Chain Blocks—The Way to Go in 2019

06 June 2019

Why put people’s lives at risk if you don’t have to? That’s a question all handymen, construction managers, and site workers should ask themselves.

With so many solutions available in today’s market, your options to safeguard a crew are endless. What is one of the most popular safety features in today’s market? With good reason, you’ll find chain blocks on many work sites.

Yes, this is a device designed to assist in heavy lifting. But we’re mentioning this in relation to safety too: the more pressure modern tools can handle, the less chance there is of workers getting injured.

So, this is how you increase productivity as well as keep your crew safe. Ready to know more?

What is a Chain Block?

Chain blocks (also known as a hand chain hoist) is a mechanism used to lift and lower heavy loads using a chain. When the chain is pulled, it winds around the wheels and begins to lift the item that is attached to the rope or chain via a hook.

How Does it Work?

At the end of the lifting chain is a grab hook. This allows a worker to easily attach and detach a load. Also, most chain hoist lifting mechanisms have ratchets or braking systems that prevent the loads from slipping back. It also allows you to lower a load by pulling the other side of the hand chain.

You can see the increased control a site worker can have in a situation with one of these forms part of the equipment that’s available. Increased control affects productivity and safety.

So what can you expect from the average chain blocks?

Specs and Description:

500kg – 2000kg working load limit
All steel construction
Suitable for industrial environments where dependability is a must
Weatherproof twin pawl brake
The Weston style two pawl brake is designed to hold the load during the operation
Industrial grade powder coating which provides a long-lasting finish designed to suit harsh environments
Zinc plated hand chain for a durable finish
Fully enclosed gearing protects the gears from debris and contamination

Respected suppliers provide chain blocks complete with Grade 80 alloy chain and forged alloy steel hooks. You should also look for quality suppliers who provide a large range of chain blocks to suit your needs. Each construction scenario is unique, so make sure your equipment caters for your needs.

Why Use Chain Blocks? Benefits You Need to Know:

When you purchase the right types, chain hoists can positively affect most aspects of your project:

Cost: A chain hoist will have a lower price point than an electric wire rope hoist. This does mean the capacity won’t be as high, but it will still offer you much more than a manual hoist.
Flexibility: A chain hoist is usually easier to move than a wire rope hoist, meaning it can be transported between sites. This can be a great advantage for construction professionals who work in various locations.
Vertical lifting: You can easily achieve a vertical lift. There is no lateral movement, as the chain is moved over a sprocket.
Diverse application: Chain Hoists can be used with a wide range of lifting equipment, including jib cranes and gantries. They can be used in low headroom areas, allowing you more flexibility with your specifications.

Unique Features:

Understanding this range of equipment is essential to optimize your use of them. Are you benefiting from these features yet?

Chain containers: This is the collection box that collects up excess slack on the chain, preventing the chain from getting damaged and stopping it damaging the load.
Limit switches: An upper and lower limit switch will let you set minimum & maximum hook paths. It protects the load from human error when lifting it or placing it down. This will also protect the hoist itself when lifting a heavy load.

There’s a reason there are many types of chain hoists on the market. Each has its own benefits, so don’t ignore the ones you haven’t tried. Even though manual types may require more effort than electric hoists, they still come with many benefits.

Manual Chain Hoist Advantages:

While manual chain hoists won’t lift quite as fast and effortlessly as electric hoists, there are many advantages:

They don’t require any electricity or power source. This makes them much more portable compared to electric hoists so you can have the benefit of a hoist on remote work sites.
They’re more cost-efficient compared to electric or hydraulic hoists. Not only do electric hoists cost more initially, but they also raise electricity bills.
The simple design of manual hoists makes it easier to repair and maintain. No complex motors, wires, or electrical/hydraulic systems.
Although electric chain hoists can lift heavier loads, manual hoists can still have working load limits (WLL) up to 20 tons. As long as what you’re lifting is below that, there’s no reason not to opt for a manual hoist.

You can pick from two main styles of manual chain hoists: hand hoists and lever hoists.

Conclusion:

Are you up to date with the latest in construction equipment? It’s how you become more efficient and manage a safe work environment.

If you have questions or feedback, please share your comment on our page or tweet about your personal view and experience about chain blocks. Let’s learn from each other.

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How to Choose the Right Commercial Collection Agency

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Many people who use this approach save thousands of dollars that would have purchased new materials. If you get a good deal with reclaimed materials, you may end up expanding your house if the budget becomes reasonable. However, compare what you are buying with the market prices for you may spend more than expected. 3. Use natural building techniques: Natural building techniques can save you a great deal of money. For instance, you can use Cordwood in your house to save on purchasing costly materials. It can replace sheathing, studs, insulation, drywall, siding, and finish coverings. For Cordwood, you only need a beam frame built within a post to make your house walls stand. Even choosing natural methods does not mean you escape from spending too much money. And that's why budgeting before starting the building process saves you the headache later. 4. Look for cheap or free materials and services: Going for this option does not mean using used items to build your house. You can look for building materials for low cost or discounts in the market and still get good deals for items that would have cost you a fortune. For services, enquire from family and friends. They can recommend people they know or service providers they have worked with within the past. That means you get a good opportunity to negotiate building services to amount you feel will not press you financially. 5. Keep water usage areas together: Trying to combine water usage areas is a great way to save you money. This may save you excess money on plumbing materials spread all over your house. So, the ideal approach is to clump your bathroom, laundry, and kitchen as close as possible to minimize piping needs. You should include the clumping idea in the plan before the house building begins. 6. Forget the costly finishes: If your budget does not allow you to spend further, you can skip some finishes for a later date. For instance, you can postpone countertops and floor installation until you save money for specifically that work. Your entire focus should be on building a strong foundation that will guarantee your house stability. Building a house is a lifetime affair; therefore, you need something solid that will shelter you for many years to come, even on a budget. 7. Do-it-yourself as much as you can: If you can handle most of the building work, it will save on materials and labor. This is where you have to bring your expertise and at the same time know your limit to avoid shoddy work that may end up costing you more to rectify. Alternatively, rather than hiring many people to handle the project, you can work with architecture and follow their guidelines to save those extra dollars. Some of the task involved does not require a professional to handle them, but observation and application. Conclusion: You don’t have to spend a fortune to own a house. There are many options available that you can apply for and end up with a good-looking house. The idea is to build your dream house without spending much money. Read Also: Utilizing the Strength of Concrete to Protect Your Property Real Estate 101 – 3 Simple Tips to Boost the Value of Your Property Home Maintenance Plans And Cleaning Tips During Covid-19 6 Interior Design Tips to Make Your House a Home

