Lever operated hoists, sometimes referred to as a "come-a-long" or "pullers", are used for stretching, pulling, tightening or positioning loads. Typically these are used are in a horizontal position but also have the ability to be used as a hoist in some applications.
The lever hoist design is similar to that of a hand chain operated hoist. Instead of using hand chain to move the load, the hand wheel is replaced with a lever or handle. Reciprocating operator input through the lever moves the load in small Increments. Speed is not a characteristic of a lever tool. They are usually lighter in weight than other types, which allow them to be more portable than hoists and winches.

Hoist Types

Coil Chain: The most popular, since the chain is flexible in all directions and it is easy to inspect for wear
Roller Chain: Normally more expensive than coil chain but is more difficult to inspect and will not tolerate side pulls (side pulling - not pulling in a straight line from hook to hook). Unlike link chain, roller chain can be spliced together if additional length or repairs are required
Wire Rope: Less expensive than chain units, but typically are capable of lower lifting capacity. Wire rope is more susceptible to wear and abuse and is more difficult to inspect. Rope strands can fray or break from inside making it almost impossible to detect
Strap: Used in the utility industry due to their non-conductive nature

Selection Criteria

Load Capacity (lbs. or tons): The weight of the load to be lifted. A hoist's rated capacity is the maximum load for which the hoist is designed by the manufacturer to lift. Carefully consider the load weight including attachments such as slings, grabs, spreader beams etc., and the capacity of the hoist
Lift (ft.): The maximum length of travel required for raising and lowering the load. Standard lifts are generally 8, 10, 15, and 20 foot lifts.
Lifting Medium: Chain (link or roller), wire rope or strap
Lever Length: Length becomes a consideration for use in close quarter application
Lever Pull Value: The effort exerted by the hoist operator on the end of the handle to pull or lift the load
Frame and Lever Construction: Aluminum, steel or cast iron (customer preference).
Brake Type: Friction type or ratchet and pawl. The friction type brake is used for more precise positioning requirements through it's inherent characteristic of lifting or pulling in small increments. The ratchet and pawl unit is usually less expensive and is used in applications where accurate positioning is not a requirement

Applications

Lever operated hoists have several in-plant uses and are heavily used in the construction, utilities, lumber, railroad and mining industries. General consumer and use at home, on the farm, also comprise a large number of the lever-operated hoists sold. Some typical applications would be for positioning machinery, installing fences, holding loads together, opening railroad car doors, pulling pipe, stretching wires, straightening poles and many others types of uses.
CAUTION: This equipment is intended for industrial use only and should NOT be used to lift, support, or otherwise transport people, or to suspend loads over people.