2x4 Becomes a Jack - Cool Trick

A handy tip! Very valuable in certain situations...Like THIS Tool. • You need a Burke Bar
I could have lifted this header in A LOT of different ways, but thought I would make the "Post Jack" to share. Thanks for the comments, and everyone have a GREAT day!
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[@LKN4WAR]

Any down votes are ridiculous imo. You post great information that could help someone adapt to a situation who do not own a jack or have theirs handy and people don't like it. Must be the idiocracy crowd. Just because there are other methods doesn't discount this one. You don't always need a Martin T75 pre X panel saw to rip a sheet of siding. You use what you have on hand. If you ever work in remote locations these techniques are esp helpful.

[@jamesbizs]

A guy that has a nail gun, hammer, circular saw, and wood, doesn't have a jack around? I mean, I suppose it's possible, but you're turning a job in need of 2 items, into a job in need of 4 items. Not to mention the time factor, and safety concerns. It's a cool video. It's a fun demonstration of multiple principles. But don't fool yourself into thinking this was practical. There are a lot of ways to do a lot of things. So just leave it as this being another way of doing something.

[@2adamast]

+james Personally I prefer this to a simple jack as a jack can tip over or whatever. Same concern with cars where jacks are used for lifting and 'jack stands' for holding

[@jamesbizs]

+Adamast the reason you need jack stands for a car, is because you are holding up one side, of a 4,000 object, that has rubber wheels on it. The garage isn't just going to up and roll away.

[@markmitchell1290]

This is absolutely practical. Imagine if you had to lift from four different points. Would you run out and buy 4 hydraulic jacks?

[@rherman9085]

What if you only had one jack with you.... or you got somewhere remote, needed a jack (or lever), or more than one jack and didn't have one. Now you have the tool (your brain) to make the tool(s) needed without making a trip. I believe he stated you could use a jack but for the purpose of this demonstration.....

[@craigslaunwhite579]

I enjoy that the clean up was shown here. Another essential part of construction some folks have no respect for. Your not done till the site has been cleaned.

[@mannynunez9361]

Craig Slaunwhite Ha! The cleanup he says!

[@robertkat]

Same when you are don in the bathroom.

[@thuhreb]

That was one of my favorite parts of the video. It's funny how much time people will spend on a job, doing it right, then leave it messy when they leave. Remembering the importance of a customer's perception of your work is too often overlooked at the end of a long hard day.

[@suprspi]

I normally agree with this. My brother, who is a painter by trade, gave me a different opinion though. He said that for what he gets paid, customers don't want to pay him for basic cleanup when he's done. (The irony is, it's perception, because he also told me he doesn't need to charge any extra time for cleanup, it's already built into pricing.) I see both sides. He tidies up after himself, but usually the homeowner is happy to save the $$/hr and sweep up etc themselves.

[@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

I was just thinking the same. He could have edited that out, but left it in (and I think to illustrate your point precisely).

[@dogbreath5760]

Wow, a true professional sweeping up. Not playing the pay grade card. So refreshing to see true ownership and pride in ones work.

[@BluCappy419]

One day, we electricians might also know this technique...

[@MisterTwister88]

@@BluCappy419 Broom handles don’t seem to fit in electricians hands 🤷‍♂️

[@marktaylor3630]

Lmfao i do remodeling and I've noticed that drywallers Never clean up their mess

[@mikuspalmis]

Landscapers (good ones) make the least, clean up the most after everyone else (on the outside of the structure).

[@ionbusman2086]

@@mikuspalmis well that’s why... who wants to pay an electrician $100hr to sweep?

[@bentnickel7487]

Damn clever. Thank you. I think I can make one of those in shop to raise my cell door just enough to slip it off the hinge !!! That will cut 30 years off my stretch.

[@bentnickel7487]

@Barry Dillard Shut up Barry. I know where you, your old lady and those 9 cats live. :O :O :-( :’( :’(

[@two-sense]

I'm thinking if they trust you with a skill saw, nail gun and big ass truck, you could probably just leave when you want.

[@bentnickel7487]

@@two-sense We have hand saws and hammers. No B.A. trucks. We pass through a metal detector, when we leave shop.

[@two-sense]

@@bentnickel7487 I thought you were joking, as was I. If you really are in jail, I'm sorry. If not, your joke got me, so good one!

[@bentnickel7487]

@@two-sense Grandpa always said, " god damn it boy, sometimes you carry a joke too far".

