Hoist vs. Joist — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 7, 2024
A hoist is a lifting device used to move heavy objects vertically, while a joist is a structural beam that supports floors or ceilings horizontally.
Difference Between Hoist and Joist
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A hoist is used for vertical lifting and lowering of loads. It employs chains, ropes, or cables, and is often seen in construction or industrial settings to elevate heavy equipment. A hoist uses mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical power. A joist provides structural support and stability. Found in floors or ceilings, it is a horizontal beam made of wood, steel, or concrete, ensuring floors remain firm and level. Joists distribute weight across a larger area.
While a hoist is primarily used to transport and lift goods, a joist is stationary, supporting floors or ceilings over their entire lifespan.
Hoists are temporary tools that can be moved around to different work sites. Joists are permanent fixtures that, once installed, remain in place to fulfill their structural role.
A hoist generally relies on manual or powered mechanisms. On the other hand, a joist remains fixed and does not require an additional mechanism to perform its function.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Lifting device for heavy loads
Structural beam for floor/ceiling support
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Direction
Vertical lifting
Horizontal support
Usage
Construction, manufacturing
Building floors and ceilings
Material
Metal cables, chains
Wood, steel, or concrete
Permanence
Temporary, mobile
Permanent, immobile
Compare with Definitions
Hoist
A device to lift heavy loads, often using cables or chains.
The crane's hoist efficiently lifted the steel beams to the fifth floor.
Joist
An integral part of the framing structure in a building.
They replaced the old wooden joist with a steel one.
Hoist
The action of raising something or someone.
The firefighters had to hoist the injured worker to safety.
Joist
A horizontal structural element in floors or ceilings.
The joist helps distribute weight across the floor evenly.
Hoist
An apparatus that aids in raising or lowering heavy objects.
The construction team used a hoist to raise the equipment to the rooftop.
Joist
A beam that supports decking, roofing, or flooring.
The carpenter installed the joist to strengthen the floor.
Hoist
The lifting and placing of a flag or similar object.
The cadets stood at attention as the flag was hoisted at sunrise.
Joist
Typically spaced closely to support the entire floor area.
Joists are spaced at regular intervals for uniform support.
Hoist
A system that can be powered manually or mechanically.
This hoist is powered by a small electric motor.
Joist
Sometimes referred to as floor joist or ceiling joist based on its application.
The ceiling joist needed extra bracing due to the heavy chandelier.
Hoist
To raise or haul up, often with the help of a mechanical apparatus.
Joist
A joist is a horizontal structural member used in framing to span an open space, often between beams that subsequently transfer loads to vertical members. When incorporated into a floor framing system, joists serve to provide stiffness to the subfloor sheathing, allowing it to function as a horizontal diaphragm.
Hoist
To raise to one's mouth in order to drink
Hoist a few beers.
Joist
Any of the wood, steel, or concrete beams set parallel from wall to wall or across or abutting girders to support a floor or ceiling.
Hoist
To become raised or lifted.
Joist
To construct with joists.
Hoist
An apparatus for lifting heavy or cumbersome objects.
Joist
A piece of timber or steel laid horizontally, or nearly so, to which the planks of the floor, or the laths or furring strips of a ceiling, are nailed.
Hoist
The act of hoisting; a lift.
Joist
(transitive) To fit or furnish with joists.
Hoist
The height or vertical dimension of a flag or of any square sail other than a course.
Joist
To fit or furnish with joists.
Hoist
A group of flags raised together as a signal.
Joist
Beam used to support floors or roofs
Hoist
(transitive) To raise; to lift; to elevate (especially, to raise or lift to a desired elevation, by means of tackle or pulley, said of a sail, a flag, a heavy package or weight).
Hoist
To lift a trophy or similar prize into the air in celebration of a victory.
Hoist
To lift someone up to be flogged.
Hoist
(intransitive) To be lifted up.
Hoist
To extract (code) from a loop construct as part of optimization.
Hoist
To steal.
Hoist
To rob.
Hoist
A hoisting device, such as pulley or crane.
Hoist
The act of hoisting; a lift.
Give me a hoist over that wall.
Hoist
The triangular vertical position of a flag, as opposed to the flying state, or triangular vertical position of a sail, when flying from a mast.
Hoist
The position of a flag (on a mast) or of a sail on a ship when lifted up to its highest level.
Hoist
The position of a main fore-and-aft topsail on a ship and fore fore-and-aft topsail on a ship.
Hoist
To raise; to lift; to elevate; esp., to raise or lift to a desired elevation, by means of tackle, as a sail, a flag, a heavy package or weight.
They land my goods, and hoist my flying sails.
Hoisting him into his father's throne.
Hoist
That by which anything is hoisted; the apparatus for lifting goods.
Hoist
The act of hoisting; a lift.
Hoist
The perpendicular height of a flag, as opposed to the fly, or horizontal length when flying from a staff.
Hoist
Hoisted.
'T is the sport to have the enginerHoist with his own petar.
Hoist
Lifting device for raising heavy or cumbersome objects
Hoist
Raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help;
Hoist the bicycle onto the roof of the car
Hoist
Move from one place to another by lifting;
They hoisted the patient onto the operating table
Hoist
Raise;
Hoist the flags
Hoist a sail
Common Curiosities
Do joists require regular maintenance?
Generally, joists require little maintenance but should be inspected for damage.
Is a hoist safe for construction work?
Yes, if operated properly and maintained, hoists are safe and widely used.
Can a hoist be used for horizontal movement?
No, a hoist is designed specifically for vertical lifting.
Can a hoist lift multiple objects at once?
Yes, if objects are securely fastened together and within the weight capacity.
Are joists always made of wood?
No, joists can be made of various materials like wood, steel, or concrete.
How long does it take to install a joist?
Installation time varies based on the size and material of the joist.
How are joists spaced in construction?
Joists are typically spaced 16 to 24 inches apart, depending on the load requirements.
What is the weight limit of a hoist?
It varies by model, ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds.
Are joists used in ceiling construction?
Yes, ceiling joists provide structural support for ceilings.
What powers a hoist?
Hoists can be powered manually, electrically, or hydraulically.
Can hoists be operated remotely?
Yes, some electric hoists come with remote controls.
What is the most common joist material?
Wood is the most common, especially in residential buildings.
Do joists require additional support?
Joists may require additional support like beams or blocking, depending on the structure.
Are hoists portable?
Some hoists are portable, allowing easy relocation on job sites.
Can a hoist be repaired?
Yes, most hoists can be repaired by replacing worn-out parts.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
