How to Make a Drywall Hoist
Hanging drywall on a ceiling can be a lot of work for two, three, or even four people. A drywall hoist makes for an easier operation since it doesn't require more than two people to do the work. Hoists at the hardware store can cost hundreds of dollars, while the supplies to build one with a simple design will cost less than fifty dollars at the same store. In just a couple of hours you can build your hoist and spare the stress on your shoulders. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2 pine two-by-fours, 4 feet long
- 2 pine two-by-fours, 2 feet long
- 16 3-inch screws
- 4 pine two-by-fours, 8 ½ feet long
- Jigsaw
- 2 pine two-by-fours, 27 inches long
- Drill
- ¼-inch drill bit
- 4 ¼-inch by 4 ½-inch bolts with nut and washer for each
- 2 2-inch screw hooks
- 10 feet of nylon rope
Instructions
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Lay the two 4-foot boards on edge, parallel and 2 feet apart. Place the 2-foot boards 45 inches apart between the 4-foot boards, perpendicularly. Screw through the ends of the 4-foot boards into the 2-foot boards, making sure the corners are flush. You should have a frame that is 4 feet by 27 inches.
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On the 4-foot boards of the frame, drill a ¼-inch hole 4 inches from each end, and 1 ¾ inches from each side.
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3
On the 8 ½-foot boards, round off the corners on both ends with your jigsaw without affecting the length. Then on one end of each of these boards, drill a ¼-inch hole 1 ¾ inches from the end and each side.
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Lay two of the 8 ½-foot boards parallel and 27 inches apart with both holes on the same end. Place the 27-inch board between them so that it is perpendicular and 3 feet from the end that does not have the holes drilled, then screw them together with two screws on each side. Repeat this process with the last two 8 ½-foot boards.
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Connect the square frame to the 8 ½-inch boards by aligning the holes and placing a bolt through each hole. Put a washer and nut on each bolt. These do not have to be too much tighter than finger tight since they will act as a hinge.
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Screw a 2-inch hook into the center of each 27-inch board, and tie one end of your rope to one of the hooks.
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Tie a couple of loops on the other end of the rope, one 5 feet away from the secured end, and another 6 feet away from the secured end. These loops connect to the other hook to hold up the frame and allow space between the hoist and the ceiling for placing your drywall. Once your drywall is in place, remove the loops and pull the rope tight, bringing the drywall up to the ceiling.
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Tips & Warnings
Attaching wheels to each leg can allow for easy movement and accurate placement of your drywall.
Make sure the rope is always secured tightly to avoid falling drywall and potential injury.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit home remodeling 2 image by jovica antoski from Fotolia.com
