Gear can easily lift up to 10 lbs, far exceeding the weight of your normal window shade. In fact, legal requirements are for chains to break at 15 pounds of force to prevent choking and strangulation hazards. It has also been tested to lift window coverings that are 9 feet by 9 feet.

To compare, most window shades found in homes require 7-8 lbs of pull force. Larger window shades and curtains (think floor-to-ceiling condos) require 10-15 lbs of pull force.