Having one tool around that can do many jobs is always a plus. I have
a multi-tool that gets used so much that I'm not sure how I ever got along
without it. Carolina North's Hang 'Em High Hoist is quickly become one
of the tools in my "Tool-Time" arsenal. It showed up on my doorstep about
one month ago and I've already put it to use (outside of testing) five
or six times.
Construction:
The Hang 'Em High Hoist is basically made up of two hooks, on pulley,
braided rope, and a rope ratchet. The hooks are made of zinc-plated steel.
The rope is solid braided and comes in twenty inch lengths in one of four
sizes. The smallest diameter is 1/8 inch and has a maximum load capacity
of seventy-five pounds. Also available are ¼ inch (150 lb. max load),
3/8 inch (250 lb. max load) and ½ inch (500 lb. max load). The single
pulley is constructed of plated steel and the wheel rides on a steel pin.
The actual rope ratchet has outer casings made from #6 33% glass-filled,
black Nylon and die cast zinc interior mechanisms. The entire hoist weighs
only 1.5 lbs.
How it Works:
The hoist is anchored by the top hook (the one not attached to the
Rope Ratchet directly). The rope is stationary at that point. One leg of
the rope extends down to the pulley and is secured there through an eyelet.
The other leg, the working one, extends down through the Rope Ratchet (RR),
around the gear, doubles back in a U-shape path, comes back up out of the
wheel, and the free end hangs down from there. With the anchor secured,
pulling on the free end of the rope will easily hoist an object attached
to the RR hook. Every time a tooth on the gear wheel passes the thumb lever/brake,
it clicks into possession and is held there from going backward. Each :click"
moves the rope approximately ¾ inch. To release the load, the thumb
lever/brake is simply depressed. A word of caution -- if you don't want
whatever it is you have suspended to careen to the ground, make sure to
apply resistance to the free end of the rope. The thumb lever/brake is
equipped with a small 1/8-inch cord that can be used to release it in the
event that the RR is out of reach.
Testing:
The overall quality of the Hang 'Em High Hoist was above average with
one exception. The pulley did not seem on par with the rest of the hoist.
It performed well, however, and should not be a concern. I used the hoist
extensively in the short time that I had to evaluate it and was impressed
with its versatility. The max load of 250 lbs. that my 3/8-inch Hoist is
rated for was reached in testing. With a one-pulley system, 250 lbs. was
still no cakewalk. The Hang 'Em High Hoist was repeatedly cycled through
lifts, stops, and releases with not one glitch experienced the whole time.
I also used the Hoist several times as a tie down for securing loads on
my pick-up truck. There are several web type tie downs behind the seat
of my truck that never saw the light of day thanks to my new Hoist.
Overall, I found the Hang 'Em High Hoist to be useful, functional,
easy to operate, and convenient. Be sure that I will have several of every
size and a few rope ratchet systems also made by Carolina North.
Quality: 4 of 5
A mentioned before, the Hoist with the exception of the pulley, was
of high quality. Suggested improvements: switch to a higher quality pulley.
Usefulness: 4.5 of 5
The Hang 'Em High Hoist is extremely versatile and was a breeze to
set up and use.
Value: 4 of 5
At $49.95 for the 3/8-inch rope version, you can hardly go wrong. The
convenience alone makes it worth the money.
For information on this and other fine
products from Carolina North contact:
CAROLINA NORTH Mfg.
1325 South Park Dr.
Kernersville, NC 27284
336-992-0082
fax 336-992-0799
email: sales@roperatchet.com
On the Internet at www.roperatchet.com |
