DIY Elevator for home or shop

In this video I give an overview and demonstration of of an elevator I built for my home as my wife has a heath issue at this time, it has been a real hip saver. Works well and is inexpensive.

[@scyban12]

I'm just wondering, for everyone that exclaimed that this isn't safe.....have you ever walked down stairs? That isn't safe either. You're all jumping on the assumption that the world should be a safe space. It isn't. More people are injured and/or die on the job.....you know? Where there are safety regulations EVERWHERE!! He made something for his wife and him to use, NOT for you to use. Not to sell. His skills are undeniable, his care for his spouse is praise worthy, and his imagination is admirable.

[@blackdaan]

safe safe? we used to go in continuous elevators, that was really unsafe. but even with those elevators people used that all the time without someone dying. elevators also use steel cables. and i use those lift every day at my work.. the worst that happened is that the hoist get stuck.. but never that it dropped the weight

[@jasonstarr6419]

agreed. At some point, this "modern" society has become more concerned with "feelings" and "participation trophies" than with accomplishments and personal responsibility. Wife and I are getting up in age, currently trying to sell our two story home, but if we get no offers, I'll find a spot and build one of these jaspers. This video answers a lot of questions, and the location I have is not much different in size than this one. Thanks for your ideas, Brian! Keep 'em coming!

[@cooldog60]

Thank You I could not have said it better myself.

[@Reality_TV]

A man who gets rid of his stereo equipment area so his wife can have an elevator, THAT HE IS GOING TO BUILD, is A-OK with me! Great work! Great idea and great man!

[@ArchieBrand]

Wow - he moved his stereo equipment to make life significantly better for his wife! Wouldn't you expect EVERY man to be willing to do that for his wife, or is marriage different where you come from?

[@bethanymaynard6102]

This is adorable and awesome that he did this for his wife.true love...

[@yixnorb5971]

This is what they call a labor of love.

[@Dastardly_X]

🌟

[@TheNickybocker]

@socal rocks The country is already broke because of touchy feely types who only know how to spend other peoples money. We need tough people who will make hard decisions and cut off the hand outs that don't belong to them in the first place.

[@jimhouse9961]

@@TheNickybocker stfu tRumpTurd.

[@jenavineful]

Genius! Nothing like a man who can build things. It cost him $150 plus his time and genius. Well done Mr. Proctor! xx

[@tellmesomething2go]

Want one?

[@brendonhunt668]

@@tellmesomething2go lol

[@SPCLPONY]

This is fantastic! I so wanted to build a personal elevator for my dad when his health was rapidly failing. It would have been inside mom and dads business to take him up to their apartment without having to go outside and use the steep narrow stairway. (very old building) My idea was similar to yours with using a 12 volt winch for motion, but my plan would have used garage door tracks and rollers up through the elevator shaft for the platform to ride on. There was a closet upstairs in their apartment directly above a non used alcove in the 'employees only' area of the business. It was the perfect location. Unfortunately the cancer took dad before I could begin the work, and mom sold the place a year later to retire. Thanks for sharing your idea. I may utilize it yet in my pole barn!

[@jafinch78]

Looks neat and simple. I kind of cringe on the mount not having some metal re-enforcement... especially being mounted on the underside of just that thin piece of wood. I'd ad some metal for longer term strength with that underside mount... though maybe there is some already. Even and old bed frame angle iron will cost effectively increase the strength rather than mounting all that on wood. I may be wrong... just that was the only issue that came to mind. I think with the hand control there isn't much for other issues so great if pinch risks. Great simple design. Thanks for sharing.

[@jafinch78]

@@SPCLPONY Yeah... I lost my Father also and had thought about similar ideas. Even at my old place since the stairs take up room more than an elevator and the old style stairs aren't so up to modern code anyway and are more risky. Definitely was thinking would been safer for Dad too.

[@AdamJSmithSanduskyOH]

I don't know - that's at least, one of the best DIY videos I've seen on KZbin!

[@broncoman3873]

I have been paralyzed from the wait down for 30 years and I must say this absolutely amazing and you could make a lot of money making these for handicap people!

[@TitaniumTronic]

@feliceluvzya1 yes,I agree some people will try to suck a lot of cash out of this

[@G56AG]

I really like that you have a safety system, most home made lifts I have seen on KZbin have no safety systems at all.

