DIY Electric Garage Storage Hoist | Snow Blower Lift | Garage Makeover Pt. 5

Garage Shelves: • DIY Electric Garage St...
After building a set of threaded rod shelves in a previous video and storing my snow blower on them over the summer I had no good way to get it down. In this video I show how I built an electric garage hoist to lift and lower the snow blower or anything else heavy I want to store on my shelves. This hoist is a huge addition to my garage storage goals making it easier to store larger items.
The hoist is created using a 2x4 and ¾’ maple plywood platform. It is attached to a harbor freight 880lb electric hoist with ⅛’ stainless steel braided cable, pulleys, eye bolts and turnbuckles. The platform sides along the wall using a set of trolley wheels in superstrut.
Overall I am very happy with the way this project worked out. The most difficult part was determining the location of the pulleys and where everything fit in the attic. To make this an easier project mounting everything to the ceiling of the garage would have made this much more simple.
Links (Some affiliate links to help channel)
Hoist: amzn.to/3qqwEM0 or www.harborfreight.com/880-lb-...
Trolley Wheels: amzn.to/3bRaTAC
Turnbuckle: amzn.to/35KoENH
Wire Cable Clamp: amzn.to/2N0A61c
SS Thimble: amzn.to/2XMmPvi
Pulley: www.harborfreight.com/4000-lb...
SuperStrut: www.lowes.com/pd/Superstrut-1...
Eye Bolts: ⅜” and ½” from Lowes with stop nuts and washers.
Tools
Kreg Track Saw: amzn.to/36SurSc
Jig Saw: amzn.to/3tF81xl
Chop Saw: amzn.to/3d09vfX
Speed Square: amzn.to/2N6bgNx
Music
Epidemic Sound
*Disclaimer: This video documents what I did, not what I recommend you do. Always be safe.

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

If you want to know how I built the other shelves: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnPEpo2vn7N6rqs but is now the following winter and the lift is a back saver. Even this summer when I needed a place to get something like the fertilizer spreader out of the way fast this was a great thing to have. I will admit a few of you came up with some great ideas to improve the bridging from the lift to the original shelf that I am thinking about. Now I just need to build more shelves or another lift lol Thanks for watching.

[@idontextback]

Nice.

[@hanneliediedericks3025]

Bought this for my small back deck in the Eastern Sierra. kzbin.infoUgkxoHYZbq5g9fkcAtinlTqstNlje-UQkCHN We get A LOT of HEAVY snow so I was a bit skeptical but it was worth it! After the first storm of the year this has exceeded expectations! It throws snow very well, even 10-12” + that said the more it piles up the harder it is to maneuver the machine. It is exceptionally light weight and overall exactly what I was looking for. If you have a large amount of snow and a lot of area to clear, you may consider something with a drive engine to help maneuverability, but for decks, second stories, roofs etc, you can’t beat the light weight to great snow throwing ratio. Side note, the chute rotator is a bit flimsy and it initially didn’t seem to work, after a few uses it seems to have loosened up.

[@simpleagain1]

That’s a lotta damn work for snow blower storage

[@ourbills9999]

Wow, as a mechanical engineer, it is over engineered, but it’s awesome. Well done. The use of the wall tracks is brilliant. And I love the planning. I try to teach the importance of planning to my engineering students at Michigan State. Me, I’m gonna keep tripping on the snow blower in my garage, swearing, and telling myself to build what you built. Thanks.

[@unitedspacepirates9075]

Big band saw needs this to lift it to table height for its horizontal position.

[@SuperDalite]

Being in Frankenmuth, Michigan myself, I can certainly see the value here as well. It’s either doing something like this or setting up a small out building behind my house.

[@Mickeyss54]

Maybe build a small ramp to slide up in place when it's time to get the blower on and off the elevator? Turn the blower 90 degrees and roll it off and onto the platform? Also, and aluminum drip pan you can get at an auto parts store for underneath the blower so you can put it up wet. Nice build!

