Ratcliff Chain Hoist

Dave in MS · Feb 10, 2009

I bought a Ratcliff 1 1/2 ton chain hoist/come along from a guy that couldn't get it to work. Being the mechanical genius that I am, I knew I could fix it. 20 odd years later, I'm cleaning out the garage, and here's this still not working chain hoist hanging in the corner. Time's up. This thing either gets fixed, or it's off to the scrap yard. I set it on the work bench, and got out a screwdriver. I have no idea what's inside, and not being fond of surprises that result from flying springs and balls, I decide that before tearing into it, it might be a good idea to contact the manufacturer and obtain a parts diagram. After nearly an hour on line, it was evident that Ratcliff doesn't have a website. I did find an address in California and a phone number. When I made the call, it was answered by a woman with a very thick accent. I asked if a parts diagram for a 20 + year old chain hoist was available, and I think she was some how offended by the question. She said: " NO! we no make that model no more. It very old. I send you new brochure". I declined her offer, and bid her good day. I guess I should have tackeled this project a little sooner. :roll:
Does anyone have any knowledge of the inner workings of a Ratcliff, 1 1/2 ton chain hoist? Any help would be appreciated.

Bud in FLA · Feb 10, 2009

Didn't find anything on it on a search so it's time to wing it. We used Comealong, Tugit, Harrington and Coffing hoists and it was routine to take them apart and fix them. Sometimes the "free" works, sometimes it don't but the biggest thing we usually found was dirt or oil/grease in it. Scuffing the fiber clutch discs and the brass slip surface for them on some coarse emory cloth will usually cure slipping.
If you were going to use this hoist on a real job, it'll have to be inspected and certified but a junker works real fine at home!
I have several hoists, all made from scrap parts.

I have an online manual for a Coffing hoist - send me an email and I'll shoot it to you. It'll give you a general idea of what's inside a typical hoist anyway.

Old Roy · Feb 10, 2009

At least if you junk it save the chain very good and light tow chain>

Dave in MS · Feb 10, 2009

Thanks Bud in WV. for your offer. I fixed my Necchi hoist when it crapped out, so maybe can get through this one. I don't plan on spending a lot of time on it since it's not needed anymore. I just thought it would be good to have as a backup in a pinch. I'll post my progress if any, and may have to take you up on your offer if it looks like I'm in over my head.

ACpereur · Oct 31, 2020

(quoted from post at 14:20:22 02/10/09) I bought a Ratcliff 1 1/2 ton chain hoist/come along from a guy that couldn't get it to work. Being the mechanical genius that I am, I knew I could fix it. 20 odd years later, I'm cleaning out the garage, and here's this still not working chain hoist hanging in the corner. Time's up. This thing either gets fixed, or it's off to the scrap yard. I set it on the work bench, and got out a screwdriver. I have no idea what's inside, and not being fond of surprises that result from flying springs and balls, I decide that before tearing into it, it might be a good idea to contact the manufacturer and obtain a parts diagram. After nearly an hour on line, it was evident that Ratcliff doesn't have a website. I did find an address in California and a phone number. When I made the call, it was answered by a woman with a very thick accent. I asked if a parts diagram for a 20 + year old chain hoist was available, and I think she was some how offended by the question. She said: " NO! we no make that model no more. It very old. I send you new brochure". I declined her offer, and bid her good day. I guess I should have tackeled this project a little sooner. :roll:
Does anyone have any knowledge of the inner workings of a Ratcliff, 1 1/2 ton chain hoist? Any help would be appreciated.

ACpereur · Oct 31, 2020

I know this is a really old post but will throw this out there. I used to work for Ratcliff hoist and know how the hoist work. I used to build and repair E and N model hoist.

Dave in MS · Nov 1, 2020

(quoted from post at 15:30:58 10/31/20) I know this is a really old post but will throw this out there. I used to work for Ratcliff hoist and know how the hoist work. I used to build and repair E and N model hoist.

Wow! An 11 year old post finally gets a reply. Thank you very much AC. Being the never throw a tool away guy that i am, I still have the hoist. I did get it working, although it is always a puzzle to figure out how to make it do what I want it to do. Once I get it figured out, and get the project I'm working on finished, the hoist gets put away for another year or so, and I forget how it works again. I may have put it back together wrong, because if memory serves, the working directions are backwards from what they should be, imho. If you could enlighten me it would be greatly appreciated.

Ratcliff Chain Hoist

Dave in MS

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Bud in FLA

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Old Roy

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Dave in MS

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ACpereur

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ACpereur

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Dave in MS

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