Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-24 Origin: Site
In construction sites, workshops, farms, forests, and even personal garages, people often encounter two compact manual devices that look and feel similar: the lever hoist and the come along. Both rely on a lever handle, ratcheting action, and hooks to move heavy loads. Both offer mechanical advantage that allows a single operator to move weights beyond their direct strength. This similarity has led many to ask the same question: Is a lever hoist the same as a come along?
The answer is no. A lever hoist is an industrial lifting device engineered to raise and lower suspended loads vertically, using a calibrated steel chain, gears, and an automatic load brake. A come along is a pulling device engineered to drag, tension, or shift loads horizontally using a steel cable or strap and a pawl-and-ratchet drum. Their designs, applications, safety standards, and performance parameters are distinct. Using one in place of the other can compromise both safety and efficiency.
This article—spanning over 4000 words—explores the distinction in full detail. It examines their historical development, structural design, use cases, technical specifications, applications across industries, safety practices, cost analysis, regional adoption, and future trends. The aim is to provide readers with a deep, practical understanding of when to use a lever hoist, when to use a come along, and why respecting the distinction matters.
Before modern technology, humans relied on basic machines like levers, pulleys, and ropes to lift and move heavy objects. Ancient Egyptians famously used levers to move stones for pyramid construction, and the Greeks perfected the pulley system to lift large loads. These simple tools laid the foundation for more complex systems that would emerge during the industrial revolution.
The development of industrial machinery, including steam engines and the mass production of steel, made it possible to build more advanced hoisting and pulling devices. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the need for portable lifting and pulling tools led to the invention of tools like the lever hoist and come along.
Lever hoists appeared in the early 20th century as a solution to the challenges faced by industries that required a portable, efficient lifting tool. Unlike traditional winches, which often required multiple people to operate, the lever hoist was designed for single-person operation. It used a combination of gears and a calibrated load chain to provide mechanical advantage, allowing workers to lift or lower heavy objects with minimal effort. The lever hoist's ratchet and pawl mechanism ensured that the load could be held safely in place.
By the mid-20th century, the lever hoist had become standard equipment in industries like shipbuilding, construction, and mining. It was regulated under safety standards like ANSI and ASME, making it one of the most trusted lifting devices in industrial applications.
The come along tool, often attributed to inventors like Abraham Maasdam in America, was created as a lightweight, manual pulling device for smaller, more portable tasks. Initially used in agriculture and forestry, the come along was designed to pull or tension loads horizontally, as opposed to lifting them vertically. It used a wire rope wound around a drum and a ratchet mechanism to allow the operator to apply force incrementally.
In contrast to the lever hoist, the come along did not require an overhead support structure for operation. This made it ideal for pulling logs, positioning equipment, and other tasks that required movement across the ground. The simplicity and affordability of the come along made it a popular tool for farmers, ranchers, and utility workers.
By the 1950s, lever hoists and come alongs had evolved into distinct tool categories. Lever hoists became heavy-duty industrial equipment, regulated by strict safety standards, while come alongs remained utility tools designed for more versatile and lightweight applications. This divergence in their usage and function created a clear distinction between the two tools, even though they were originally developed during the same time period.
A lever hoist is built to handle vertical lifting. It incorporates several key components that allow it to operate safely and efficiently:
Load Chain: The load chain is made from high-strength alloy steel and is calibrated for precise engagement with the load sheave. This ensures that the chain moves smoothly through the hoist mechanism without any risk of slipping or jamming.
Lever Handle: The lever handle is used to operate the hoist. It provides mechanical advantage, enabling the operator to lift heavy loads with minimal force. The lever is typically ergonomically designed for ease of use, and its length ensures that it can handle the required lifting capacity.
Gear Train: The gear train inside the lever hoist multiplies the input force applied by the operator. This allows the hoist to lift much heavier loads than the operator could manage with their own strength alone.
Load Brake: One of the most important features of a lever hoist is the automatic load brake, which engages when the operator releases the lever. The brake ensures that the load is held securely in place, preventing any unintended drops.
