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If you work in the construction, manufacturing or shipping industries, you’ve most likely heard of both chain block and lever block systems— but how would you know which one is the right tool to use pertaining to your situation? Although both offer benefits and are made to handle specific types of jobs, chain block and lever block come in a few various forms. Let’s take a look at how their functionalities differ from each other.

What’s the difference?

A chain block consists of two or more pulleys connected by a rope or chain. These pulleys can be either fixed or movable, depending on the type of chain block being used. When the rope is pulled, it moves through the pulleys, lifting the load you are working with. Once it is released, this action reverses itself and lowers the load back down again, unless brakes are attached to prevent this from happening. The lever block on the other hand is widely seen at industries where heavy loads need to be moved or transferred. They offer a far easier way for people of any age, size or strength to lift heavy objects and transfer them from one place to another. Ideal for use with high-torque drills, there is no need to exert additional pressure on the drill handpiece.

Benefits of using a chain block

Versatility
Chain blocks can be used in both vertical and horizontal position unlike a lever block that can only be done vertically. Using a chain block to lift objects on flat surfaces or overhead gives it a higher leverage over a lever block which is limited to overhead lifting only.

Flexibility
Chain blocks offer more flexibility than lever blocks because they allow you to adjust the position of the load by changing its angle relative to the ground or ceiling. This makes it easy to reach into tight spaces and move heavy objects around without requiring additional help from others.

Lifting capacity
Chain blocks can lift heavier loads than other types of block because they don’t have any friction in their design like hydraulics and levers do when lifting objects higher than six feet above ground level.

Easy installation
The installation process for an electric chain hoist is relatively simple as all you need is an overhead beam or crane hook and a place where you can attach your load from above with hooks. Hence ideal for construction sites where there are no overhead cranes available or limited space for installing cranes and hoists.

Benefits of using a lever block

Increased accuracy When you use a lever block, worry less about damaging your workpiece because there are no sharp corners or edges to scratch or damage it. Enjoy more control over your measurements and be able to get an accurate result every time!

Ease of use
A traditional straightedge doesn’t offer any real benefits over using a ruler or even something like masking tape (which works just as well), but a lever block is much easier to use and more convenient than other methods. You simply place a workpiece on top of the lever block and then push down on its end until a desired measurement is reached. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Less hand fatigue
Lever blocks reduce hand fatigue by providing a mechanical advantage that reduces the amount of force needed to hold down the block during drilling or tapping. It allows to work longer without experiencing hand cramps or discomfort.

Greater torque
In addition to reducing hand fatigue, lever blocks also increase the amount of torque (force measurement) generated by your electric drill or impact driver by making it easier to push down on the lever handle and apply downward pressure on the workpiece.

Choose the right chain block with Hup Hong Machinery

All in all, it is useful to understand how these two devices work in order to determine which is more suitable given the magnitude of the job undertaken. In both cases one should be fully aware of the industrial surroundings and what different situations may arise before usage. If you’re looking to find the right type of lifting equipment, it’s a good idea to learn about all the options with our team at Hup Hong Machinery. Give us a call today +65 6296 7711.