[@shannonelam6766]

This is an ingenious contraption that my dad showed me many years ago when I was a teenager! Over the years I have used 2x4’s, etc. as leveraging tools, and for whatever reason I had forgotten about this one until seeing this video, so thanks for reminding me of just one of the many very wise things my dad thought me so long ago! Furthermore, I will now be utilizing this method in a few days at an elderly neighbors house who accidentally snagged the wall as she backed out of her garage, and I can’t stop thinking about the coincidence of seeing this video just before doing the exact same thing and it’s kinda like receiving a message through you from my dad in heaven who’s still teaching and reminding me of helpful tricks and tidbits like this that makes a seemingly difficult project of lifting and repositioning a wall much easier and safer. Thanks again for yet another great video and keep them coming because they are greatly appreciated!

[@michaelkasper5288]

Shannon - they are always watching 😇

[@gweasbawl9611]

Isn't it neat when you get those little messages.

[@justinstevenson2061]

awesome that let alone it could help you, but that it gave you that sentiment. Im sitting here like ya just cut a single piece (or attach the two pieces to length if your 2x4 too short) then just bang it in place but then that beats the crap out of that header for the garage door

[@auletjohnast03638]

Taught not thought

[@user-hv1ik9li7f]

With 1.14 million views and 1480 comments as of today May 6, 2019, this may have already been said. The mechanism that our man Scott has constructed can be built without electricity. The angle cuts made are not a necessity to accomplish the goal, nor is the nail gun. This puppy can be built with 2x4s, nails, a hammer and a saw. That's the beauty and the genius of this tremendous video and use of physics and mechanical advantage. Having electricity is not guaranteed. We must all learn how to solve problems without it. Thank you for sharing this wisdom, Scott.

[@joesnell2988]

Compressor s use electricity

[@Conservator.]

Joe Snell Jeff’s point is that it CAN be built without power tools. Just a saw, hammer and a few nails will do.

[@user-hv1ik9li7f]

Thank you, Conservator, that's the point I was trying to convey. I really dig ideas like this that use fairly simple physics to gain mechanical advantage over a problem. Love KZbin. Love learning new stuff every night that helps me make more money tomorrow.

[@Conservator.]

Jeff Juel 👊

[@youtubebitchcenter1463]

Jeff Juel You sir.... get a cookie 🍪😋

[@KeplersConjecture]

“Give me a place to stand, and a lever long enough, and I will move the world. ”- Archimedes

[@pirat350]

place to stand, a lever long enough and a fulcrum

[@pirat350]

my 6' digging bar is named "Archimedes" :)

[@dilldowschwagginz2674]

He forgot the part about a fulcrum large enough

[@MrTacolover42]

Technically if you jump, then land, you are in fact "moving the world" by and infinitesimally small amount. Maybe less then the length of an atom ( a quark?) But you do in fact move the earth in a slightly different direction.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

@@pirat350 Mine was 'spudly' but now 'Jay bar' since my brother in law borrowed it :(

[@wiscgaloot]

This really tickled me! As a former HS physics teacher and long-term hand-tool woodworker, I generally do stuff differently than most woodworkers. I use a story stick rather than measuring anything. I'm going to definitely remember this trick, it's a keeper!

[@88SC]

This method enabled me to replace the six 8x8 posts on my deck, all by myself. Was fretting about how I was going to handle this part, but what you taught me, made it easy. Many thanks, you saved me thousands of bucks.

[@johnshilling2221]

63 years old it almost my entire life in the construction industry. How did I ever miss this trick? Way to go!

[@IvanIvanov-vy7pt]

John, are you from Vancouver, BC???

[@xcalibertrekker6693]

Takes to long and waste of material. One 2x4 beaten into place would lift that. Since I have done it many times I know.

[@gailtaylor1636]

@@xcalibertrekker6693 That's what I was expecting too. Could have used some c-clamps to make the assembly though to save the lumber. I started mechanicing at 11 years od at dads used car lot. One of the first lessons was about leverage. Always look at pivot point and consider weight on either side. Don't get crushed. But i digest...

[@justg00ch]

@@xcalibertrekker6693 yep. Use a block on top so you dont scratch the exterior paint or damage anything and hammer that bitch til shes level, no damage and problem solved

[@kevinburk1670]

@@xcalibertrekker6693 yea or 2 in a a frame sqeezed together

[@Dr-wheel-barrow-opperator]

This is what happens when a man with The mental capability and capacity of becoming a Doctor or lawyer decides to do construction instead. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and dedicating your life to collect all these tips and tricks to make work fun and easier. I know you are humble and won't accept my compliment but it's true :)

[@brokenwave6125]

What a dumb thing to say

[@Dr-wheel-barrow-opperator]

@@brokenwave6125 You're probably write, eye am knot very brite butt eye wanted two say something nice, two show sum appreciation two the producer of this television show.

[@davidjames2145]

@@brokenwave6125 Oh the irony of your comment....

