Lever hoists are portable devices used to manually lift, lower or pull a load. A lever hoist can also be used for tensioning.

Lever hoists have the advantage of being able to lift in most positions, including horizontally, whereas chain blocks and chain hoists can only be used vertically.

All Lifting supplies two kinds of lever blocks – fitted with chain for lifting, or wire rope for lashing and pulling a load.

The lever hoist has a handle (or lever), attached to a block which houses an internal gear system and ratchet, along with either: a length of load chain which travels over the internal gear, or a length of wire rope which runs through a pulley. The lever hoist works by cranking the lever up and down to power the ratchet and pawl system, which move the load a set distance per crank. For both chain and wire rope types, the direction of the internal gear can be easily switched, to move the load up or down as needed. There is a hook on the end of the load chain/cable for easy attachment to a load, and a hook attached to the housing of the lever block for attachment to a secure support (e.g. steel beam).