[@brianprocter6191]

I have added one of those industrial fall arrestors as well since this video was made.

[@chris7jakarta]

this is genius! ignore the comments about safety. I guess you know them yourself and don't need others to point that out. I grew up without bicycle helmets and 2 point seatbelts in the front of a car and no seatbelts in the back and a whole generation survived with minor injuries ;) I'm happy for you that you had a quick and cheap solution for your wife to go up and down'stairs'!

[@brianprocter6191]

Yes, did too. The only safety concern that is valid is the lock on the way down, at the time I was not sure how to do it so it would work, I had thought that is would not be sensitive enough to lock in case the cable released. Since then I have come up with a simple modification that I can tension to the weight of the person standing on it. It would stay locked if you are not on it, and any deviation of loss of tension on the cable it would stop. As someone said I was senile and others that I am not very smart and safety conscience. By the way if you where wondering, the upper part is in a small room and has a locked door when down.

[@777fiddlekrazy]

BESIDES, HE BEING A DIY'ER IS ALSO LIKELY HE HASNT FINISHED HIS PROJECT AESTHETICALLY. HE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK OUT BOTH VISUAL AND FUTURE BUGS. I/WE SHOULD ALSO ADMIRE AND RESPECT HIM FOR HIS WANTING TO MAKE HIS WIFE COMFORTABLE, WITHIN THEIR FINANCIAL MEANS AND HIS LOVE AND CARE OF HIS WIFE.

[@gophermaster]

Caps lock is cruise control for cool.@@777fiddlekrazy

[@gophermaster]

Except all the minor car accidents that resulted in fatalities, unlike today, but hey...

[@rchrdgrn]

a quick and cheap solution isn't so quick and cheap with $10,000 in copays and 4 month recovery time after hurting yourself in a fall.

[@ScanMan79]

Awesome work! The one thing that comes to mind is Red Green's catchphrase If they don't find you handsome make sure they find you handy! :)

[@jimzivny1554]

Great idea, thanks for sharing. I'm disabled and this has given me ideas for my own shop.

[@matteagles2363]

Great job DIY elevator for an economical couple. Ideally, it works beautifully.

[@mrnetwurm]

This crafty old codger is a genius

[@howardwayne3974]

Why are smart older people always portrayed as " crafty old codgers ? "It implies they are about to do a bit of theiving. Or some other illegal activity when their only sin is having gained some intelligence in their long life .

[@Rimple96]

Brian, I think what you have done is excellent, for a simple answer to a very real problem for many people. Thanks for making this available for those who would need it!

[@lmoore5264]

What a great project Brian. I have had 2 hip replacements and the wife has scoliosis so the 3 levels of our home become more of problem the older we get. I had wondered if it were possible to make something cheaply and you just showed me how. You sir are a genius and your wife is very lucky to have you.

[@BeyondTshirts]

Sharing this with my husband - he builds things too! I've now been "stuck" on the upper level of our house for almost three weeks and could REALLY use an elevator!!!

[@MsNailgun]

That is amazing. As one who is disabled, living in a 2 story home and having problems getting up the stairs, I can imagine how much easier this has made life for your wife. I have a mechanical mind and have thought up plans in my mind to do something like this. Kudos to you!!!

[@steved3387]

VERY well done! very inspiring and well thought out! Thank you and God Bless.

[@donmadick6813]

Great job. Thanks for sharing Brian.

[@MRrwmac]

Absolutely fantastic Christmas Present for your wife! Great idea, design and build. May need one myself someday and will remember yours. Thanks!

[@neilhay2155]

Good job, I'll bet your wife is thankful you can build something well to help her. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Great thinking. I was struggling with where to put a 4 cornered shaft, but your 2 rail version will fit easily. Thanks ! ! !

[@starastronomer]

Nicely executed design! Great idea and something any handy person could build. Thanks for sharing.

[@svskibo]

Awesome! I'm from Burns Lake but transplanted to Saskatchewan. Got a great little house here and want to build out the attic and figure out a way to get upstairs and down without losing space on both floors. For that price you are a man after my own heart! Thanks for the idea!

[@pakroedi2168]

Thanks Brian for your sharing idea about your homemade home elevator. I can use it for my project. Please don't delete this video.

