What is a hoist?
Q: What is a hoist?
A: A hoist is a device used for lifting or lowering a load by means of a drum or lift-wheel around which rope or chain wraps.
Q: How is a hoist operated?
A: A hoist may be manually operated, electrically or pneumatically driven.
Q: What types of lifting mediums can a hoist use?
A: A hoist may use chain, fiber or wire rope as its lifting medium.
Q: How is the load attached to a hoist?
A: The load is attached to the hoist by means of a lifting hook.
Q: What is the difference between a hoist and a winch?
A: A "hoist" normally is used for lifting (near vertical) and a winch is normally used for pulling (near horizontal).
Q: Where are hoists commonly used?
A: Construction sites, especially for buildings of more than five floors in height, often employ hoists to lift workers and building materials.
Q: Can hoists be used for horizontal lifting?
A: Hoists are typically used for near-vertical lifting, but they can also be used for horizontal lifting if the load is properly attached and the hoist is designed for such use.
