Pump Jacks

[@kenjett2434]

Hard to beat a man who knows what he is talking about except for a man who is good at doing what he talks about. The Essential Craftsmen is that man.

[@connguy146]

Great video per usual. I remember helping my grandfather work on his old house on these in the mid 80's back when I was about 13 years old. One day he said we were going to set up the "pump jacks" and put the shakes on the second story from them and I thought to myself "what are pump jacks???" His were made of 2x4 posts nailed together to make 4x4's and wobbly for sure when we were up there, and the jacks were pretty rusty and I was a little scared but I loved it!! I also remember him (a carpenter by trade) telling me; "don't mention to your mother that I had you up 'this high' on these." lol. He's gone now but thanks for the memories and the skills you taught me Pop...

[@elliot8551]

Essential Craftsman thanks for all the advice through out the years.

[@krenwregget7667]

looking at that thing reminds me why I got into cabinetry :D

[@drymoonproperties]

I have used pump Jack's in my General Contracting business for so long I can't remember just how many years I depended on them. I was born and raised about two miles probably a little less from Lake Michigan all steep hills and sand nobody was ever in a hurry to get a ladder out when working outside the sand makes ladders very unstable regardless of what we did and scaffolding in many cases just isn't an option pump Jack's though saved the day many times actually probably more than I care to remember. We were so used to the wobbles never thought twice about it! From painting, siding even window replacement a.nd trim replacement and repair to every in between nothing else would or could have done the job. Thanks for covering such a critical tool especially for those of us that live in and around huge lakes like ours!

[@toddfeldman7661]

Let's Go Red Wings!!!

[@jacksak]

Retail 36' pump jacks cost about $2,000 which I couldn't afford when I started a painting business later in life in NH. So, I used 32" ladders which I leveled and secured top/bottom with ladder jacks to hold extendable aluminum planking between the two ladders. I don't do that anymore and happy to be retired because at 76 years old I was getting dizzy whenever I looked up at a wall.

[@alexlotscher7816]

Being a Craftsman I appreciate these shorter video's of less common tools/techniques! Adding this to my mental bag of tricks! Thank you and God bless you and your family!

[@doitnow3291]

I retired from many years in the business and always though pump jacks...and in the Beginning of the project, wall brackets.....were the most versatile tools for the intended Job....mine were so old the poles were just double 2x4's and the planks were very Heavy 2x12's with an added layer of plywood.... These with aluminum poles and lightweight jacks are wonderful to use!!

[@brettphillips3091]

Love pump jacks, many years of my career has been spent doing exterior trim and siding off this set up. Thanks for the video.

[@l.rod2827]

Just like any tool, The right tool for the right job... Great job as always, love the videos and the words of wisdom.

[@tristancarver8777]

Just bought a Werner system with two 24 foot poles to get up three stories. The siding guys loved it. Setting the second 24’ pole on top of the first was an interesting task though.

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

I gotta check this out. Jim

[@techedfireman4981]

These are the fancy version...I remember making and using 2x4's to make up the column. Never had an opportunity to use the aluminum ones, the swing of these is something I could never get use to even after a week of siding a house. Keeps your wits about you all day for sure. Thanks again for your videos.

[@badlandskid]

TechEdFireman sliver makers.

[@markchidester6239]

I've been looking at those for a project at home. Bouncing between that and scaffolding. Would like to get both as they have their advantages. Problem, $$$

[@psidvicious]

Right, we had the old orange ones that were eventually banned I think. You would just make the posts with lapped, double 2x4s and cross braced them as needed, as you went up. No workbench/safety rail on the old ones. I remember doing siding on a 3 story building in Galveston Bch with them. I was always relatively comfortable working at heights, but I have to admit I was glad to come down off of those things, at that height.

[@renemenard8155]

Wow I remember bee those days aS a young man scurrying up and down 12”fir planks 30 ft in the air and not thinking twice about it We never had back rails either! Smh. They have come a long way!

[@badlandskid]

Rene Menard cool story. Boomer much?