[@rawbacon]

Excellent, I thought of using the same type of hoist for an elevator if I ever need one....Hopefully I won't need one for at least 30 years but if I do I'll use similar principles as this.

[@nssherlock4547]

Love the car hoist style safety lock outs Nice work from a lift installer for Thyssen Krupp , couple of easy safety fixes for this unit.1)put a piece of timber or sheet over the gap between ground and first floor, @ 3.12 ,a toe guard.2) construct a ceiling in lift that when on first floor the ceiling becomes the floor of the second floor,as lift raises the floor raises as well.A ten foot fall from 2nd floor could be fatal.Also a fixed seat would help with keeping you and your wife a bit safer.

[@sherryblack8942]

These are excellent add-ons for safety, especially preventing a fall from an open floor. From the standpoint of one with bad joints, though, the seat may not be wise; hip and knee replacements make getting up and down the MOST difficult thing to do, so standing for that short time would actually be the most comfortable. I wish my hubby was a DIY guy and we could move where permits are not a big deal!

[@user-uq9vh7un4c]

this shows how much he loves his wife..he is pure gold..Fantastic job Sir!!

[@cheeryble]

Congrats from Thailand, always loved visiting BC and the island

[@marshahill1458]

You are brilliant! I totally enjoyed watching this video and will share it with my brothers. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us

[@rahan573]

Nice lift, as soon as I saw projects like this and done some research on lifts, motors, vfd and building a lift, I think it's a good easy project to do, I still imagine of building a lift at home today.

[@dwaynecain5608]

Great job. God bless you and your wife.

[@jamesvertrees5857]

Sir, Thank you for sharing your home with us. My mother has bad knees and this how I imagined building an elevator. Your safety catch system is very nice. It has given me some ideas. I really want you to know that I for one really liked your video. Hope your wife is doing better now.

[@goldeee666]

pretty cool man. well built. great ideas thanks for posting

[@joeabs4844]

Genius idea Sir!

[@bunberrier]

Clever! I bought one of those Chicago cheapies to connect my crashed car to a big tree. Pulled the car's frame out with it and hung a new door. Still works today. To use it afterward, I attached the winch to the top of a strong A frame ladder, and it lifts up my motorcycle for servicing. Those things have lots of uses. That's great work! Your wife should be proud of you. Caring, resourceful, hardworking, and frugal.

[@fanoflakespeed9460]

Very good craftsmanship ,thanks for sharing with us. Hope the hip replacement goes smooth. I had it and I get around fine.

[@joann5157]

This is fantastic! How ingenious!!!

[@Splits-man]

There have been some technical issues pointed out, but I’m guessing that this is Version 1.0 and there will be improvements on the way. Nonetheless necessity is the mother of invention. Well done.

[@johnepperson8867]

You're a great husband to your wife! Nice build too!!! Thank You.

[@daklakdigital3691]

Obviously a labour of love (for his wife). Great video showing just enough detail for someone to do this at their place. I live in Indochina where the French installed many circular stairways which, in a way, are ready built for this ingenious device, when removed.

[@brianprocter6191]

There is a pulley attached to the frame, the cable runs through it and back to the winch frame, this gives the 50% reduction in speed and twice the lifting power. The pulley and holder comes with the winch. Common for all winching situations. We have used this system for a year now with no problems. Due to have the cable replaced now. I bought a new better cable and it was about 5$.. Added a springe to the handle to snap the dog in if the cable would break. The large ratchet is hard birch and will not shear as some have said. Yes it will not meet any safety codes but one should be able to build for ones own use. Strickly own. |I should not have said where I live there is not building codes, Just that I have never had to get a building permit.

[@seancoffran2391]

outstanding work.

[@gahmmh]

Please keep this up. Most of us will benefit from this information. Thousands of thumbs up to less than few hundreds down. Just make updates to anything you would like to make better. 385K have viewed it.

[@Bass.Player]

I like it, I need one for my front porch that is about 40" up...

[@juaralampung6671]

That is what i about to ask. You didnt explain the pulley or share the photo of the pulley that attached to the frame but instead you bother to explain the pulley to help adjust the controller which are lot less important part of the whole system. The pulley that attached to the frame is a main major important part of the system that you left out from the video which made it very hard for beginners to follow your design.

