Håndløft

Håndløft refers to a family of manual lifting systems or techniques designed to raise loads by hand. The term is formed from Danish hånd 'hand' and løft 'lift'.

Manual lifting devices include screw jacks, hand-operated lever hoists (also called come-alongs), rope and pulley systems, and hand-cranked hydraulic lifts. These devices rely on human effort to generate the lifting force, with varying mechanical advantage and load capacities.

Used in light to medium-duty applications such as maintenance, construction, warehousing, and equipment installation, especially when motorized power is unavailable or impractical. In healthcare and elder care, similar principles underlie patient-handling aids, though specialized devices exist for safety.

Manual lifting places strain on the operator's back and shoulders; safety guidelines emphasize proper lifting technique, load rating, regular maintenance, and use of personal protective equipment. Operators should be trained in device use, load securement, and hazard assessment.

See also: hoist, winch, screw jack, come-along, manual hydraulic jack.