[@Lukesab3r]

Several mechanical engineers post and not one questions the lack of a backup safety? Sorry. I'm not intending to troll but this concerns me... I'm going to stop reading comments now...

[@tmiklos4]

When i was taking a class to become a building inspector, the teacher said for the most part, individuals doing their own work, over build (better than code requirements. ). You have to watch out more with certain contractors. Not all but a higher % than individuals.

[@TheWoodFly]

Good job. Now, put the bridge on a piano hinge with a metal tab on the opposite lip. Then you can drop it like a gang plank, roll the blower into its parking place and life the bridge back up - voila - no more overhead pin pounding and the bridge stays in place. Don't have to worry about loosing it. Cool storage idea

[@philipethier9136]

Or make the shelf larger and forget the bridge idea.

[@fuegokugel]

As a rigger, it is hard to see Crosby clips saddling a dead horse. A quick link should not be side loaded. I would recommend changing out any Crosby that has a saddle on the none lifting side, and changing out that quick link for a rated shackle that you should also mouse(zip tie the pin to the shackle so it cant spin) also would recommend changing the turnbuckle for a jaw to jaw style and not an open ended end. Would also recommend checking the pulleys so that the cable isnt cutting them.

[@zimm1gre]

I love the fact that his workshop is on his living room floor.

[@bradcummings802]

Wants to keep the garage clean LOL

[@thomaswilliams756]

@@bradcummings802 yeah with all those metal shavings..

[@tenflat2009]

You may want to add an "overkill emergency" safety cable to your "manifold" something that comes taught with some form of shock absorbing properties just on the extremely unlikely situation where your winch line snaps. I am an overhead door technician and I see that 3/16 cable snap on a regular basis, heavier applications mind you. If it where me I would add a 1/4" cable to your winch mount where it is meant to double line and run the other end to your clew, through a compression spring so it can absorb some shock when your load reaches bottom in the event of your winch line failing. The rest of your system looks great. However the single winch line is holding all of the weight and if it decides not to do that anymore the whole system fails. Just my two bits. I built a similar system to raise and lower stairs but I have two 3/16" cables to raise my roughly 700lb stair/railing up. One would be sufficient by weight but if one fails my stairs won't fall.

[@mikerafone4736]

He easily lifted the blower, Just keep clear when operating

[@tenflat2009]

@@mikerafone4736 Yah that would be the smart thing for sure. As a result of my line of work I'm forced to look at the extremely rare "what if" circumstances like what if a kid runs under it while it's operating, or a pet. And because of Murphy's Law, that would be when the unexpected would happen. I don't intend to rain on this dude's parade, what he did is freaking awesome. In fact I did something similar for raising and lowering my loft stairs in my garage. But I used two 1/4" cables that have a weight working load of 7000lb each, the likelihood of both cables failing at the same time is low. So in my case I've built in my "safety redundancy" that way.

[@maderightamerica3216]

I'm hadicapped and want to design my own elevator and I like to watch a lot of videos to learn how to build things too. I thought you did a great job. Thanks for the lesson sir.

[@bijoupoodles9851]

Great concept for tiny homes, elevator Bed !!

[@jed2055]

Loved this video. May I suggest that instead of installing/removing that extra bit of small shelving above the door every time you want to bring the blower down, you could have it mounted on solid hinges on the fixed shelving side and it folds up and locks in position or lays flat (your choice) when not in use. When needed it folds down and just 2 pins required from the lift to it as is now. Remove pins then fold up (and lock) for lift use. You don't lose any shelf space because the blower is now on the lift or down on the floor. Easy upgrade too I think.

[@harvilleharrison8473]

Yup an awesome suggestion

[@dalendru]

This is just fabulous. Well designed, well built and well executed. I can only imagine what else you have planned to hoist up into your garage!

[@joseywales6146]

I used the same $80 winch to make an elevator up to my attic; previously, I'd been hauling boxes up the folding ladder. The cost in materials and labor wasn't even close to what my medical expenses would be if I fell, so it was a good investment. Thanks!