[@leehancock2782]

Fast forward to 2024. Screw the government and their building codes. GOOD JOB

[@carmichaelmoritz8662]

if i had a longer life this would be a great diy elevator for a disabled person like me :)) i finally get a place and now it looks like i will have to sell it in a year or so , maybe less or more . being in 24/7 pain along with other issues is very draining . the only wish i have now is to become 20 again while retaining all my memories .

[@csvs101]

I wish you good health

[@garylostinspace8500]

Excellent job Mr. Proctor! How nice it is to see someone using their knowledge and skills to create for themselves instead just buying the outrageously expensive crap that is made of substandard material, poorly assembled and incredibly expensive. BRAVO !!

[@russavery1957]

Well done! Not only the idea of the elevator...but you filmed it to show others. Outstanding! A man in love has no ends in possibly that need conquered!

[@jim671671]

Awesome work mate!!! Love it!

[@houseoffire72]

Well done Sir...! I like the design in its simplicity, functionality of use is spot on. Very clever design..!

[@42lookc]

When the socialist system gets around to you. If it does.

[@mohsinmufti370]

This elevator is working so well !!! Good job sir !!! 👍👍👍

[@lnaverd]

This looks so good. I love the part with the string to raise and lower the control.

[@mar1video]

Nicely designed. Great build. 👍

[@rogerbarela]

Awesome job great thinking outside of the box. That is the way it should be instead of running out and spending your money on over priced stuff. Yes it may not be to code or be made of the wrong materials (pine wood & sharp steel brake) but when you have a need you find a way to make it work. If not for trial and error how would anyone succeed. and i am pertty sure he has tested it out over and over again before he put his wife on it. Hey don't let the age or grey hair fool you. I believe he found what fit his wife's needs.

[@chaleurphantom1]

Super cool. I like how you addressed the free fall safety concern.

[@XwpisONOMA]

Gotta love the originality of this video, a geniusly implemented idea, demonstrated while the wife does the dishes. An amazing example of Americana which is regrettably fast disappearing.

[@ColeAviation]

AMAZING!!! Brian you are truly a genius my friend! Please pray for my grandfather. He’s not so good at all. He fell Friday and broke his right shoulder. 😔 I hope to get the Cub done before something happens to him. I should have it in the air by this coming summer. 😁

[@brianprocter6191]

So sorry to hear about your grandfather, will pray and as my class to pray at church this weekend. Have not kept up with the work done on the cub, been, have planned to sit down this winter and see what you have done. Just got my heating system going today, hot water house and shop. Went out this evening to work on a lathe project for a video demo tomorrow now that I have heat at last.. will post Wednesday. The project is not what I am doing, its how it is done.

[@ColeAviation]

Brian Procter - Awesome! Glad you got your heat going. You GOT to have heat especially this time of year. 😁👍🏼 Thanks for the prayers.

[@Qspecialman]

That is very well done, a really good idea.

[@danitafunk9236]

Great job. Very supportive of your wife,,,good man!!!!! Very rare these days,,may God bless you and your wife

[@billconserva1461]

Good for you and your wife! creative mind, keep cost down, you solved the problem!!

[@fortuner123]

Well done. Excellent job.

[@robertdomina3643]

That's the genius there thank you

[@edwinmcnew4389]

Well done sir! You did a great thing for your wife!

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

I doubt if we would be allowed to do it, but my goodness, this is quite brilliant. I raise my hat to you.

[@WireWeHere]

If you don't have slack cable detection i have an easy solution I built for a sawmill bandsaw lift. Just below the hoist mount a limit switch in the wall with a nylon arm extended out to a half inch or so from the cable. I used light 1/8" wire rope and a couple small pulleys to create a static side load on the cable with a hanging weight, a spring would work too. If the hoist cable ever becomes slack the weight will pull the cable and operate the limit switch, stopping down direction only. Never cared much for having to adjust and trust the internal rotary limits the hoists ship with for accurate precision travel limits. I do like your safety dog system. Take care sir.