[@guermeisterdoodlebug7980]

Yuk yuk. “The mental capability and capacity of becoming a lawyer . . ..” such reverence.

[@Dirtyharry70585]

@BENJAMIN PHILLIPS broken clock is always correct twice a day, but he must have written little early... :)

[@shaffer4220]

I’m old school. Watching a true tradesmen sharing his talent with everyone is fantastic. Even more, this gentleman actually shows himself cleaning up his workspace once work was completed.....something others should learn. Thank you.

[@timhopper389]

This is the first EC video I watched. I thought, what a clever idea. Well these folks are way more than clever and theyre sharing a wealth of info and experience that benefits thousands of folks. I say bravo to you and your family!! America needs more folks like you!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@don7406]

Great video. I really appreciate how you swept the area after you made the repair. That's the detail that ensures repeat business.

[@knifeniceguy]

Don and should be expected from any decent contractor

[@raabsand]

Problem is you dont want to pay a carpenter $30+ an hr to sweep when the home owner can do that

[@jctai100]

only a homeowner would take an hour to sweep a small mess like that.

[@SpizawkDaKizowz]

He dumped the swept-up dust off camera; what you didn't see is that it was on top of the homeowner's prize-winning rosebushes! Just kidding. I've been working in people's houses for years, and I always clean up after myself. Actually, I even take off my shoes if there's no messy construction going on. I understand the idea that you don't want to pay someone $30/hr (it's more like $50-$100 per hour) to clean...but it actually only takes a few minutes, and cleaning up after oneself IS part of ANY job, so it isn't that big a deal. Even if the homeowner is slovenly; they're not the professional. You are.

[@tinytim9453]

I always use a leaf blower after sweeping up. Haven't had any complaints in 14 years yet.

[@mitchlocking6386]

If they don’t find you handsome, they should at least find you handy!

[@stanleyhape8427]

👍👍man i miss that guy .

[@superbeast4287]

Red green!!!!

[@jeremyroberson5630]

Stanley Hape wat happen to him he’s still around right!?

[@lucasenglish8767]

imagine this guy, red green, and AVE having coffee on a job site

[@tony17112acst]

I loved Adventures with Bill!

[@terryeffinp]

This guy knows a thing or two cause he has seen a thing or two.

[@alanaz4265]

@terryeffinp. And he covered it!!

[@markpoppe8681]

😄

[@smithanthony4494]

Best ones to learn from

[@DavidBrown-mm8fx]

This guy's dangerous...Never lift a heavy load this way. Does noone notice how much bow there is on his "jack"? I've seen 2x4s snap under load. He needs to learn the value and reasoning behind a t brace or stiff back and a thing or two about structural engineering before making these videos and someone gets seriously hurt.

[@alyoung8910]

Worked as a union carpenter for a general contractor and one thing you always did was clean up. Everything is better when it’s clean!!

[@WalkerOutdoors]

I've been a carpenter my whole life and that is the first time I've ever seen that trick very nicely done

[@LtDan-hr1pb]

Scott and I graduated from high school the same year and I can not remember the last time I ever heard the term "hypotenuse" used in a conversation. Way way back in school. For the younger folks out there: The hypotenuse is the side opposite to the right angle. The other two sides are called the legs or catheti. Don't ask me how I remembered but for me, geometry was much easier than algebra. Back in the 70s it was easy for some students to remember hypotenuse as "high pot in use". Far out man! I was very fortunate to have a very skilled father who taught me tricks like this one. Thanks Scott for passing tricks like these on and a reminder for some of us.

[@jrh11254]

Lt. Dan - your story’s got legs, Lt Dan!

[@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

I think that shows his intellect. Not every day you hear that word. And I correlate, commiserate, whatever :) with the high pot in use terminology. Now I'm going to have to google "catheti" to find out exactly what it means (you taught me something).

[@gfy8230]

were the only people on earth that thought geometry was easier than alegebra, trig was gravy.

[@donburnside6448]

The square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

[@shannonp4037]

Lt. Dan I thought of this video you may enjoy in reference to high on pot in use. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWLXpHp9r5KErZI

[@DoodleBug92]

It makes me really happy to see someone else do this trick. I searched for it I was curious who else did it. My dad taught me this, about 6 months ago. We worked together up until cancer took his life. Now I'm working by myself and I'll be using this trick to save a sinking house tomorrow morning.

[@dowhatyougottado916]

Wishing you the best brother, we’re all in this together!

[@DoodleBug92]

@@dowhatyougottado916 Thank you for the kind reply. Today I started my first deck job by myself. I'm moving forward as best I can. Hope you are well.