[@themacawbaby2368]

You should make a video and tag me. I’d love to see what you built. I think it’s a good idea since I have the same issue and an elevator would come in handy.

[@twistnshout3031]

Is your lift in the middle of your garage? Or is it on the wall with tracks like this video? That's a really good idea because I'm sick of going up in my garage attic with a ladder.

[@joseywales6146]

@@twistnshout3031 it’s between two joists and not against the wall. I like what the OP did with uninstructed but not an option for me. I angled the top of the platform so it rotates itself when it’s all the way up. I wish it were wider but I’m not going to cut my joists!

[@michaelbillups4186]

I can tell by your wardrobe that you are a man of good taste. "HELL YEAH, BROTHER!!"

[@mattkerekanich]

Even your neon shirt cannot outshine your bright personality

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Wow! lol thanks!!!

[@stevenrich1819]

Very clever! I long for challenges just like this. My home is full of ingenuity and out of the ordinary ideas. Great job and terrific “how to” video. I’m looking forward to more of the same well thought out solutions.

[@powerspeakingpro6606]

I appreciate the time you took to make a quality video. My Dad used to store our Sunfish on the garage rafters using a sling, hook, rope, and a winch.

[@jimbworkingman874]

Love the idea. Have a manual system to lift a kayak to the ceiling using ropes, but this is simple and love the electric winch, I'll have to consider updating my lift. Wires are a good update too, no twist compared to rope. Thanks for taking the time to post the video. That was nicely done too!

[@username-mc7jw]

Excellent work! Very neat finished product, and detailed description of how you built it. Perfect!

[@rjpremo]

You could add another shelf to the right, and put a push mower on that one. Nice work.

[@JyB818]

Haha

[@FindLiberty]

Make a few mods and add another shelf to the lift and make it ALSO become a trash compactor! Suggest adding a 1x2 stop to prevent blower from going off the edge if (somehow) it gets pushed too far to the right.

[@oldkootz]

It is always cool seeing you supporting other channels by wearing their apparel. Especially FF Construction. I got my mullet and asphalt! I enjoy your video and their content. Keep it up 👍🏽!

[@AdrianBilladeau]

Super cool! I am definitely going to put this project in the to-do's.

[@geh3254]

More power to you. I sometimes build things because I can using my home workshop and welder. As long as your satisfied, that's all that matters.

[@trekOCLVone]

This is insane - your install is a mechanical marvel. I too live in Ohio and feel your pain. I just bought one of these lifts and like you, I also are YouTubing before I design my setup. I've had a dumb waiter in my garage for decades using pulleys and a manual boat wench on the wall. It works good but now I'm upgrading it. I probably will not be replicating the complexity of your design but have learned a few tricks from your effort. Thank you for sharing.

[@chada2050]

Dude you made this look easy. Amazing job.

[@ryanshepherdson9662]

This thing is a straight up engineering marvel. So satisfying to see how clean it worked out! Awesome job!

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Thanks!

[@JimVincitore]

GREAT VIDEO. VERY COOL. PUT EDGES ON THE SHELVES SO STUFF DON''T ROLL OFF.

[@MANZOIL]

This is so amazing I don’t have words to do it justice! I love seeing ingenuity like this!

[@rlapierre1240]

Yeah, I like it. I did the same thing in my garage just a little bigger hoist. What I did and would advise is this. Hang up the hand held and use a remote for your setup. Really convenient, and easy to wire.

[@MikeFyxdt]

Wow that’s impressive! It was fun seeing the muscle up in the attic!

[@apinantpongsupaht872]

Best DIY Instruction I've seen so far; informative and concise. Though the design is a little complicated you made it easy to understand. I really enjoy watching it. Congratulations.

[@ChadAmI80]

Appreciate the dedication to this project. I know when it comes to projects we can over engineer solutions. I think this is one of those times. All of this just save some space and put the snowblower overhead, lol. I love it.

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Thanks I appreciate the understanding!

