Common Misuses of a Chain Pulley Block that you Should Avoid

A manual hoist or a CPB is a common lifting machine used across numerous industries with day-to-day lifting needs. The equipment is known for its ease of use, reliability, versatility, and high durability. Any manufacturing unit or construction business that requires regular lifting of heavy loads needs a chain pulley block.

Since it’s a machine, proper usage and maintenance will give you better returns. The best way to maintain a chain pulley block is by not misusing it and handling it properly. In this blog, we’ll go through some common misuses of CPBs. Also, we’ll cover other integral dos and don’ts of operating this lifting equipment.

Top 5- Most Common Misuses of Chain Pulley Block

When handling a manual hoist, many operators tend to make mistakes. Even though mistakes are unintentional, they result in severe consequences. Therefore, to help you avoid them, learn about these common misuses of CPBs:

Twisting the Chain

When operating a hoist, it’s crucial to ensure that the chain remains straight. There should be no twists, as they might cause the chain to jam inside the gears. In such a case the hoist can stop in the middle of a lifting process, and there is likely a chance the load might get damaged.

On the other hand, if the chain gets jammed, it can also damage the internal units of the machinery. This further results in requirements for new equipment and unnecessary repair bills to meet the daily lifting demands.

Overloading the Hoists

The most common misuse of a manual hoist is overloading it. Most people don’t think about it and load the hoists with extra and unnecessary weights. The machine might lift the weight at that moment, but its performance will be affected in the longer run.

The hook of the hoist handles the weight. If you try to overload the hoist, the hook will strain and might damage the commodities also. This will lead to losing the usability of the CPB. That is why changing them is the only viable choice, even this incurs additional costs.

Applying an Unethical Amount of Force

Experts recommend using a loose grip while operating a Chain Pulley Block (CPB). This helps avoid any potential issues during the loading and shifting. Now the mistake that many operators make is trying to pull the chain hard, which can result in three possible problems:

The chain might detach completely from the hoist
The chain might separate from the socket
The chain links will stretch and become straight

All these issues will cause damage to the loads and, in the end, affect your business process. To avoid such issues, it’s important to apply only the right amount of force when using a CPB.

Hoist Modification

Manual Hoists are completely customizable. But is it good to modify your manual chain hoists? The answer is no. Modifying your chain pulley block is another common misuse of this equipment. Inexperienced operators often pop the latch and do other types of modifications. People also use CPBs with a motor to make the lifting easier, but it’s not a good engineering practice.

This modification might make it easier to lift the loads, but it’s an unsafe practice. If you use a third party to modify the machine, you void the manufacturer’s warranty. It implies that if anything happens to the hoists, you won’t be eligible to use the warranty service to get them repaired or replaced.

Horizontal Pulling and Angular Lifting

Another common mistake workers commit while operating a CPB is not handling it right. CPBs are meant for lifting the load vertically and any deviation from this will damage the internal components of the block. A common misuse that’s witnessed in the industry is not placing the load right under the CPB and engaging in angular lifting. Before getting started with lifting weights, workers must be aware of it.

In other words, if workers know how to handle it right, they can work more productively and efficiently. Training can further reduce the risk of any miscarriage or damage caused due to improper handling of machinery.

Chain Pulley Block Do’s and Don’ts

Before operating a chain pulley block, it’s essential to understand what an ideal hoist operating practice is. The following is the list of dos and don’ts that can help you with this:

Do’s

Make sure to pick the right type of block for your load-lifting requirements
Carefully read the safety instructions and operating manual of a hoist
Check the certifications of your chain pulley block and other lifting accessories
Make sure your manual hoist has a safe working load and identification marking
Try to barricade the area where you are about to lift loads
Only give operational access to block to experienced and trained staff
Ensure that the staff operating the block and workers around it wear appropriate protective gear
Keep the floor area clear when lowering the weight
Ensure that the hooks on your CPBs have a safety latch
Remove all obstacles in the way or around the lifting area

Don’ts

Don’t let inexperienced and untrained workers operate a chain pulley block
Don’t lower, suspend, or raise the load beyond a safe working line
Don’t use multiple slings on the hook
Don’t wrap your load with a hoist chain, this will break the chain
Don’t throw or drop the hoist or block on the floor
Don’t use accessories, slings, or hoist parts that are damaged, even slightly
Don’t stand or walk around under the load when lifting
Don’t modify, alter, or remove any hoist accessories you bought from the manufacturer
Don’t leave the hoist for shifting and lifting weights unattended

These dos and don’ts will help you maintain the hoist better in the long run.

Concluding Words

In this blog, we have shared everything you should know about the proper operation and maintenance of manual hoists. Follow the guidelines to ensure the CPB is properly maintained and gives you a great performance for a long time.

Also, if you plan to purchase CPBs, make sure to try Indef’s superior manual hoists range. Indef is India’s leading material-handling manufacturer. You will find premium-quality CPB on our website suitable for all your lifting needs. Starting from the rugged and durable Indef P model that has been a favourite of many of our customers. Then there are our Indef M chain pulley blocks, which are currently the most popular chain pulley blocks in the Indian market.

To full fill the changing market requirement, we have recently launched Indef C chain pulley blocks, which are stylish, compact, and easy to use, as well as our indigenously developed Indef R 360-degree chain pulley blocks, which can be operated from any angle. For pricing and other details, you can write us at enquire@indef.com or even call us at +91 (22) 489-33303.