[@colbywood8113]

I watched this video for the first time about 3 weeks ago, I watched it twice so I made sure I understood it but I thought “most likely something I won’t use”. Yesterday, however, I was installing rough-sawn fascia boards on a sugar shack and had to get them nice and tight and remembered this video. There was a perfect trim band at the right height to brace against so I threw an angled cut on the bottom, figured out my length and had it installed in no time

[@radiumking3036]

I'm a scientist and this man's videos gave me a newfound respect for tradesmen and the incredible multitude of skillsets they possess. Very humbling videos that have encouraged me to broaden my horizons, as I've realized how important it is to have these practical skills versus all of the theoretical knowledge I've learned over the years. Theoretical knowledge has its place in the world but I'm gradually finding myself more drawn towards the trades because it involves honest, hard work that a man can be proud of instead of controversial science that inevitably becomes very political.

[@mikeaubrey6058]

Experience based knowledge vs institutional based knowledge.

[@stevenscott2136]

Now I want to know what type of science you do, that your work gets dragged into politics. Climatology maybe? Economics is super-political, but you'd have said "economist" rather than "scientist".

[@stevenscott2136]

And yes, I see that your name suggests nuclear physics -- is that still a political hot-button? I haven't noticed it in the news in a long time.

[@destinramsey2192]

There have been so many times I’ve had to stop what I was doing and go get a hydraulic jack to do what this has accomplished. When I already had 2x4’s on the walk board with me. This has saved me a lot of time and impressed my boss. I couldn’t take the credit in good conscious so I told him I learned it from your videos lol thank you so much!

[@georgemckenzie2525]

I had a customer assume I was too cheap to by a whole stud! not knowing I was lifting the second floor to rights so the studs would fit .

[@Conservator.]

Destin Ramsey There is no loss in giving credit to someone else. If I were your boss I would value that you didn’t take the credit for it yourself AND that you watch video’s to enhance your skills.

[@georgemckenzie2525]

@@Conservator. actually I learned this technique from a 1989 volume of fine home building magazine. .well before the internet.

[@Conservator.]

George McKenzie 👍

[@idwtbam]

@@georgemckenzie2525 Hmm

[@markw1757]

I am a problem solver always build and do by myself . Been a commercial framer for many years and taken on things I had no clue how to do and completed. Such as a working ranch with cattle I learned and have done and many construction projects I have completed . Seen so many things and thought up plenty myself. Time savers ? Maybe some of them . Got the jobs done so worth it .. But I must say you suprised me with this one . Thank you my friend I am sure with this idea there's others to come from it . So simple really yet quite amazing .This has made me say WOW 😂 thank you

[@markfewster1815]

I watch a lot of DIY...A lot is helpful, some I'm put off by the raz-a-mataz. As a tradie, I love the "cut to the chase" explanations. I'm happy to have discovered your channel: thank you.

[@chevy8588]

You sir are a living legend ,much great respect

[@lemm1388]

This is one of the first EC videos I watched. I used this trick when removing and replacing walls in my RV. Super helpful.

[@timothyconnecticut1910]

You young bucks could learn a boat load of how-to from this guy. Watch all his videos. He's truly a very knowledgeable person.

[@ronyalake9989]

Cool trick! Tempted to back into the garage so I can try this for myself.

[@johnohara7854]

Glad to see you included the cleanup! Way to show how to finish a job well done.

[@kerrylyons278]

Man I love watching your video's. It's like working again without getting too tired. I'm 72 now and watch a lot of youtube and the normal pain I feel is like being at work with you. I never had the honor of working with a pro like you. Thanks for the video's.

[@dylanrwanda]

Thank you Scott. I watched this video over 2 years ago, and it saved my butt yesterday. I accidentally backed my truck into one of ten posts that support a second floor over a porch. This is an old house where we rent that has been converted into 6 rental units. The neighbor who is also a rental heard the incident too and came out screaming! There was no moving this post as is. I ran to the farm, grabbed some hemlock 2x4s and had the post back (better than back actually, now it’s plumb) in less that 5 minutes. This is why I love your videos. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve remembered something I’ve learned from you right in the moment I needed it. You’re the best!

[@stevef.9659]

Thanks for adding the "Post Jack" to the many technics available for this task.

[@rayswoodshop4467]

Well you got my subscription and thumbs up ! Nice job ! By the way, looks like 511 people are pissed you are smarter than they are.

[@kylegaidos7688]

I had watched this a year or two ago and finally put it into practice the other day. I was happy to have remembered and my coworker definitely enjoyed learning about this "simple tool". It made our task much easier to accomplish.. thank you for this low tech, yet incredibly effective tool.

[@meangreen7389]

You’re like the “paintless dent repair professional” craftsman. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom.