[@dandrzymalla3830]

Awesome build one piece of advice one of the cables has the cable clamps on backwards. Rule of thumb never saddle a dead horse or in other words the saddle of the clamp goes on the live end of the cable

[@Joel.Ravet88]

Great video! I enjoined all the tech talk, implementation, nice! Also, nice shirt, can tell you channeled your inner freedom self doing the lift.

[@s.barnes-]

Impressive. Good work.

[@team_8008]

This video lifted my spirit 😂

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Awesome to hear! Thanks!

[@ChrisHiblerPinball]

Anything worth engineering is worth over-engineering. Nicely done.

[@DavidMathew82]

Nice setup. I did an over the garage door shelf like you mention at the end and when I had to replace the garage door springs there was no issues for the installer. I was a bit worried about it as well, but turns out you don’t need a ton of clearance. Mostly just makes it a bit more annoying when using the tensioning rods to tighten the springs, but otherwise not a big deal.

[@xTinBenderX]

Subscribed! After watching Stud Pack's garage shelve video this was a recommendation. Been thinking about a lift or hoist for the shop at the new house. Then realized I've already watched your monitor vids. I appreciate creators that do research and send it. Props for not skipping steps and chosing to keep a higher level of quality.

[@Aegisltd]

This was amazing! The project itself is very cool but I think I appreciate the creativity and problem-solving most. PS. Having the hardware in the attic for the cleaner look was well worth the extra effort. 👍

[@TheDogLife5225]

Smart use of space! Well thought out and a great use of time.

[@johnkoury1116]

Super cool. I have a loft that I built in my barn and it takes three people to get all the outside furniture up and in for the winter and out and down for the summer. I really need to build something like this. Thank you for sharing.

[@nswinoz3302]

As someone has worked in the Lift (elevator) and the crane industry, residential construction and as a general handyman myself. it’s an awesome build and yes over engineered as you said, but that never hurt anyone supposedly. I’m just glad I don’t need a snowblower where I live! NSW in Oz

[@jacobgartung9074]

This is genius. I need to do it from my one car garage for my trashcan

[@johnnyv5995]

Bro, this is the ULTIMATE DIY project. Awesome.

[@tomatexelon]

This is similar to my platform lift in my garage that I always use. I’m so glad I made it!

[@dwaynewood1795]

Great video, watching this video gave me a great idea to build a foldable awning over my back patio. I want to be able to fold it down for warmer sunny days but don't want a cloth awning. One with a wooden frame and metal roof.

[@RayCollins-dv4ts]

Very well done. I have plans to do similar down the line in my shed. In watching your build, I realized the turnbuckle might be better at the platform end. Additionally, you can keep it in the lift if you put a support system underneath it. A simple bracket system could work. Since you have the foundation limiting how far it can come down you can make a shelf underneath the lift for other winter only items. Gloves, boots, shovels or even rock salt if you use it. Looks perfect for what you wanted out of it but inspirational for those of us that have different setups and needs. Thanks for sharing.

[@fixitkev1966]

I certainly wouldn’t worry about the garage door spring. You just built a cool winch system. You’ll figure out how to address the spring. Great job! My snow blower and generator sit on the floor as well. May use a portion of your idea to stack them on top of each other.

[@robertgallant6422]

Great project. Nice and clean, in the attic install was a good idea. I did something similar, I stored a 16' Hobie Cat (400lbs small boat) up in the air. I've sold the cat since so now I store my kayak trailer (250lbs) up and out of the way. I also use a Princess Auto (Canadian version of Harbor Freight) hoist, great little things. Only mod I would do is tape up the ends of the cable so you poke yourself.

[@TheModelmaker123]

Nice job. Well done. The one item that initially caught my eye was the D-Ring that connects the lift cable to the spreader bar. I think I would have made a triangular shaped substitute from plate steel or some other connection, but for the loads you are lifting it should never be an issue.

[@marklorenson3618]

Cable clamps on the lift.. saying goes, never saddle a dead horse…

[@derekrinaldi6652]

Absolutely awesome design. Jay Bates had just done an oversized shop lift build, and I was curious to see something for a more "real" garage build. Not only is the timing perfect, but you're lay out is very straight forward. Great work as always, and keep up the excellent content!

