Manual Lever Hoists are commonly used to apply or release tension to a chain or a cable. They are used in industry to tighten cables, lift objects as well as various other material handling purposes. Manual lever hoists include a hoist and a lever attached thereto for operating the hoist. The hoist typically engages a chain (or a cable) and are operable to displace the chain so as to lift or lower an object removably attached thereto. The hoists can be manually operated via the ratchet assembly to displace the chain so that lifting or lowering of objects are attained by repeatedly pivoting the lever. Manual lever hoists are suitable for a variety of industrial lifting, pulling and positioning applications. They feature a rugged, compact design and require minimum effort to handle heavy loads.