Hoist facts for kids

A ratchet lever hoist (Come-A-Long).

A hoist is a special machine used to lift or lower heavy things. It works by wrapping a rope or chain around a drum or wheel. Hoists can be controlled by hand, or they can use electricity or air power.

You might see hoists on big building sites. They help lift workers and building materials up tall buildings. Hoists are mostly for lifting straight up. A winch is similar, but it's usually for pulling things sideways.

How Hoists Work

Hoists have two main features that make them different. These are the way they lift and how they get power.

Lifting Parts

Hoists lift things using either a strong wire rope or a tough chain.

• Wire rope hoists use a thick wire rope that winds around a drum.
• Chain hoists use a special chain that moves over a gear-like wheel.

Both types of hoists have been used for a very long time, since the 1800s!

Power Source

Hoists also differ in how they get their energy to lift.

• Electric hoists use an electric motor to power the lifting.
• Air hoists (also called pneumatic hoists) use compressed air to make them work.