Harrington CX Mini Hand Chain Hoist, 1/4 to 1 Ton

A light mini hand chain hoist for tight spaces and portable kits

The Harrington CX is a mini hand chain hoist in three sizes: CX003 (1/4 ton), CX005 (1/2 ton) and CX010 (1 ton). It weighs only 7 lb in its smallest 10 ft version, so one technician can carry it into a pump room, onto a pipe rack or up a ladder. It is the light companion to the heavier CB hoist and a manual alternative to the mini electric EM.

The CX has a free-standing design with two chain-fall arrangements: single fall on the 1/4 and 1/2 ton sizes and a double fall on the 1 ton size, which is fitted with a twist checker to help detect a twisted load chain.

Technical specification

Why the CX sizes differ

The overhaul ratio shows how much hand chain is needed: 34 for CX003 and 43 for CX005 mean fast lifting with modest pull, while CX010 at 86 trades speed for force so that 1 ton is lifted with a pull of 43 lb, about the same effort as the 1/2 ton unit. In other words the 1 ton model needs roughly twice as much hand chain per foot of lift as the 1/2 ton model (derived from the overhaul ratios). Headroom grows from 8.5 in to 14.2 in, so measure beam clearance before choosing.

Pre-use checks from the manual

• Verify the load chain is untwisted. On the CX010 the supplied twist checker is held lightly and moved 5 ft along the chain; with a 10 ft lift a rotation of 180 degrees indicates a twisted chain (360 degrees at 5 ft, 120 at 15 ft, 90 at 20 ft).
• Check the support structure: it must carry the hoist and load, and the maximum force applied to it is 2.4 times the rated capacity.
• Make sure the fixed suspension point rests in the centre of the top-hook saddle and the latch is engaged; use a manual trolley by its own manual.
• Check brake function by tensioning the hoist before each lift and lubricate the load chain per the maker’s recommendation.

Inspection and maintenance

Inspection follows ANSI/ASME B30.16 as referenced in the manual, split into frequent and periodic checks. The braking system items to measure are the brake pawl, pawl shaft, pawl spring, friction disc, brake bushing and ratchet disc, with wear tables for friction plate, end pin, friction disc, brake bushing and ratchet disc. After any disassembly of load-suspending parts the manual requires a load test before return to service.

Applications

A mini hoist suits instrument and electrical contractors, HVAC rooftop work, light pipe spool positioning, vehicle and pump service, and temporary rigging where weight matters. In GCC industry it is often kept in maintenance toolboxes at plants and on offshore support vessels. Because the manual excludes alkaline, acidic and organic-solvent or explosive atmospheres, it is not for such zones.

Chain and hook checks specific to the CX

The CX manual asks the user to measure and record the ‘k’ dimension of the top and bottom hook on a new hoist so that later measurements can show stretch. Load chain checks include the pitch and wire diameter: the ‘d’ dimension may not fall below the discard value in the manual’s Table 5-6, and the chain surface must be coated with lubricant and free of dirt. Never use the load chain as a sling and never try to lengthen it or repair a damaged link.

Because a mini hoist is often carried between jobs, the manual’s frequent-inspection logic matters: inspect before use after transport, keep the chain clean, and take the hoist out of service if the brake friction disc is worn, glazed or contaminated with oil. These checks are the reason a 7 lb tool can still be used for loads up to 1 ton.

Selection and installation notes

A hoist is selected from the rated capacity, the lift height, the duty cycle and the supply or air available, and it must be used only within its rated load under the site lifting procedure by trained people. Check the support structure and the trolley or hook, inspect the hoist, chain and hooks before use, test the brake and the limits at commissioning, never lift people or pull the load at an angle and have periodic examinations carried out by a competent person as the local rules require. Damaged equipment is taken out of service.

Information needed for a quotation

Send the full model code, the quantity, the delivery location in Oman or the GCC, the intended use and any accessories needed, so that the complete package can be quoted together.

Documents and supply information

The manufacturer data sheet is attached to this page and should be read together with the project specification and the site risk assessment before a purchase is confirmed. Ratings, standards and dimensions are quoted as printed on that sheet. Lead time, stock position and certificates available with the shipment are confirmed in the quotation, and we supply to Oman and the wider GCC region for industrial, utility and building services projects.

Related items

Heavier manual lifting: Harrington CB. Lever operation: Harrington LB and LX. See also Material Handling & Lifting Equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How heavy is the CX? From 7 lb (CX003, 10 ft lift) to 26 lb (CX010, 20 ft lift).

Is a 20 ft lift available? Yes, standard lifts are 10 ft or 20 ft.

Documents and quotation

The attached CX owner’s manual (effective 23 July 2026) is the source. Send capacity, lift (10 or 20 ft) and hook requirement with your enquiry.