Come-A-Longs, "Coffin" Hoists & Chain Hoist Safety Hand operated hoists have many applications in rigging work. Typical applications include hoisting pipe or plate into position for welding or bolting, moving machinery, fence stretching and lifting engines or equipment during repairs. These devices are simple to operate but misuse can result in sudden failure, property damage, and serious injury. Some things to keep in mind are: * Inspect the hoist to be sure it is in good condition. Do not use any hoist that appears to have been overloaded. Some things to look for include a bent handle, stretched chain links, broken ratchet...