[@arnokilianski7889]

A big c-clamp might have been handy, as an alternative to nailing the boards together once they are in place at full lift height.

[@pkennedy0219]

Tougher to tighten and hold that in place. I get your point but a few nails from a nail gun is easier.

[@schoon111]

I'm a boat builder, so C clamps are how I fly. House carpenters may not have em laying around.

[@black88lx]

Better then a c clamp, would have been a quick grip clamp.

[@JusBidniss]

I think I'd prefer the nails he used, seems a bit safer. A clamp up that high and not fully tightened can fall on your head, or slip and let the load down while you're in the middle of your repair.

[@craiglaub5659]

I would suggest using the impact driver he fastened the wall with and a couple screws. If you start the screws ahead of time you it is as one handed easy as the nailer but also as easy to undo as clamp.

[@cjwieser13]

Another great video.... i love learning new "handy-man" tricks..... thank you for all of your uploads, and i hope you never stop!! Keep up the great work!!!

[@GenesisRC]

I am a house raiser, and we have hydraulic teleposts that are priceless tools, those will lift 10 tons each but for the average joe this is a excellent method, nice work

[@WaffleShortage]

this is also great for guys who just do all sorts of random house calls for various handywork, and don't have a spot on their truck for something as heavy-duty and specific use as a hydraulic jack post. everybody likely has some 2x4's in their truck if they are driving around doing repairs on houses.

[@nickc7318]

You’re awesome man. Love the time you’ve taken to show this, and as well as your other videos.. Always can walk away feeling a little more knowledgeable and confident with my tools.

[@WelshRabbit]

Let me recount what I've seen you illustrate and put into practical application so far: Archimedes' lever, Pythagoras's triangle, Carnot's Second Law of Thermodynamics and entropy. You, Sir, are an amazing Renaissance Man.

[@mannynunez9361]

Welsh Rabbit Thermodynamics? Entropy ? Other than the pneumatic tool I dont see it? I simply see wedged in compresion load and bend moment shear load then with the 1/2" of projection in the 5' leg increases the 3' leg (3,4,5 triangle to square work) which is the shorter board wedge tranfering shear to compresion and the bend moment to tension load in the full lenght piece. Thats if all works perfectly and the boards slap together. But since their was shear and bend moment I also see torsion in the turning moment due to load transfer in closing to right or zero angle which is now a post in tension and compression in essence "my opinion" under torsion is also a twisting moment which we see when removing the load by knocking out or my favorite cutting the support in the middle and see that pressure twist the board to the sawblade closing sawcut tight and noticable jerking of the saw or kick back. I will not review if I made sense since I am sure I didnt but KnowThyself if I try to make clear I will make much worse.

[@Kyle-jb3hr]

Welsh Rabbit lmao what ? thermo dynamics how and where

[@TerryPullen]

Though it can appear amazing to the layman because they don't see it often, the application of classical physics is "just another days work" in the life of a carpenter.

[@tomgreen1423]

Uhhh I'm stupid but: ENTROPY: (on a macroscopic scale) a function of thermodynamic variables, as temperature, pressure, or composition, that is a measure of the energy that is not available for work during a thermodynamic process. A closed system evolves toward a state of maximum entropy. (in statistical mechanics) a measure of the randomness of the microscopic constituents of a thermodynamic system

[@robbybachmann332]

Tom Green b

[@Rueuhy]

This is really great for precise, safe lifting. I was curious if there was any marking or indentation on the finished trim piece that made contact with the top of the 2 x 4. I would probably add a 6" - 12" long piece of 1x4 or 2x4 to prop above the top of the 2x4 to distribute the weight more evenly to prevent marking on something with more weight.

[@bitjockey6265]

Saw this when it was first posted. Needed to pry an old wall that was bowed in, so I thought of this trick. Used 12ft of 2x4 angled from the middle of the bowed wall and the base of the opposite wall. Needed about 1.5inch of travel. Reviewed the video today to refresh my memory. Worked like a charm! Thanks, Mr. Craftsman, for posting!

[@hoobeydoobey1267]

Society needs men like you in all trades and professions. Skilled professional, not a hack who masquerades as one.

[@dougbulldog9947]

I've been a carpenter for 30 years, I've never seen this trick, thank you for sharing

[@raypeene2683]

OMG! That is one of the cleverest techniques I have seen yet! I am impressed 😉

[@drewm5567]

For me, this is in the top 5 actually useful things I've learned from "the internet". I've used this several times since.

[@dougsshed6713]

Watched this video a few years ago. Just today I had to jack something up at work and we didn’t have a hydraulic jack. I remembered this video and today you saved the day. Thanks for putting out great content

[@jl2450]

Sweet trick! How about a tour of that badass truck sometime?