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Thanks! I watched his video when I was about half way done with mine, his was pretty impressive! Thanks for the kind words!

[@benoitchartrand5772]

What a great idea!!! I've been looking at elevator lifts to the attic but never thought of shelving big toys. Gave me an idea to have atv on floor, 1st level jet ski and top level snowblower and possibly a door to attic for additional stuff.

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

That sounds awesome, a bit heavier than my simple snow blower but very cool

[@michaelalexander1972]

Your comment about getting to your garage spring don't worry about it my house was built 1958 and I've never touched the garage door spring LOL.. you're good to go !!!!

[@danconlan8735]

Very clever and very well done! Thanks for sharing, DC

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Thanks!

[@rlegato364]

I have one of those winches nib from 15 years ago. This video is the epiphany I've been waiting for... 🤩

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Haha awesome

[@markdrotch2555]

Just watched this video. Pretty cool stuff,now if i can get you to come to my house build and install one I'd be set too. Good for storing the stand up jet ski,3 wheel atc etcetera etcetera. ✌

[@cwitham69]

Thanks for this thorough & complete explanation of building a custom lift to my needs. Great job!

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Thanks!

[@ELDecano1971]

This is exactly what I need. being in Colorado, can't wait til summer

[@Dsoginventor]

Darn fine job. Excellent parts choice.

[@johnsnyder9033]

This would be great for storing seasonal items such as in winter store the lawn mower (push type only) up there and switch down in spring when needed again. Store the snow blower under the lift in winter and the lawn mower there spring through fall. Sounds like a great project.

[@Patriottoo2]

Well done! I laughed out loud in appreciation when I saw your success.

[@alecfassnacht2931]

This would be a good start for a design on storing my kids power wheels. Thanks

[@lokmtb8503]

Look at the fleximounts gl1. Pretty affordable ceiling lift system at 279

[@richbischert2140]

Beautifully done!

[@mattsilverstein1888]

Nice video. Always love metal shavings in carpet lol

[@builditinyourgarage7826]

Good idea, I think using a pulley and wrapping the cable around the pulley (maybe even used like a used garage door pulley) or something similiar would take up less space in the attic. Your way works, but just thinking of less parts/smaller area required.

[@hipairbrush1053]

For the future, just build another rectangle the size of your base. Hook one wire to four at the top rectangle, then hang the wires down to the base. Forget about all the stop blocks in the attic, which you could've woven to gain more force that you really don't need. Double your wench pully to double the force. move the wench so it directly hangs to the center of your base only now it's elevate because you have a box frame. I would've pulled that away from the wall so it goes all the way to the ground. If you can weld there is an even easier way. You did a nice job on the project and it looks really nice. Look how they wire pulleys for kayks. You pull ONE rope. In your case you could've hooked your pully to one wire. Also that 10 x 2 would give you more strength by placing it laterally. "Trusses" are not as strong as you think pulling down on them.

[@prariemines]

Good job on the project, looks and works great. Love the freedom factory construction shirt!

[@jocbt]

Looking at this, one could make a track system on the ceiling to allow the winch to be able to move side to side and back and forth, making it useful for all the shelves.

[@xamphoa]

I love this. Especially the planning/research up front. Kudos for a job very well done!

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Thanks so much!

[@CCWSig]

I can't see the wire rope clips on the clew, but atleast some of the one on the platform are on backwards. "Never saddle a dead horse" the saddle should never be placed on the dead end of the rope. The lift looks great though, im going to have to build one for myself.

[@rickmervine9952]

Interesting, and a suggestion now that you are that far along: Use the 'elevator' section to access additional non-moving shelves, like the one where you store your snowblower. Add another non-moving shelf to the right side to hold something large, ungainly and heavy like the snowblower. Use the moveable shelf to get it up and down as needed. I can see you storing something heavy on the moveable shelf as well. I would switch out the snowblower and a lawn mower depending on the season. Good Luck!

