How Chain Hoists Work? There are three types of chain hoist. Differential, Lever Ratchet and Hand chain. The most important thing to remember is that heavy items have mass and mass equals energy. It may not be obvious but you know if you drop something heavy on your foot it will hurt. But it may do more than hurt. An anvil, swage block or milling vise dropped on one’s foot could break numerous bones, disable and cause considerable expense.