homemade drywall lift

DangerMouse · 09-29-2008, 10:57 AM

i'm creating a drywall lift from 2x, hinges and a crank-type chain fall or possibly rope and crank. anyone out there want to help? i have a rough pencil sketch in "My Photos" (to your left under my avatar)
DM

clasact · 09-29-2008, 01:02 PM

why not just go on ebay and buy one I just did got it for 124.00 and that was with shipping brand new in the box

DangerMouse · 09-29-2008, 01:05 PM

well sure.... if i had $124 laying around.... this can be made with what i already have.....

DM

clasact · 09-29-2008, 01:07 PM

I see said the blind man good luck

Maintenance 6 · 09-29-2008, 01:41 PM

Any time a mouse wants to build a drywall lift, I'm ready to have a look

DangerMouse · 09-29-2008, 02:44 PM

thanks M6, when it's built and tested and safe, i'll post pics and plans for all to see. maybe i'll send a copy to motherearthnews too, the homemade one they show has no plans, just a drawing and measurements. pretty confusing to the average person. i could still build theirs, but i think mine would be easier and cheaper to build. another i saw a drawing of was just a car jack setup.... looked hard to use and unsafe to me.

DM

DangerMouse · 09-29-2008, 04:24 PM

ok, i put the pics in My Photos. my problem is how to keep the top platform level as it rises. at this point it's more of a 2 man tool. one person to hold the sheet level as it's going up, then the ceiling will hold it flat as it's being positioned. if i get time today, i'll draw the thing with chainfall (or perhaps crank and pulley?) attached and in more detail. comments and serious suggestions welcome. and yes, i know it only shows one locking wheel, there will be 4, of course.

DM

DangerMouse · 09-30-2008, 06:35 AM

also, the top shows just one end being adjustable, both sides will bolt/wingnut securely to expand for larger sheets. this design is for ceiling only, not walls.

DM

RippySkippy · 09-30-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clasact

I see said the blind man.....

as he took out a hammer and saw....

DangerMouse · 09-30-2008, 09:18 AM

thanks for that rippy, your response was quite trippy. but what did he see? an idea to help me?

DM

4just1don · 09-30-2008, 01:57 PM

Downside "I" see to the 2 bye gizmo MIGHT be sheer weight. IF You have a work force of about 4 to carry it around,,,which brings up storage probs,,,wetness isnt woods friend. I am NOT blessed with abunduance of storage SO,,,I dont have one of neither,,altho I WISH I had!! Long story short,,,compute weight of total structure before assembling!!(and factor in the LEAST number of workers to MOVE it!!)

RippySkippy · 09-30-2008, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MdangermouseM

thanks for that rippy, your response was quite trippy. but what did he see? an idea to help me?

DM

Nope can't help you...that was just the second half of the one liner my grandfather used to say when we would hang out...no insult intended...just triggered an old memory...

**Termite** · 09-30-2008, 03:34 PM

Wow mouse. Not sure I understand quite how this contraption works!

I do pretty well hanging by myself with a 2x4 "T" cut just a hair taller that the ceiling. It takes a lot of cussing but it works when all your friends are busy on sheetrock day.

Big Bob · 09-30-2008, 07:50 PM

D..Mouse, o'l bud,,

Drywall hanging and roofing are games for young folk.. (it's what helps make'em older an sore'er) If you are determined to DIY... and not help the guy on the street corner "will work for food".. (lots of new home construction hangers headed there now)...

Do you need to build a boat to cross a creek you can jump over?
How many thousands of SF do you need to hang?

How many real legs have you got? ( I once had a one armed painter on the crew... (No, I never asked him if he could hang wall paper).

One man hanging made a little easier....?:

If you are able... 2x4 deadman "T"'s as KCtermite advised plus you can make few arms... ( 2x4 blocks " long as you want them 3'-4' add fat "size of rock" spacer... nail to bottom of ceiling joist ...Position so you can slide
sheet in the slot.. hold other edge with one hand while you grab the deadman "T"
... go rest on the couch... when rested... adjust sheet to right spot... pull the deadman tight again... and screw away.... Repeat until you run out of ceiling.... Or if you are having fun... install another layer... be sure you cut the deadmans leg off the thickness of the rock.

Your design looks cool...and it just might fly.

Stay safe.

**joasis** · 09-30-2008, 08:05 PM

Give a little thought to my advice, and I am not saying you can't do it, but:

A decent drywall lift can be rented for $20, maybe $40. So what is your time worth and plus the ease of using a lift? I have done it with 2x's and a tee, and 2 guys and sweat, and I promise you, it is worth the bucks...and if you still can't think about the rent, then buy one, some are as low as $100, and sell it on craigslist when you finish.