Why should hoists not be used in tie down applications?

Hoists are designed primarily for lifting loads vertically and are not engineered to handle lateral forces or the dynamic shock loading that can come with tie down applications. When using a hoist for tie downs, the tension can create sudden and excessive forces, potentially leading to failure of the hoist or the lifting mechanism. This is especially critical because shock loading may occur as the load shifts or moves, which can lead to unpredictable reactions from the equipment. Understanding the proper application of hoists is essential for maintaining safety and ensuring the correct equipment is used for the intended tasks.