This lightweight, extremely durable portable chain hoist is easy to operate in pulling, hoisting, and hauling jobs on deck or when moving machinery parts in the engine room. The ratchet action enables you to hoist easily with short handle strokes and the load is constantly supported while lifting by a braking machanism. The handle is operated in the same way when lowering the load. The hoist is steadily lowered and the ratchet system again assures that the handle will not spring loose and injure the operator.