[@shortfuse43]

I HAD to watch this video!! Where I came from, "pump jacks" were the surface machinery/equipment used in the oil fields to pump oil from the subsurface. When I saw the title, I asked myself "did he strike oil at his house site???" LOL

[@Tamayo808]

I use these almost everyday for siding. If you flip the second plank over, you have a nice shelf that will hold tools and material without letting it fall off the plank making it safer.

[@deanmurphy6153]

There is always room for scaffolding if you have the right type. Tube and clamp scaffolding can be erected in spaces less than a foot wide. Love your channels content, keep up the great work.

[@jdugger8679]

I enjoy your attitude and your channel so much. Thanks for all of your advice and videos. I have learned a lot.

[@phylissrandt3214]

I've seen 'em in use many times and actually worked in the construction field for a time. One thing I never saw was how they get set up and taken down. Might be a good idea to explore that aspect to instruct us less than knowing

[@stickshaker101]

You're never gonna believe this, but they pole vault them into place!

[@phylissrandt3214]

@@stickshaker101 Thanks for the information. Just one question , how much of a running start do you need? Does it depend on the length of the post.? Longer pole = longer run.

[@carls6359]

Still own my 30yo steel Alum-a-pole jacks, have used them up to 48’ height (2-24’ poles) never used anything wider than 12” plank, as they get heavy, have complement of 24’,18’, 12’, & 6’ aluminum poles with inserts for any height combination, quicker and easier to set up and take down than any other scaffolding, easier to transport, and smallest footprint (3”x3.5”), I don’t know anyone that uses anything else for residential siding, and even light commercial. You get used to the wobble and even enjoy it. Quicker to slide down the pole like a fireman and climb the ladder than to raise and lower the stage every time.

[@shaunisclutch]

Just play this and his other videos before and during the time you use such things. His vids are literally lifesavers.

[@georgedavis6583]

All you youngsters missed the thrill of the old metal ones with wood poles that would drop 10 inches without warning

[@jacksak]

@George Davis - In the 60's - 70's I worked union construction on commercial buildings in Boston before OSHA had much to say about our safety. So, I know about the "thrills" you mentioned, especially when we used old, lumpy, wobbly, cement and plaster covered 2x6's to build scaffolds up the side of buildings without safety equipment. Sometimes it was terrifying to be the top man standing on a jiggly plank pulling up another plank from the ground using a rope. That's just one story out of hundreds from back in the day.

[@georgedavis6583]

@@jacksak one day we heard kerplunk some aluminum banging and a guy squealing like a pig. We run outside to see the siding guy hanging upside down from the snips in his belt.. good thing they got stuck in the aluminum pick when the pump jack dropped..

[@eliprice138]

You didn’t have them locked right and one side falls three or four feet . And then half of your bricks go sliding off . And now your masons are Really Mad at you more so then before!! Lol oh those where the days ..

[@jacksak]

@@georgedavis6583 The news doesn't report much of anything about construction accidents, so unless someone's in the business, they don't understand the dangers.

[@soundslikebstome]

Thrilling about sums them up. Never had an accident using them tho.

[@bigfoot99]

Used the old orange ones for decades during my career (retired this year at 66) and used built up 2X4' s for posts. We braced them underneath every 12' or so as we went up, and they were rock solid. We also used to set beams such as glulams with them. We used the beam as the "scaffold" and set the posts at the ends of where the beam was to sit. With a guy at each end, we would "pump" them up into place. It worked every time, and eliminated crane or forklift time.

[@gregorilopez]

Just bought my own set with 24' and 16' planks sets. Rented and used the old wooden 2x post on the past. These are wonderful for my current re-sideing project. Since I work by myself I have a harness on whenever I leave the scaffolding and walk on the roof.

[@2cawks]

These seem super handy. I've only ever used scaffolding a few times but this looks so much easier

[@Wakeupamericanow]

It’s never the only thing that can do the job! Most efficient best thing to use, yes I can agree with a statement like that!

