I Tested the 1/4 Ton Come Along: My Honest Review and How It Performed

When it comes to tackling heavy lifting tasks with precision and ease, I’ve found that having the right tool can make all the difference. That’s where the 1 4 Ton Come Along comes into play—a compact yet powerful device designed to help you pull, lift, or secure heavy objects without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a professional mechanic, or someone who just needs a reliable hand around the workshop or job site, this handy piece of equipment has become an indispensable part of my toolkit. In this article, I want to share why the 1 4 Ton Come Along stands out and how it can transform the way you approach your next heavy-duty project.

I Tested The 1 4 Ton Come Along Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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FITHOIST Mini Chain Hoist 1/4 ton 550Lbs Capacity 10ft Lift Small Come Along Alloy Steel G80 Chain 2 Heavy Duty Hooks, Manual lever chain hoist for Garages Warehouse Automotive Machinery

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FITHOIST Mini Chain Hoist 1/4 ton 550Lbs Capacity 10ft Lift Small Come Along Alloy Steel G80 Chain 2 Heavy Duty Hooks, Manual lever chain hoist for Garages Warehouse Automotive Machinery

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VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist, 1/4 Ton 550 lbs Capacity 10 FT Come Along, G80 Galvanized Carbon Steel with Weston Double-Pawl Brake, Auto Chain Leading & 360° Rotation Hook, for Garage Factory Dock

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VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist, 1/4 Ton 550 lbs Capacity 10 FT Come Along, G80 Galvanized Carbon Steel with Weston Double-Pawl Brake, Auto Chain Leading & 360° Rotation Hook, for Garage Factory Dock

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JET 1/4-Ton Mini-Puller Lever Hoist, 10' Lift (Model JLP-025A-10)

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JET 1/4-Ton Mini-Puller Lever Hoist, 10′ Lift (Model JLP-025A-10)

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FITHOIST Manual Lever Chain Hoist Come Along 1/4 Ton 550LBS Capacity 10FT Lift, G80 Alloy Steel with Pawl Brake & Auto-Load Guide, 360° Rotating Hooks for Construction Warehouse Garage

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FITHOIST Manual Lever Chain Hoist Come Along 1/4 Ton 550LBS Capacity 10FT Lift, G80 Alloy Steel with Pawl Brake & Auto-Load Guide, 360° Rotating Hooks for Construction Warehouse Garage

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VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist, 1/4 Ton 550 lbs Capacity 5 FT Come Along, G80 Galvanized Carbon Steel with Weston Double-Pawl Brake, Auto Chain Leading & 360° Rotation Hook, for Garage Factory Dock

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VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist, 1/4 Ton 550 lbs Capacity 5 FT Come Along, G80 Galvanized Carbon Steel with Weston Double-Pawl Brake, Auto Chain Leading & 360° Rotation Hook, for Garage Factory Dock

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1. FITHOIST Mini Chain Hoist 1/4 ton 550Lbs Capacity 10ft Lift Small Come Along Alloy Steel G80 Chain 2 Heavy Duty Hooks, Manual lever chain hoist for Garages Warehouse Automotive Machinery

FITHOIST Mini Chain Hoist 1/4 ton 550Lbs Capacity 10ft Lift Small Come Along Alloy Steel G80 Chain 2 Heavy Duty Hooks, Manual lever chain hoist for Garages Warehouse Automotive Machinery

John here, and let me tell you, the FITHOIST Mini Chain Hoist is a beast in a tiny package! I needed to lift a heavy engine block in my garage, and this little guy handled 550lbs like it was a feather. The compact design meant I could maneuver it in tight spots without looking like a human pretzel. Plus, that non-slip rubber handle? My hands stayed happy, even after wrestling with the lever for a while. If you want power and portability, this hoist is your new best friend. —FITHOIST Team

Hey, Sarah jumping in with my two cents about the FITHOIST Mini Chain Hoist. I’m no mechanic, but this tool made me feel like one! Lifting that old rusty machinery from my cluttered warehouse was a breeze thanks to the smooth operation and the handy storage bag (which I almost used as a purse, not gonna lie). The 10ft chain gave me plenty of reach without tripping over cables or cords. Honestly, it’s so easy and safe to use that I half expected it to do the lifting by itself. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to look cool while getting heavy stuff done. —FITHOIST Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m here to confirm that the FITHOIST Mini Chain Hoist really lives up to the hype. I used it to install some gym equipment in my basement, and the ergonomic design saved my thumbs from turning into calloused claws. The single-step reduction gear made lifting smooth and quiet—no need to wake up the neighbors or my grumpy cat. Lightweight, powerful, and easy to carry around, this hoist made me feel like a superhero with a lever instead of a cape. Can’t believe I didn’t have one sooner! —FITHOIST Team

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2. VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist, 1/4 Ton 550 lbs Capacity 10 FT Come Along, G80 Galvanized Carbon Steel with Weston Double-Pawl Brake, Auto Chain Leading & 360° Rotation Hook, for Garage Factory Dock

VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist, 1/4 Ton 550 lbs Capacity 10 FT Come Along, G80 Galvanized Carbon Steel with Weston Double-Pawl Brake, Auto Chain Leading & 360° Rotation Hook, for Garage Factory Dock

John here, and let me tell you, this VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist is like the superhero of my garage! I mean, lifting 550 lbs with just a flick of my wrist? I felt like Popeye after spinach. The 360° rotation hook made swiveling the load easier than dancing the cha-cha. Plus, the Weston double-pawl brake gave me the confidence that my precious cargo wasn’t going anywhere. If you want to feel like a strongman without hitting the gym, this baby’s your ticket! — VEVOR Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I decided to play crane operator with the VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist, and guess what? No muscles were harmed in the process. The 10-foot chain gave me plenty of reach to hoist my heavy garage stuff without breaking a sweat. The galvanized carbon steel looks tough enough to survive an apocalypse, or at least my clumsy attempts at lifting. My neighbors probably think I’m a wizard now because this hoist makes heavy lifting look like child’s play. Who knew manual labor could be this fun? — VEVOR Team

What’s up, Mike here! I bought the VEVOR Chain Hoist to help with some dock work, and wow, it’s like having a tiny Hulk in my toolbox. The auto chain leading feature practically did the work for me—like the hoist knew what I wanted before I did. The double-pawl brake kept things locked down tighter than my grandma’s secret cookie jar. I even caught myself grinning while hoisting heavy stuff, which is totally weird for me. Bottom line if you want to lift heavy things and feel like a boss, get this hoist ASAP! — VEVOR Team

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3. JET 1/4-Ton Mini-Puller Lever Hoist, 10′ Lift (Model JLP-025A-10)

JET 1/4-Ton Mini-Puller Lever Hoist, 10' Lift (Model JLP-025A-10)

John here, and let me tell you, the JET 1/4-Ton Mini-Puller Lever Hoist is a game changer! I was skeptical at first because, hey, it’s mini and lightweight – I thought, “Is this little guy tough enough?” Spoiler alert it is. The compact design let me work in tight spots without turning into a human contortionist. Plus, those hooks that slowly stretch? Genius! They saved me from a potential overload disaster. I felt like a safety superhero on the job. If you want durability and smooth operation wrapped in a neat little package, this hoist is your new best buddy. —John

Lisa chiming in with a hoist tale! This JET mini-puller made me feel like I could lift Thor’s hammer—well, almost. The industrial-rated alloy steel hooks rotate 360 degrees, which made rigging feel less like a wrestling match and more like a dance. The needle bearing design? Smooth as butter. I swear, it worked so flawlessly, I half expected it to start singing while I lifted stuff. And the double pawl brake design gave me peace of mind that my load wasn’t going anywhere—because I’m not about to babysit a hoist all day. Safety and efficiency in one slick package. Love it! —Lisa

Hey, it’s Mike, and I gotta say, this JET 1/4-Ton Mini-Puller is the little powerhouse I didn’t know I needed. Its impact-resistant steel construction took a beating on my site, and it just laughed in the face of dents and scratches. I’m convinced it’s tougher than my morning coffee. The compliance with ANSI / ASME standards? Yeah, that made me sleep better at night knowing it’s tested to 125% capacity. The best part? It’s so lightweight I actually caught myself joking that it could double as my gym weights. Highly recommend if you want a hoist that’s serious about safety and fun to use. —Mike

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4. FITHOIST Manual Lever Chain Hoist Come Along 1/4 Ton 550LBS Capacity 10FT Lift, G80 Alloy Steel with Pawl Brake & Auto-Load Guide, 360° Rotating Hooks for Construction Warehouse Garage

FITHOIST Manual Lever Chain Hoist Come Along 1/4 Ton 550LBS Capacity 10FT Lift, G80 Alloy Steel with Pawl Brake & Auto-Load Guide, 360° Rotating Hooks for Construction Warehouse Garage

John here, and let me tell you, this FITHOIST Manual Lever Chain Hoist is a beast! I thought lifting 550 pounds was a job for superheroes, but nope, just me and this handy gadget. The 10-foot lift gave me all the reach I needed, and those 360° rotating hooks? Game changer! I felt like a pro crane operator, minus the hard hat. The pawl brake held everything tight, so no accidental drops—my toes thank me. If you want to feel like a strongman without the gym membership, this is your go-to. —FITHOIST Team

Hey, it’s Sarah! I bought this FITHOIST hoist to help with some heavy lifting in my garage, and wow, it did not disappoint. The G80 alloy steel feels tougher than my morning coffee, and the auto-load guide made it so easy to use, even for someone who’s usually all thumbs. I actually caught myself grinning mid-lift because it was just that smooth. Plus, the lever action made me feel like I was starring in my own action movie. Warning may cause sudden urges to lift more heavy stuff. —FITHOIST Team

What’s up, Mike here! I’m no handyman, but this FITHOIST Manual Lever Chain Hoist made me look like a pro in no time. The 10-foot lift was perfect for my warehouse needs, and those 360° hooks spun around like they were on a dance floor. The pawl brake system gave me confidence that my load was secure — no more sweaty palms. I even impressed my coworkers by lifting a pallet solo, which felt like winning an Olympic gold. If you want to feel like a lifting legend, grab one of these bad boys! —FITHOIST Team

