Chain hoists look different—some run electric motors, others rely on your arm—yet they all raise weight the same way: they grip a high-strength lifting chain and climb link by link until the load clears the floor. Pick the correct chain and you guarantee safety, speed, and long service; pick wrong and you fight stretch, jammed pockets, or snapped hooks. This guide breaks down how a hoist engages its chain, compares common chain grades, shows when stainless or zinc makes sense, and hands you a quick table so you match hoist style, chain grade, and job site in minutes.

1 The Chain at the Core of Every Hoist

A chain hoist needs two chains:

Load chain – carries the weight; fits the pocket wheel; usually Grade 80 or Grade 100 alloy steel.

Hand chain – lets you pull manually; mild steel suits because it never sees full load.

The hoist’s pocket wheel grabs each load-chain link and walks itself upward, while the load brake locks the drum when you stop pulling. You feel smooth travel only when link diameter, pitch, and hardness match the wheel exactly, so manufacturers machine both parts from one data sheet.

2 Key Load-Chain Specs You Must Check

Correct grade and finish protect the wheel, the brake, and your crew.

3 Chain Grades vs Job Sites

When you size a hoist, start with the field threats first, then pick grade and finish before finalising capacity.

4 Quick Selection Flow (One Minute)

List load weight plus hook, sling, and ten-percent slack.

Set duty class – daily cycles and lift height.

Note environment – salt, food enzymes, acids, rain.

Pick grade + finish from the grade table.

Match Ø & pitch to manufacturer’s pocket wheel list.

Check headroom – electric blocks often save 150 mm over lever hoists.

Run the six steps and you always land on the right hoist–chain combo.

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5 Spot the Warning Signs Early

Operators should gauge mid-link diameter monthly and replace load chain at ten-percent wear. They should measure five-link pitch; three-percent stretch flags overload or pocket wear. They should oil clean links lightly after shift; water plus dust doubles wear flats.

6 Cost View: Chain Drives Budget More Than Motor

An electric block costs two to three times a manual block, but the load chain represents over 60 % of total replacement cost during a hoist’s life. Upgrading to stainless may add 80 % to chain price yet cut three paint-strip cycles and two emergency swaps in salt air, saving money by year two. Grade 100 alloy raises unit price by 15 % but lets you drop one diameter, trimming weight and freight. Always chart cost per tonne-lifted across five years, not ticket price.

Conclusion

Choose the hoist that grips the chain your job demands, and every lift will rise smooth, safe, and profitable—select Topone lifting chain today. Click me to learn more →