[@rebelwithoutacause5853]

lol... Wow 20 years of painting and using walkboards and ladders don't think we ever secured them as much as y'all do. Lot of scary moments. Great video keep up the great work.

[@eliprice138]

Oh man I hate pump jacks . Or crank scaffold . It’s what I learned on doing masonry...! We always over loaded them all the time. Bringing them back down was always the fun part ! lol stay safe out there .

[@mikefasenmyer5259]

Hey, thank you again for this excellent post. Really appreciate seeing how this equipment works. So handy.

[@anthonyloran4442]

I worked with some bricklayers after high school. They used morgan scaffolding. Basically the same thing only larger, they had a cable winch that you pumped with your foot.

[@ronaldgrant5436]

My Grandfather had pump jacks in the '50s on two by fours, they were great.

[@mopedmarathon]

I have pretty much no reason to to need these and I’m also scared of heights but hell I want a set. What a great bit of kit. Thanks EC, love the channel and content.

[@T18skyguy]

I really like his non destructive attachment method. Steel strap bent over and then bolted to a big piece of flat wood, then a couple big strong clamps. No drilling any holes in roof rafters.

[@ChrisMac87]

Over my siding career I’ve acquired 14 poles and 8 stages ranging from 8’ to 32’. They’ve paid for themselves 100 times over. One man can safely set up a 32 foot stage in 10 minutes.

[@CheekyMonkey888]

what brand do you recommend?

[@ChrisMac87]

@@CheekyMonkey888 I’ve always had alum-a-pole systems. With regular maintenance you’ll never had any issues

[@CheekyMonkey888]

@@ChrisMac87 thank you sir

[@CheekyMonkey888]

@@ChrisMac87 My dealer only sells Werner, would you rate it as equivalent to Alum-a-pole, or is Alum-a-pole in a category of it s own?

[@williameagar7063]

Just a heads up. In the video, the pump jacks foot pump is shown ACTIVE. To properly use these, you have to have the foot pedal in the UP position, to LOCK the mechanism. If the release is hit, while down, the staging DROPS.

[@gabefimbres]

Good to know I hate that drop

[@j.markkrzystofiak9907]

That set up feels like the Rock of Gibraltar compared to a set of ladder jacks on aluminum extension ladders and an extendable plank.

[@ChrisMac87]

They outlawed ladder jacks in my neck of the woods. Can’t have any fun anymore

[@mattglatt9769]

I hear ya. We use ladder jacks all the time. Pump jacks are gravy train.

[@ELIRAXPRT]

@@ChrisMac87 there is a guy who does a lot of siding here who just setups up multiple ladders close together and just jumps from one ladder to another. He does two story homes with no planks or scaffold of any kind.

[@wilkinsoncarpentry6278]

Whaaaaaat!! I think that’s the best thing I’ve ever seen for building a house , wow I want a set

[@DixieNormous1]

Great video,not sure how I missed this one. Working by myself I think I'll buy a set for this year,last year setting up scaffolding by myself and pulling material up 3 story's was difficult

[@raindropsrising7662]

Love this rarely seen tool at work. Good work trying something new on the video production.

[@calebmattix391]

I get the feeling that this spec house project is a clever ploy by Scott to use all his tools one more time🤣🤣🤣

[@firesurfer]

I made my own scaffold out of 2xs screwed together offset by half. A couple of triangles cut from ply on each side and planks put across them. I had to move the supports a couple of times, but that was not a big deal. I only had to go up 15'. So good enough. When I was done, I unscrewed the 2xs and reused them for a shed I was making.

[@colinstanton5435]

another great elevation device and another great video. It would be great if you guys went into the setup a bit more some day, we use these all the time but I'd be lying if I said there weren't any scary moments setting up and taking down, espectially with extentions. A few tips would help a ton of people I bet. Thanks again!

[@brandon152lee]

Great video. I love your series.

[@mikegrigoriadis9484]

we used Pump jacks for years, they are great

[@jasonhanson6563]

I’ve always worked civil and commercial projects, those things are amazing!