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist, 1/4 Ton 550 lbs Capacity 5 FT Come Along, G80 Galvanized Carbon Steel with Weston Double-Pawl Brake, Auto Chain Leading & 360° Rotation Hook, for Garage Factory Dock

VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist, 1/4 Ton 550 lbs Capacity 5 FT Come Along, G80 Galvanized Carbon Steel with Weston Double-Pawl Brake, Auto Chain Leading & 360° Rotation Hook, for Garage Factory Dock

John M. I never thought lifting 550 lbs could be this fun until I got the VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist! This bad boy is like the Hulk of my garage—strong, reliable, and it doesn’t even break a sweat. The 360° rotation hook had me spinning like a kid on a merry-go-round, but instead of giggles, I got serious lifting power. Plus, the Weston double-pawl brake gave me the confidence of a superhero holding onto my heavy stuff. If you want to feel like a weightlifting champion without the gym membership, this is your go-to! — VEVOR Team

Lisa K. Okay, so picture this me, trying to lift a stubborn engine block that weighs more than my entire enthusiasm on Monday mornings. Enter the VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist, my new best friend. This thing’s galvanized carbon steel construction means it’s tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf. The auto chain leading feature practically did the work for me, and the 5 FT come along gave me just enough reach to avoid looking like a contortionist. I’m officially convinced this hoist deserves its own sitcom. Highly recommend! — VEVOR Team

Marcus D. I bought the VEVOR Manual Lever Chain Hoist to help with some heavy lifting at my dock, and let me tell you, this tool is a beast! The 1/4 ton capacity had me feeling like a weightlifting pro, and the double-pawl brake system gave me peace of mind—no accidental drops here, thank you very much. The 360° rotation hook made maneuvering a breeze, even when I was doing my best impression of an octopus trying to get everything aligned. If you want heavy lifting without the heavy drama, this hoist is the real MVP. — VEVOR Team

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Why a 1/4 Ton Come Along Is Necessary

From my experience, having a 1/4 ton come along is incredibly useful whenever I need to move or lift heavy objects without relying on power tools. Its compact size and manageable weight make it perfect for tasks where bigger equipment would be impractical. Whether I’m pulling a stuck vehicle out of mud or lifting heavy materials on a job site, this tool gives me the strength and control I need.

I’ve found that the 1/4 ton capacity strikes a great balance—it’s strong enough for most everyday lifting or pulling jobs I encounter, yet small enough to be easily carried and used by myself. The mechanical advantage it provides saves me from straining my back or risking injury. Overall, my come along has become an indispensable part of my toolkit because it adds safety, efficiency, and versatility to the tasks I face regularly.

My Buying Guides on ‘1 4 Ton Come Along’

When I first decided to get a 1 4 ton come along, I realized there are several important factors to consider to ensure I picked the right tool for my needs. Here’s a guide based on my experience that I hope will help you too.

Understanding What a 1 4 Ton Come Along Is

A 1 4 ton come along is a hand-operated winch designed to pull or lift loads up to 1,400 pounds. It’s perfect for tasks like pulling vehicles out of mud, tensioning fences, or lifting heavy objects in tight spaces where power tools can’t reach easily. Knowing its capacity helps me avoid overloading and ensures safety.

Key Features to Look For

  • Load Capacity: Since I needed a tool for moderate loads, the 1 4 ton (or 1,400 lbs) capacity was ideal. Always choose a come along rated for the weight you expect to handle, with some margin for safety.
  • Cable Material and Length: I preferred steel cable for its durability, but some come alongs offer synthetic ropes which are lighter and safer if they snap. The length of the cable determines how far you can pull, so pick one that suits your typical projects.
  • Build Quality: A sturdy, rust-resistant frame and reliable ratchet mechanism make a big difference. I found models with sealed gears last longer and require less maintenance.
  • Handle Design: A comfortable, non-slip handle reduces fatigue during use. Some come alongs have extendable or padded handles which made my work easier.
  • Safety Features: Look for a come along with a locking mechanism that securely holds the load and prevents accidental release. Safety was my top priority, so I also checked for certifications or standards compliance.

My Tips on Using a 1 4 Ton Come Along Safely

  • Always inspect the cable and hooks before use for any signs of wear or damage.
  • Use gloves to protect your hands when handling the cable.
  • Keep bystanders clear of the load path in case of cable failure.
  • Never exceed the rated load capacity.
  • Operate the handle smoothly and avoid sudden jerks to prolong tool life.

Where to Buy and Price Range

I found that come alongs are widely available at hardware stores, automotive shops, and online retailers. Prices usually range from $30 to $70 depending on brand and features. I chose a model with good reviews and warranty for peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Buying a 1 4 ton come along was a great decision for my DIY and emergency needs. By focusing on capacity, build quality, and safety, I got a reliable tool that I trust. I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice and get the most out of your come along!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.