A hand-operated, ratchet-lever winching tool that uses chains and hooks and can provide several thousand pounds of pulling force is known as a?

The hand-operated, ratchet-lever winching tool that uses chains and hooks and can provide several thousand pounds of pulling force is referred to as a come along. This tool is specifically designed to allow for controlled pulling or lifting of heavy objects, making it ideal for various rescue scenarios where mechanical advantage is needed.

A come along operates with a ratcheting mechanism that allows the user to pull objects closer or lift them by incrementally tightening the chain. This makes it highly effective for tasks that require significant pulling power without the need for electric or hydraulic systems, which may not always be available in emergency situations.

In contrast, a winch generally refers to a powered device that can also perform similar tasks but is usually designed for installation on vehicles or structures and may not be hand-operated. A hoist is primarily used to lift heavy objects vertically but does not typically involve a ratchet lever mechanism for pulling horizontally. Block and tackle refers to a system of pulleys that facilitates lifting heavy loads, but it operates differently from the mechanics of a come along, which focuses on pulling using a direct lever action.