[@wjcsaw9391]

Love this idea and keep them coming. I have a similar space issue in my garage and need ideas on how to save space. Interested in all your space saving ideas!

[@lars3eb]

Do it for Dale! Great video and I’m lovin’ the Freedom Factory shirts in your videos!

[@darinking1343]

I think this is way awesome!! Very nice job, great video, very well done. Thanks for sharing!!

[@GrandmaHatesTech]

This is an Awesome Idea. I lug Snow Tires up a Ladder to the Top shelf. SAFTEY FIRST, and a Back Saver!

[@GrandmaHatesTech]

@Jake Banks Yes, I hate Tech, but some times it comes in handy :)

[@KylersStudio]

Awesome job! Love the strut channel on the wall! You can hang stuff on it in the summer too.

[@michaelparks3106]

Nice! I used the same Harbor Freight winch to lift the hardtop off my Jeep. I used a pully to double the lifting capacity and cut the speed in half to make it easier to align when reinstalling the top. For storage, I just let the top hang up against the ceiling.

[@rman176]

Working on carpet. Brilliant!

[@ericprobinson]

Nice Workshop, Love the carpet.

[@ube2slow]

Pretty ingenious sir. Nice job, as most people wouldn't think to even attempt it.

[@canterburyworkshop5631]

Nice design and build. Thinking of putting Superstrut all the way across the width of my garage to hang winch, and this would enable me to have several small detachable platforms for numerous lifted items and storage.

[@capt.america6296]

I think it’s pretty awesome and it’s a nice clean look.

[@48shamrock]

Looks like the perfect remedy for lawnmower maintenance. Nicely done.

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Hoping it helps

[@tb2324]

Snow May melt by the time to go through all that trouble to get it down. Lol. Kidding. Great job. Pretty cool actually.

[@nickistenes6355]

Ryan really just drilled holes in wood and metal on his carpet for this video. Also I really just got a Skippy Peanut Butter ad during this. Keep up the video man, love it.

[@ahale1987]

These videos are great! Thank you for making these garage videos. Subbed.

[@danny117hd]

Ok video. You go up to attic to adjust it at the manifold. Just brilliant hahaha.

[@banddork4life08]

As someone who sells rigging for a living get the crimping ferrules. I've seen cable clamps fail and it's never pretty! Safety first my friend. This looks awesome!

[@richard2121]

Cool idea!!!! It would be cool to add a rails to the top of the shelf so the snowblower would be able to slide across to the elevator. The rails could also replace the need for a bridge, if they extended out to bridge the gap.

[@jeffkrueger8939]

Great idea and video. Thanks for sharing.

[@raymondsprengelmeyer1278]

Very nice job, thank you for sharing!

[@Tom9367]

Tom G, WV Thank you for this posting, I'm going to need this type of lift for my new lawn cutter, it needs to be in up and away from mice eating the electric wires. Your video is looking great for what I need! thank you

[@humanbeing-_-_-]

Neat! Easy peasy fold out ramp to make it past that last section.

[@emale62]

Great lift!! If I was going to take on a project like this.. I wouldn't have stopped at the shelves.. I would have taken it all the way up to the attic to be able to store items up there as well. Then again my garage only has an 8' ceiling... so sadly... I couldn't even use your awesome shelving system.

[@swiftymcfly]

Very cool. I was thinking of an idea for getting stuff up to my hangar attic. Something like this would be perfect! If I were you I would build a mini ramp and throw it up on the hoist after every use. Free up floor space. I suppose it would drip melted snow and salt all over the place but at least you'll get to use your sweet hoist all the time!

[@bwasman8409]

Good project! Thanks for sharing!

[@ThatTechTeacher427]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidcooper2951]

nice DIY . . excellent video / production work

[@mariomicheletti8154]

Great video thank you for putting in the time and hard work.

[@Rainman270]

Great idea and great video. Small point: If those are GRK screws used for the base, they don’t need pre-drilled holes, they “ drill “ their own holes.