[@TokyoCraftsman]

I was thinking the same thing, that truck certainly is not "Stock". Would enjoy a walk around.

[@happybiscuit7901]

Agree. Let's see a tour of that truck!!

[@littleshopofsawdust1157]

I wouldn't be surprised if he built the whole truck bed himself. Wouldn't surprise me if Cy wasn't involved too. :)

[@donbuckley1743]

Essential Craftsman great trick

[@mikeustan494]

pretty bad ass.. subscription earned

[@lionsroar9289]

This is a great trick ! I also wish to compliment you on cleaning up your mess ! In fact you are the only professional that I have seen do this ! Many thanks for your expertise !

[@65csx83]

I really enjoy this video. I saw this done back in the '50's and it looked like magic. Lots of ancillary skills were required back then in addition to the major skill to accomplish the task.

[@NickSiekierski]

"So how do you remove it when you are done?", "Oh just clip it with a vehicle again."

[@Speedster2707]

He smacked it a few times w/a hammer at the bottom and it kicked out.

[@jamesengland7461]

Haha!

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

I saw a guy get a forklift out of the mud with a pulley and chain. Having a post to anchor one end of the chain he lifted the mast and somehow winched himself out. I would have driven the forklift back into the mud just to see him do it again but he was bigger than me.

[@drewchestnut468]

I have accomplished the same with a doubled 2x4, a top plate with a stop block (to avoid marring top surface) and 3lb sledge. Hold the top plate with one hand and sledge with another, then beat the doubled 2x4 (which is cut longer than the height of the opening) upright to the stop block and nail it to said block. Your way is smarter and easier. Thanks.

[@edurmston8310]

Drew Chestnut - Yeah, that’s always been my way of doing it. I like this lever version better.

[@jorgecarredondo]

Exactly how I do it

[@georgemckenzie2525]

Notice he said finished case

[@davidrobins4025]

I've used this solution often with great success. Thanks for showing a very good way to make the tool.

[@michaelburton4521]

Good work I'm a UK based guy make fitted furniture and do handyman / basic construction jobs. Learning every single day. Love watching different ways to do things also like watching what goes on in the US of A. Haven't watched "normal" TV for some time, you tube is my font of information and a reminder that things ain't all bad. Thanks for your videos

[@fpvmcqueen8278]

Stumbled across your channel. You're absolutely brilliant, I love your strong work ethic attitude. Keep it up!

[@cacadodo666]

Watched this while dropping a load. Helped a lot.

[@ishortland]

Made me laugh...

[@leesenger3094]

cacadodo666 OSHA 1926.0U812 - All turds longer than 9" must be lowered by hand to avoid splashback.

[@tommynorthwood]

BOSS MAN No, your mum did.

[@bobbg9041]

Next time set the Load down softly, wouldn't want to drop anything and damage it.

[@TrojanHorse1959]

I always heard it called, "dropping the kids off at the pool."

[@micahdevries]

I first saw this video a year ago and now I use the technique all the time. So much safer than my old technique with a bottle jack. Thank you.

[@bluejay7770]

Great series! You are the master of the real life video. I'm a lady just a skosh older than you and have done many a project that you have illustrated. I find the older I get, the more this body protests. I especially liked the one about building the ramp and working smarter/harder. Tips like this keep the do-ability alive. Clear, concise, encouraging and lighthearted to make it attainable. Honest, sensible and stern to make the point of staying safe. Thank you for adding years to my productivity!

[@manuelfelix5328]

When one works alone you become very creative I' ve used that many times it works perfect.

[@woodsmith_1]

Awesome trick. Could use a clamp for the final securement operation to make disassembly easier... With a setup like this, looks like you have probably a 1 to 20 ratio (lateral force to vertical force) initially coming in @ ~4.5 degrees taking into account the lever length... the ratio increasing as it closes in. Pretty damn good for some scrap 2x4.

[@WaffleShortage]

you could optimize this for more lift strength by adjusting the lengths of the two additive pieces, and how much the arbitrary lever piece sticks out from the break in the middle.

[@Grease-Goblin]

It's 3 AM and I've never spent a minute of my life doing this kind of work. What am I doing here and why am I giving it a like?

[@SansVarnic]

Absolutely great advice. As an Engineer this is solid information. All the dislikes are ignorant people disliking for no good reason.

[@bobwhammer4237]

I absolutely love this "helper" tip especially when it's usually me, myself and I. How many of us have had to do stuff like this alone because "the help" left us high n dry?

[@blogan1200]

3 studs 13 bucks. Not having to pay to have a helper? Priceless!

[@ishortland]

Really great idea for leverage, but I think I'd use a clamp instead of a nail gun for the last part.

