The purpose of chain falls was to gain mechanical advantage. Although limited to vertical lift only, it provided much more mechanical advantage than the block and tackle.

The chain falls was available in two sizes, providing one- and three-ton lift capacities. The one-ton chain falls was suspended by a hook, weighed only 54 pounds, and could be carried and hand-operated by one man. The three-ton chain falls, also suspended by a hook, had an electric brake device for safety. The device was cumbersome due to its long, heavy chain and heavier housing; it required two personnel to carry it down or up ladders. After the equipment was set up, it could be hand-operated by one man.

Both of the chain falls’ mechanical means of operation was the spur gears. All chain hoists had the maximum design lift stamped on the hosing with embossed letters and numbers.