Hooks: The hoist features heavy-duty swivel hooks at both the suspension and load ends. These hooks are designed to safely secure the load and are equipped with safety latches to prevent accidental disengagement.
Housing: The housing is usually forged or cast steel, designed to protect the internal gears from dust, dirt, and other contaminants that could impair performance. Many lever hoists feature sealed housings to protect the mechanism from environmental elements.
A come along is built for horizontal pulling and typically has a simpler design than a lever hoist. The key components include:
Wire Rope/Strap: The wire rope used in a come along is typically galvanized steel, which provides durability and resistance to corrosion. Some models use synthetic webbing, which can be lighter and easier to handle, though less durable.
Ratchet Drum: The ratchet drum is the core of the come along. It is wound with cable or strap and is operated by the pawl-and-ratchet mechanism. As the operator pulls the lever, the drum turns, pulling the load incrementally.
Lever Handle: The lever handle is longer than that of a lever hoist, providing the operator with the mechanical advantage needed to pull the cable through the drum. The lever also advances the pawl, which locks the cable in place after each stroke.
Hooks: The come along features two hooks: one for anchoring the tool and the other for attaching to the load. These hooks are generally fixed and are not as robust as the swiveling hooks found on a lever hoist.
Frame: The frame of a come along is typically lightweight steel, which makes it easy to carry and use in the field. The frame design emphasizes portability and ease of use.
Pawl Lock: The pawl lock prevents the ratchet drum from back-spooling under load. While this provides some level of safety, it does not offer the same level of load holding security as the brake system of a lever hoist.
The structural differences between the two tools are a direct result of their intended functions. A lever hoist's heavy-duty chain and automatic brake system make it ideal for holding heavy loads in mid-air. This makes it perfect for vertical lifting in industrial and construction applications. The come along, on the other hand, is designed for horizontal pulling, with a simpler locking mechanism that is sufficient for tasks like dragging logs or tightening fences.
| Feature | Lever Hoist | Come Along |
|---|---|---|
| Load Medium | Alloy steel chain | Wire rope or web strap |
| Mechanism | Gear + ratchet + load brake | Ratchet drum with pawl |
| Intended Force | Vertical lifting | Horizontal pulling |
| Safety Features | Automatic load brake | Pawl lock only |
| Durability | Very high | Moderate |
| Portability | Moderate | High |
Lever hoists are used for vertical lifting and positioning of loads. Here are some common applications:
Lifting Engines and Equipment: In workshops, lever hoists are used to raise engines for repairs or to install machinery. Their load brake ensures that the engine is held securely during installation or removal.
Positioning Steel Beams and Panels: In construction, lever hoists are used to lift and position steel beams for framing. The precise control offered by the lever mechanism allows for accurate placement of heavy components.
Holding Loads in Mid-Air: When workers need to position materials at height, the load brake of a lever hoist allows the load to be held safely while work is done.
Installation of Pumps, Motors, and Other Equipment: Lever hoists are often used to suspend and install pumps in industrial environments, where safety is critical.
Come alongs are used for horizontal pulling and tensioning tasks. Common applications include:
Pulling Vehicles: Come alongs are widely used in vehicle recovery, helping to drag cars out of ditches, mud, or snow. They are especially useful when towing is not an option.
Tensioning Fencing: In agricultural settings, come alongs are used to tighten barbed-wire fences or install gates. They are ideal for pulling and tensioning wire across long distances.
Moving Logs and Equipment: In forestry, come alongs are used to drag logs and clear pathways. The portability of the tool makes it easy to move logs across uneven terrain.
Aligning and Installing Pipes: For utilities, come alongs are used to align and pull pipes into place before bolting them together.
| Task | Lever Hoist | Come Along |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting machinery | Yes | No |
| Pulling vehicles | No | Yes |
| Tensioning fences | No | Yes |
| Hoist engine overhead | Yes | No |
| Drag log | No | Yes |
Lever Hoists: These tools are designed to handle heavy-duty loads, with common capacities ranging from 0.25 tons to 15 tons. Some industrial models can even handle up to 50 tons or more, depending on the design.