[@WireWeHere]

@David The best part of the slack detection was an auto lower relay I added afterwards. When they would raise the saw carriage to the top floor they would close a hatch in the floor and as they lowered the hoist it would automatically stop exactly as the load settled on the floor. The same auto down worked when replacing a saw on the headrig below. They would open the hatch an hit auto down. The carriage settled on its lowest location and the hoist stopped. I actually built an elevator to transfer materials and work carts in the sawmill. Used a small Allen Bradley PLC and we got it certified for emergency injured personnel transfer too. Apparently it was the only one ever in at least, British Columbia. Plenty of Turck proximity switches so no external moving parts to break and redundant controls plus I might have caught them on a good day. Thanks for the reply.

[@WireWeHere]

@David Oh yeah, have a look at the difference between wire cable and wire rope. They are wound and behave quite differently.

[@jean-pierrescherer8250]

Simplicity at work! Use of existing materials including of the shelf cheap motor winch... Great Job!

[@tedtolentino4955]

A well designed and safe lift, in my opinion, for not too much money. Thanks for sharing this video

[@johnwelch703]

Yes it could be unsafe but falling down the stairs is also a problem for a person who has difficulty on stairs.

[@heru-deshet359]

Rail on the lift is easy. Falling down the stairs is deadly.

[@absalomdraconis]

The normal way to deal with the cable breaking is apparently to have a strong spring constantly trying to engage the dog, and the cable holds the elevator by pulling on the dog, forcing it to not engage unless the cable breaks. At any rate, my main concern is actually the wood. The way he has the ratchet teeth rigged up, the dog is basically going to be trying to split the wood along it's weakest axis. Fortunately, since he's the guy that made it, he should be able to upgrade it. Hopefully he'll post a video in a few months of an upgrade to that bit.

[@kurtzimmerman1637]

Nice job. You do need an actual slack rope safety device though . I hope it works well for you sir.

[@77JMW]

Awesome name

[@leonjarrindell1543]

@@absalomdraconisNJ lic

[@markw3598]

Have you thought about adding a counterweight to take some, if not most, of the load off of the winch?

[@kaka2view173]

Yes,a counter weigh, it serve as a safety to lessen a direct drop with a same total weight of the load. A occupant cage is also added a safety protection

[@robertm1112]

its a winch, not a traction drive if he added a counterweight it would have to be less than the weight of the cab (which is really light in this system so adding one wouldn't slow down a free fall all that much) and would complicate safety if it weighed more than the cab. as the safety ratchet, he was so thought-full to put in will only keep it from freefalling down not from freefalling up. (i would like a better safety solution for going down but a counterweight is not a good solution in this system. ) free falling up is a thing here is how it can happen. Commercial traction drive lifts use at least 2 but usually 4 cables each cable alone can take the weight of the counterweight/cab. The counterweight should weigh more than the cab at 1/2 capacity, and the capacity rating should be about 2-4 more people than will comfortably fit in the cab. If one or more cables fail and there is not enuff friction between the remaining cable(s) and traction drum than the cable will slip with the counterweight falling not the cab. if you're in an older model the governor (a device for triggering breaks when the cab is moving too fast) might not be bidirectional so the track breaks won't engage when falling up.

[@heinzkitzvelvet]

Not cost effective.

[@brianprocter6191]

That is a good idea. Only trouble is it would have to be less than the platform. It is reasonably light so would not help allot.

[@YourOldDog]

Great and useful project. You are inspiring me to do the same for my woodworking shop as the stairs are harder and harder to negotiate. I think you did a great job of thinking this one out as I really like simplicity.

[@reubendobbs8011]

Very simple solution to an expensive problem well done. I like the safety system.

[@Pedroisanickname]

Take note of the control wire and how precisely it is laid out.

[@Cowracer67]

Elisha Otis developed a really neat device that made elevators safe. You should probably read up on it, cause if the cable breaks on the way down, you're not gonna have to worry about hip problems any more.

[@JukeboxJake]

Well all the user would have to do is let go of the handle, and it would latch, like a dead mans switch. It should be spring loaded though

[@Cowracer67]

@@JukeboxJake Hard to do in the zero gravity panic of a free fall. All you got to do is spring load it where with zero weight on the platform it engages. easy peesy

[@danielabbey7726]

Great idea, Sir! Am planning to build a home elevator when I retire to rural Pennsylvania.

[@dave633]

Well done, you've givien me ideas for my UK home!

