devices that use relatively small amounts of force to lift, lower, and pull heavy loads. Manual hoists transfer a small, hand-exerted force either across a series of gears to multiply the force into one large enough to lift the designated load, or over a pulley, drum, or sheave to leverage the force into one strong enough to lift the load. This makes it possible for an operator to manage heavy loads. The manual force is usually applied using a hand chain, lever, or lever ratchet, lifting the load by a hook attached to a chain, rope, or wire. Hand chain and lever hoists generally use mechanical disk brakes called Weston-style brakes that hold the load in place while the operator’s hands are released to make the next pull, secure the load once it has been lifted, and control the descent of the load as it is lowered. Ratchet puller hoists generally use ratchets instead of mechanical brakes to secure and control the load. Manual hoists are commonly attached to or suspended from structures by hook or trolley mounts, and are used in the transportation, construction, manufacturing, mining, and material handling industries, among others.

Capacity is the maximum rated load a hoist can handle. While manufacturers may indicate they have tested a hoist beyond its limits, operators should never attempt to lift a load heavier than the maximum rated load. Pull force describes the amount of force that needs to be applied to lift a load. If a 1/2 ton manual hoist specifies a pull force of 40 lbs., for example, the operator needs to be able to pull a 40 lb. weight in order to lift the maximum 1/2 ton (500 lb.) load. Headroom is the distance from the bottom of the load hook to the top of the hoist. This is the minimum amount of vertical space needed for the hoist to hang freely and operate correctly. Lift is the maximum vertical distance the load hook can move a load.

Vestil manufactures materials handling equipment, including hoists and trolleys, jib and gantry cranes, loading dock equipment, and storage solutions. The company, founded in 1968, is headquartered in Angola, IN.