Come Alongs: Come alongs generally have a lower load capacity, with 0.5 tons to 3 tons being typical. Heavy-duty models can handle up to 5 tons, but their primary focus is on horizontal pulling rather than overhead lifting.
Lever Hoists: The lifting capacity of a lever hoist is typically measured by chain length. Standard models provide 5–15 feet of chain lift, though extended models can provide more.
Come Alongs: The pulling capacity of a come along is typically determined by the length of the cable or strap, which usually ranges from 6 to 20 feet.
Lever Hoists: Lever hoists are equipped with automatic brakes that engage when the lever is released. This feature is crucial for preventing the load from falling or shifting while the operator is not actively controlling the lever.
Come Alongs: Come alongs rely on pawl locks to secure the cable and prevent back-spooling. However, these tools are not designed for overhead lifting and lack the load-holding safety of a lever hoist.
Lever Hoists: These tools can last for 10–20 years with proper maintenance, as long as they are regularly inspected and lubricated.
Come Alongs: Come alongs have a shorter lifespan, typically lasting 3–5 years under regular outdoor use. Their wire ropes or straps can fray or weaken over time, reducing their effectiveness.
| Factor | Lever Hoist | Come Along |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Up to 15 tons | Up to 5 tons |
| Medium | Chain | Cable/Strap |
| Direction | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Lifespan | 10–20 years | 3–5 years |
| Safety Compliance | Industrial standards | Utility only |
Lever hoists lift steel sections and position rebar cages.
Come alongs align scaffolding or tension ground bracing.
Lever hoists lower pumps and secure equipment underground.
Come alongs drag supplies through tunnels.
Lever hoists lift small equipment onto trucks.
Come alongs pull logs and clear land.
Lever hoists repair heavy machinery.
Come alongs tension fences and move gates.
Lever hoists lift engines in shops.
Come alongs recover vehicles in the field.
Lever hoists handle substation components.
Come alongs tension lines and support poles.
Inspect chain before every use.
Never exceed rated load.
Test brake by applying small load.
Lubricate gears regularly.
Retire hoist if chain elongates beyond 2%.
Inspect cable for frays, kinks, or birdcaging.
Do not use for overhead lifting.
Ensure pawls engage securely.
Replace damaged components immediately.
Misusing come along for lifting leads to drops.
Overloading lever hoists damages brakes.
Failing to inspect hooks leads to failure under tension.
Cost: $150–$800 depending on capacity.
ROI: High in industrial settings.
Efficiency: Excellent for lifting.
Cost: $40–$150.
ROI: High for farms, forestry, recovery.
Efficiency: Excellent for pulling.
| Factor | Lever Hoist | Come Along |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Range | $150–$800 | $40–$150 |
| Best For | Industry | Utility |
| ROI | High | High |
Decide direction: vertical = lever hoist, horizontal = come along.
Check capacity against maximum load with margin.
Match environment: sealed lever hoists for industry, rugged cable pullers for outdoor.
Consider frequency: daily use justifies lever hoist investment.
Factor ROI: industrial vs utility economics.
Lever hoists and come alongs look similar but are fundamentally different tools. A lever hoist is a heavy-duty lifting device built for vertical applications, while a come along is a pulling tool designed for horizontal tasks. Confusing the two can lead to misuse, inefficiency, and even accidents.
In construction, warehousing, and manufacturing, lever hoists are indispensable. In farming, forestry, and recovery work, come alongs are practical and cost-effective. Recognizing their structural, functional, and safety distinctions ensures better decisions, safer operations, and improved efficiency.
JITAI Electric Power Equipment Co., Ltd. delivers reliable solutions across both categories, with products that emphasize durability, safety, and ease of operation.
Is a lever hoist a come along?
No. Lever hoists lift vertically with chain; come alongs pull horizontally with cable.
What is another name for a lever hoist?
A lever hoist may also be known as a ratchet lever hoist, chain lever hoist, or chain hoist.
What is another name for a come along tool?
A come along is often referred to as a cable puller, hand winch, or power puller.
What is a lever hoist?
A lever hoist is a manual lifting device that uses lever, gears, and chain to lift, lower, or position heavy loads safely.