The ROI Of Proactive Pest Control For Property Management

As a property manager, proactive measures across all operational areas often translate to cost savings and increased value over time. Pest control, while occasionally sidelined in strategic planning, stands out as a domain. There a proactive approach can yield significant returns on investment (ROI). To understand the true value, one must delve into the multifaceted benefits and cost savings linked with proactive pest management. Understanding The True Cost Of Pests Before delving into the benefits of a proactive approach, it's essential to comprehend the full spectrum of costs associated with pest infestations. Beyond the immediate expense of extermination and potential structural repairs, there are indirect costs. They impact a property's bottom line. Operational Disruptions Pest infestations can cause significant disruptions to regular property operations. 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Regular preventive measures ensure that the asset's value remains uncompromised. Reduced Turnover And Vacancies Tenants prefer properties that are well-maintained and free from pest issues. A proactive stance can lead to higher tenant retention rates and fewer vacancies, ensuring steady revenue streams. Intangible Returns: Beyond The Balance Sheet Other than the tangible ones there are also the intangible returns that the occupants are likely to receive here. . Enhanced Reputation In the age of digital reviews, a single pest-related complaint can severely dent a property's reputation. Proactive pest control aids in avoiding such negative publicity, bolstering the property's image in the market. Tenant Satisfaction And Loyalty The well-being and comfort of occupants directly correlate with their loyalty. By ensuring a pest-free environment, property managers foster trust and satisfaction among tenants. Proactive Measures: A Strategic Investment The efficacy of pest management depends quite an extent on the proactive measures. We discuss a few of them here. Routine Inspections Regularly scheduled inspections are pivotal in proactive pest control. By meticulously examining properties at set intervals, professionals can detect subtle signs of infestations or conditions conducive to pests. This proactive approach can identify potential problem areas, ensuring timely interventions before small issues escalate into significant challenges. Moreover, these inspections provide a documented history of pest activity, enabling property managers to tailor future preventive strategies based on past occurrences. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) IPM is not just a method but a philosophy in pest control. It is a comprehensive approach that combines preventive measures with eco-friendly treatment options, emphasising the importance of understanding the life cycle of pests and their interaction with the environment. By pin-pointing on long-term mitigation rather than immediate fixes, IPM offers sustainable and cost-effective pest control. This strategy minimises the use of chemicals, reduces the risk of pesticide resistance in pests, and ensures a safer environment for property occupants. Educating Tenants A well-informed tenant is an asset in pest prevention. Informing tenants about best practices, from proper waste management to identifying early signs of infestations, can be invaluable. An educated tenant base often acts as a first line of defence against pests, reporting issues before they magnify. Furthermore, by fostering open communication channels, property managers can build trust with tenants, ensuring collaborative efforts in maintaining a pest-free environment. Utilising Pheromone Traps And Monitoring Stations Pheromone traps, which use synthetic versions of insect hormones to attract and trap pests, can be a crucial part of early detection. By strategically placing these traps around a property, managers can monitor pest activity levels and identify potential issues before they become significant problems. Monitoring stations for pests like termites can provide early warnings, allowing for timely interventions and reducing the need for extensive treatments later. Collaborative Approaches And Community Involvement Property managers need not tackle the pest challenge alone. Engaging the larger community can amplify the benefits of proactive control. Community Education Sessions Organising sessions where experts offer insights about local pest challenges and preventive measures can be invaluable. This not only educates tenants but also fosters a sense of community involvement. Collaborative Buying Pooling resources with neighbouring properties for preventive pest control measures can lead to cost savings for all involved, enhancing ROI for each property. Assessing ROI: The Bigger Picture Quantifying the ROI of proactive pest control isn't merely about direct cost savings. One must consider the combined value of preserved property integrity, sustained tenant satisfaction, and the avoided costs associated with potential infestations. When these elements are accounted for, the ROI of preventive pest management becomes overwhelmingly positive. The Future: Leveraging Technology With advancements in technology, property managers now have tools that can predict potential infestation risks based on various factors, including geography, weather patterns, and property history. Investing in such predictive technologies can further enhance the ROI by ensuring timely interventions, often before a problem manifests visibly. Concluding Thoughts The realm of property management is rife with challenges, and pests, albeit small, can lead to monumental problems. However, with a proactive approach to pest control, managers can not only mitigate risks but also realise substantial returns on their investments. By reframing pest control from an occasional necessity to a strategic investment, properties can enjoy both tangible and intangible benefits. In the end, the ROI of proactive pest control underscores its indispensability in the modern property management toolkit. Read Also: 7 Tips To Purchase A Prime Real Estate Property

Chain Blocks—The Way to Go in 2019