To provide to provide a hand operated chain block capable of facilitating the fitting of the brake cover (31) to the related side plate (2) without worsening the appearance of the chain block, a brake cover (31) is provided, at a marginal portion therearound, with a flange portion (46) extending outwardly in the same direction as one side plate (2) to abut with the one side plate (2), and the flange portion (46) is provided, at a marginal portion therearound, with recesses (47,48,49) fittable to the stay bolts (16,17,18). The recesses (47,48,49) are brought into engagement with the related stay bolts (16,17,18) by fitting the recesses (47,48,49) to the related stay bolts (16,17,18), thus enabling the brake cover (31) to be easily fixed in place and also be prevented from being disengaged from the one side plate (2) accidentally.