[@dpgreene]

I was literally thinking the same thing. I'm always working alone and I'm always coming up with new ways to use clamps.

[@georgemckenzie2525]

Or screws for all fasteners cause if you have got to lift it three inches you need a pair of these rigs going up a half inch per lift

[@dh66]

I was thinking the same thing, a bar clamp would have been faster

[@georgemckenzie2525]

@@dh66 structural GRK that bar gets in the way and dangerous if unintentionally removed

[@bcv2372]

@@georgemckenzie2525 c clamp vise grips

[@AstralApophis]

This is exactly how I found your channel! It was recommended a couple years ago and now I just remembered

[@john90430]

This video was my very first exposure to this channel, which is now one of my most favorite. I'm glad I found it.

[@storemannc]

That was interesting, I work a-lot by myself , I would have laid a board flat on the cement and place a slightly long 2x4 against the top first and then used a 5 pound hammer to drive the 2x4 thus lifting and safer than a jack which would want to kick out.

[@stevenscott2136]

I did that on my porch roof a couple years ago. I needed a lot of lift, so the hammering became my workout for the day.

[@justinstevenson2061]

@@stevenscott2136 exactly this. small amount needed in this video and the hammer in method could work well. but needing alot of lift as you mentioned can be alot of hammering. would work the same really with the vids method unless were talking a massive lift really. But 1/4 in or 1 - 2 inch really not much difference (besided the amount of load carried above and its amount of possible flex)

[@DavidBrown-mm8fx]

I make a stiff back or t brace and beat it in place. Not that big of a deal. Did you see the bow in his contraption? I've seen 2x4s snap under a load when not stiff backed. Very dangerous.

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

Archimedes would have appreciated this. "Give me a fulcrum and I'll move the earth". Nice job.

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

I read something I believe it was referring to Archimedes. He built a harbor trap for the enemy and raised the ship the inemy using. They eere in a unique drydock situation.

[@thunder3470]

Ulwayz love you show. Great voice in the way of how to talk calmly and present yourself. Thank you for all.

[@richardvanmarter8780]

Really nice way of using leverage, guys like us are a dyeing breed, good job passing it on.

[@bradfordlunt1468]

Give me two wedges and a doubled 2x4. Place the wedges apposing each other under the 2x4s. Place a hammer head on one wedge and strike the other. Amazing what you can lift.

[@Conservator.]

Neat!

[@slehar]

Much simpler: Vertical 2x4 to support the beam, stands on a nearly horizontal 2x4 along the floor, one end wedged up like a long lever. Pull up on the lever to raise the vertical, wedge in place with chocks. Its the principle of shoring.

[@fewwiggle]

How do you chock it while "pulling" on the lever?

[@joshbaxter5036]

2 million plus views. Whose used this method. It's right out of my old Boy Scout days. I love it!

[@allenbuck5589]

Lot of years commercial construction. Just learned a trick. Thanks. Great tip.

[@Nonplused]

Hmm I seen to remember my dad doing something similar using 2 2x4's nailed together, a board on the bottom, and then a sledge hammer.

[@VickyLatorreArt]

Amazing trick. Thanks for sharing.

[@kilgoresalmons]

You, Essential Craftsman are a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for sharing! Wish I had a father like you. Much appreciation!

[@ericwhitmore2296]

I worked for a construction company and the crew leader was an older guy and he showed us a lot. And most of what we used wasn't proper equipment cause he didn't have to. I actually learned a lot from him!

[@islandrancher8151]

It's a trick people sometimes you might not have a jack or have time to run and get one. It's called gettin er done

[@chris532008]

Island Rancher some overhead weight is more than auto jack CSI handle. This looked like it would

[@darksidemachining]

Great..now I am running around my house, garage, workshop and barn trying to come up with a situation where I can apply this "cool trick". :D

[@Wakethefuckup67]

Give m your address, I have an old 4x4 that that I love ramming into old buildings and I can provide you with plenty of "situations" where you can apply this "cool" trick!

[@senseisecurityschool9337]

Exactly what I was thinking. I have a guy working with me on my house and now I need an excuse to show this trick.

[@jmonsi3583]

Thank you so much for all of your time spent sharing the knowledge u have acquired. Most of your advice can never be learned just from reading a book. I dont have a lot of money for specialty tools for every different job and I love being resourceful with what I DO have.. which is a determined mind now even more knowledge thanks to your page.

[@Andygeofri]

Mind BLown. This is so simple and I am so mad to realize I would never have come up with this on my own. I'll never forget it now though!

[@juditheadson615]

If you used a Quick-grip clamp instead of the nail gun to connect the two pieces at the top, it would be easier to take the jack down when the job is finished.