[@neverknow69]

The design fills a need. A specific purpose. It's for his handicap wife. Not everyone who visit the home. Might get used twice day. It's not automatic, you have to push the button, hear something out of the normal you let off the button. Anyone who actually works in a shop for any kind knows how to use a wench like this. People use them to save lives out in the wilderness virtually every day. Let some of these nay Sayers have bad hips or knees and have to go up and down stairs. Brian don't listen to any bad comments here. It's a shame real men can't provide for their family anymore on their own with a code to tell them what to do.

[@ArcticFlies56]

You know the old saying, “where there’s a will there’s a way!” Great job.

[@markw3598]

Huh! I heard it as "Where there is a will, there is a lawyer to break it!"

[@nssherlock4547]

Or where there's a will there's a relative.

[@lesp315]

Nice job. You are a real man of the house. Not many like that around anymore.

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Sir you did a fantastic job 👍 that was brilliant ! Thanks for sharing

[@greggthunderburg7294]

If it's concealed like that, you don't need to worry about codes!

[@carolewarner101]

Wow, this is so ingenious! Thank you for sharing about this project. Have you considered drawing up plans for those who may be interested in making something like it? I guess then you'd be liable if something went wrong... "Law" is supposed to be about safety and justice, but now days it seems like there's no justice and laws just get in the way of a creative person like yourself making something that works for them and their family without it costing them a fortune! In any event, well done. This is a GREAT result!

[@williamtate6268]

Carole Warner I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time and this is the best, simplest design I’ve seen yet. Very considerate of this man to share his ideas with others .

[@carolewarner101]

@@williamtate6268 So true! He has the mind of an engineer and inventor! Very creative.

[@ArduinoKing]

​@@carolewarner101 A engineer would never do this. It's extremely dangerous. The "safety ratchet" has a high chance of just shearing off the teeth. It also means that if the cable fails on the way down, the operator would need to react quickly to stop their own fall, if they dont react quickly, then they would be going so fast that it would just shear off the teeth. Using wood for the rails allows the wood to rot, or wood screws to pull out, and dump the contents of the lift to the lower floor. Fire hazzard, you have just created a excellent way for fire to get between floors. I really hope that that control box is not mains, if it is, then using a connector block is a huge shock hazard. Many pinch hazards. Huge fall hazard A engineer would take the time to build something that is actually safe.

[@erniew5805]

@@ArduinoKing as i say an engineer doesn't invent tools cause he /she doesn't know what you need.

[@trevor5290]

Fantastic Sir! We too live in the country and my wife is disabled. We could sure use this.

[@adnankamran3028]

Well done sir !!!😊 This elevator is so NICE!!!👍👍👍

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

Cool!

[@1STGeneral]

I'd double up the header the winch is mounted on and possibly a steel plate and maybe side by side winches for redundancy

[@DieselWelder]

Thank you for sharing a great idea and solution. As for safety concerns, that is between you and your wife. It may be best for the folks that think this is a death trap, take the stairs instead.

[@belkatt125]

I admire your creative project of love. Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@mc3lizard]

A better way to power it would be a 12 volt DC winch with a car battery and maintainer, so when there is a power failure you still have an elevator.

[@williamtate6268]

mc3lizard Agreed. That way you could have a wireless fob and omit the wires. I have a genie lift originally outfitted with basically a boat trailer winch. I installed an atv winch and no more busted knuckles. I love technology!

[@adkchip1]

Only problem with that is that is a lift device that is made for overhead lifting. Winches are only good for pulling. That being said, a power outage mid way up or down would present a challenge to say the least.

[@nogoogle9063]

Simple solution is a UPS. It only needs to complete the cycle up or down and handle the current draw of the motor.

[@edbenson98]

That would be a great backup if the power goes out!

[@TonyWadkins]

Safety issues?...yes....Dangerous?....yes Some relatively cheap ways to improve it can be done to make it more safe. But the man is trying to do what he can for his wife and doesn't have the money to buy a certified residential elevator which could cost starting around $13,000.

[@TheTinkle1]

Tony Wadkins I can build a risk free elevator for someone else with a budget of 6,000

[@yrulooknatme]

great idea .. I'd work out a few safety issues( but that's just me) but overall design is there and is great. What a good idea!

[@luimelo6280]

Pretty awesome. Good job, thanks for sharing.