[@williamhoudersheldt7076]

@Kuuryo The clamp can be used with one hand just as the nail gun, but a LOT lighter. This video is about using your brain not your brawn. Judith, great suggestion, I was thinking the same thing and was going to make the same suggestion, but saw your comment.

[@angelonicassio7131]

And safer...

[@ryanfu2117]

Uses 5 dollar plastic clamp to hold up a house. Dies. Get high on potnuse and do it right

[@ownedbyputin5002]

nice demonstration

[@Jake_Kern]

Incredible. Even after a few times watching, and a couple real world applications, still blows my mind. Thank you sir!

[@carcasscruncher9354]

This is awesome. Saw this vid a few years ago. Was putting drywall on a ceiling and struggled a lot until I remembered this technique. I put a 2x4 horizontal on the top board to spread the force out on the drywall sheet. Worked like a charm

[@Molly8014]

I would back the truck up, cob two 4x2's together about two inches shorter than the header, let air out of the rear tires, set the 4x2's between the truck bed and header and then add air to the tires, lifting the header. This after my wife suggests I fix the garage for 8 months!

[@mchlbw1950]

I have a complaint. I love your instruction. Love it. You ladder safety. No way did I think you would help me. You proper angle advise. So intuitive. My complaint? I had to hunt for your name. One needs to know the name of someone whom one is thankful for. Found it. Forgot it. lol. Thank you.

[@mchlbw1950]

My android spell-check made those mistakes, turning "your" into "you".

[@conraderb]

I love it. 1% tools, 4% hard work, and 95% clever thinking.

[@ynotbloom]

As a relatively new DIY-er (now that I’m retired and have time), I just had to try this wile working on a garage wall. Not sure it I got it all correct, but it’s working! This is getting me a week’s jump on things I thought I’d have to put off until I got more help. No cool air nailer, so once in place, I used screws. Working great so far! This is slick - and my neighbors are impressed! Thanks big time!

[@brianpauley4831]

Impressive use of a hypotenuse, I'm just an industrial electrician, but I would have just used an 85 1/2" 2×4 wedged it tight then hammered the bottom lifting the header. Your way would impress those looking to be impressed, meanwhile I'd be done by the time you made your toy.

[@evilotis01]

yeah, i gotta say i'd have done the same thing. i guess this could be handy if you didn't have a single piece that long??

[@johnathanray8977]

same thing happen'd to me.. fixed it with a big pry bar in about a minute

[@philhart3878]

Yup. That’ll do it. Or the right length of 4x2 hammered upright at the bottom.

[@bryansimmons3723]

An easy, smart, low cost, low tech way to get the job done. I have used this many times in the past, but you did a wonderful job in explaining and demonstrating it.

[@junaidsohail8829]

Learned something new today. Thank you. And love the fact that you cleaned up after the job!

[@nickhaze4647]

not to be a dick, but if you're working on an unfinished floor, (like he is) you can just cut your one 2x4 1/4"longer than your distance from floor to ceiling, get the top on target and Hammer in the bottom until it's plumb. super strong, quick, and simple. the extra 2x4s just seen like a hassle.

[@Daviddickson]

Just a lot easier to remove when finished, and us old farts need to use less strain on our body. It's not like the wood won't get reused.

[@dougbourdo2589]

and that method will surely mar the finish of the painted surfaces

[@DanKirchner5150]

word

[@fishfire_2999]

Yah you think more like i do.

[@dansasquatch4204]

The top is painted. @John Jones

[@aaarod75]

That's really good but i usually use a 20 ton bottoe jack and lift. I level houses for a living and i found that it works really quick and i can do it alone as well. But, im sure i will need to use this method one day.

[@maxwellmc9734]

arod dude you can use a car javk

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

I had a bottle jack fall over on me. As there is not much surface area or anything holding it in place but the pressure. As the left them under my foundation all over the place to level the floor. Which is fine when on concrete pillars and only 4" of travel. But 8' I would use his trick. Maybe just use a C-Clamp to pull the top part to mate to each other. Rather then nail them. As I can reuse it later and save some nails.... And if you think nails are cheap. They used to burn homes down just to get at the nails. As they were hard to find and make. That is how the Duplex head nails were invented. You could salvage the wood and the nails. Pack up and move.

[@scor440]

Thats what he said at the start

[@irisgg858]

arod i do that for a living too.🤗

[@irisgg858]

Master Chief 00117 thats the same thing i was thinking like why dont he use a clamp.

[@t.d.mich.7064]

Even left one of your tools there for the homeowner. What a generous and skilled carpenter!

[@RJD0314]

Tom Silva would be impressed! Very smart idea! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!