[@chlordk]

A door on the top floor would prevent people from falling down the hole.

[@brianprocter6191]

small room with a locked door when lift is down.

[@sailorbychoice1]

@@brianprocter6191 even a minimum code would require, at least a safety rail.

[@darrelljacobjr2120]

@@brianprocter6191 Ditto though. If you extended the metal up above your head above the 'dog', it could push open a trapdoor as the lift rises, and let it fall back down onto a lip around the edge of the hole as you descend, making locking the room unnecessary. Just my 2c.

[@garywheeler7039]

@@darrelljacobjr2120 That would also allow some storage space on the walls upstairs, which might be handy to have.

[@Philhoppermiller]

Good job. I built one to lift shingles onto my roof. 3 bundle of shingles was lifted with ease.

[@torquelimiter6776]

Awesome, I am sure you sir have just help out lots of people. Thank you for sharing!!

[@willjones8849]

This sound like something Colin furze would do

[@websitesthatneedanem]

👍

[@davidurdahl6656]

Naw his would go up and down in 3 seconds and would include fireworks. Lol

[@barryjenkinson9152]

maybe should put a gate on the upstairs bit just in case.

[@brianprocter6191]

Good idea but, that area is in a small enclosed locked room when down.

[@heru-deshet359]

I've watched a video where there is a door on the second floor that goes up and down when the lift is used, thus eliminating the need for a railing.That can easily be added to this design.

[@benjamess3194]

Nice job. I like that you added he safety catch to it.

[@yemarican]

Great job my friend .

[@francoa.9646]

Now that is a man who dearly loves his woman.Great example for us all.

[@johnallenrichter]

Brian, I'm glad you can help your wife! It is a great idea. But I need to tell you this to clear my conscience. I'm not an engineer. But I an a builder and know limitations of wood strength. Your 1" backboard on the back of the elevator is connected to the hoist cable and Carrie's the entire weight of the apparatus. Even though pulley system in theory reduces the lift weight, that 1" board will fail and cause you or your wife to crash to the ground. Also the single 1" board holding the hoist is not sufficient. Very dangerous. Please beef it up

[@brianprocter6191]

The winch pulley is bolted to the 1/4 inch steel plate. Not the board. Also because of the many concerns about safety beyond what I built in, I will be changing it to incorporate an automatic arrest system. Winch rated for 880 lbs and lifting 200. Thought that was a good safety margin, size of the cable thousands. Its safe as it sits but why not go the extra mile.

[@johnernest2779]

You are brilliant sir!!!! Me, cheaper to get rid of my wife, but obviously you got a good one to keep. Seriously, nice job!!

[@gunner678]

Well done sir. This is just what I need. I have a winch still in the box that I have never used.

[@yixnorb5971]

Safety device does not work on the way down. Sure beats a stairmaster.

[@NoZenith]

pmailkeey why?

[@kwfinken]

The safety device will shear off the wooden cogs like a razor shaving hair.

[@NoZenith]

Kevin Finkenbinder you don't think that it would slow it down or stop it after it broke one off?

[@yixnorb5971]

@@NoZenith I wouldn't bet my life on it.

[@trevorlambert4226]

@pmailkeey While your concern is warranted, it's not clear whether what you describe would happen or not. If the elevator begins a rapid descent, the dog and the arm attached to it will begin to descend at the same time, and the same rate. The only force that is going to be counter to that is air resistance on the arm. Looking at how heavy that arm is, I kind of doubt that is going to be an influencing factor. So while the dog will not significantly move away from the cogs, it's not going to move in towards them either; we have to remember that the torsional force that is being exerted by the arm attached to the dog is dependent on gravity. With both the lift and the arm in free fall, that torsional force disappears. So it depends a lot on how far above the notch the dog is when the failure occurs. If it's less than half way up to the next notch, it will likely catch the notch on the way down (and maybe shear off the cog?). If it's just about to click over to another notch, then on the way down it probably just bounces or chips off a piece of the next lower notch, after which things probably get worse rather than better.

[@doctorlarry2273]

LOL at all the would-be OSHA engineers chiming in below! Keep them and lawyers out of your house and live in peace.

[@p.d.smithjr.3277]

This house will out last this moron. The child that move in next could die from lack of knowledge and craftmenship!