[@TokyoCraftsman]

Nice surprise to see this in my queue!

[@benjaminvivar7855]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, much appreciated watch your show constantly.

[@gingram815]

I have the 2x4 variety. They are awesome, though you do get the "fun" drop now and then while lowering them. One really wonderful thing I did with them was install a large window on a 2nd story. My helper and I set up the poles. We put the window and tools up on the walk board and up we went. It was by far the easiest possible way of installing it without a lift or something.

[@probuilder961]

I have a pair of Power Poles by Reechcraft, they are set up & appear like pump jacks except they are powered by 2 electric drills running internal gears - like riding in an elevator. I even rigged up a switch so I could run both sides at once from the middle by myself. I've used them twice in the 4 years I've had them - bought them for the 1st job since it was the only tool that would work to install large windows on a hillside house. They paid for themselves on the 1st job - no other contractor wanted the job! (nearly $6k for the pair)

[@allendean9807]

We used them a lot in Oklahoma, and Washington state. But we never had fancy Ibeams, just 2x4’s nailed together , graced every 8 feet vertically. And, nothing beats the race to the bottom! How fast can you wind that bad boy down!

[@ILikeWafflz]

5:13 LOL My brother played this video at lunch and that drew a pretty good laugh out of all of us.

[@gattac900]

Broke my ankle first 4 months into my carpentry, thank God it wasn’t more than 8 weeks off the job. I watched your videos during recovery.

[@SmallChangeArcade]

About 15 years ago I was a journeyman carpenter and was building a house on an extreme slope just outside of Portland. It was 1 story in the front and 4 on the back. I will not miss waking up at 5:30 to get to that job site and side a house in freezing pacific northwest rain using those pump jacks. I still have nightmares about releasing them.

[@andrewski1239]

You just saved me and my work pals

[@welshhomestead]

Amazing invention - and if there isn't room for scaffolding, it's certainly better than a ladder - but that wobbling around would scare me! Great video as always

[@southernfarmer8526]

Never had a need for them and never even heard of them but like always now I want a set! 😂😂😂

[@warrenmichael918]

me too, everytime he gets an anvil out , i start thinking i need a danged anvil!! Chicken coop, yep , i want one now

[@kengamble8595]

Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@jeremykj69]

I wish I had the aluminum poles for my pump jacks I use double 2x4s

[@rleeAZ]

I and a buddy were freelance house painters in college. We did crazy dangerous stuff on ladders and planks and sometime dangling from ropes with climbing gear. This would have been heaven... but then I would not have the stories to tell :)

[@goldinvestments1314]

Very cool. Thank you.

[@woodlandburl6648]

Great video. Thanks.

[@user-ju3od5gy5q]

Thanks so much..big help.

[@rustyshackleford5060]

Keep up the good work!

[@badlandskid]

Rusty Shackleford dangit Dale!

[@addmcd0816]

Yall make it look very easy! Thanks for the video, I pray I never need to use a pump Jack!

[@michaelbeckwith977]

You can reduce the wobbling significantly by adding intermediate bracing. If you know you’re going to stay above 12 ft or so (as in this video), add another set of braces below the work platform. Of course you need something to attach them to.

[@eldoradocraftsman3733]

In the UK, we would say, “is he having a laugh?” Meaning, is he crazy? There is No way that you could get me on that. 🤣👏🏾👏🏾

[@clackmannan]

Not to mention HSE would have a field day condemning it.

[@SuperAWaC]

@@clackmannan i'd rather be up on a pump jack in america then near a crane in london

[@chowly]

@@SuperAWaC Hahah, too soon mate!

[@ikonyamwaura5994]

hello hope im not late pleae discuss about tips when using traditional plumb and bob when levelling

[@trenww]

I’d love to see y’all start doing the “bonus episodes” like the Perkins builder brothers. They utilize B roll footage with less editing and have really helped with going into detail about their videos.

[@rico1319]

Again, all great advice! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱

[@WobblycogsUk]

Very interesting, I've never seen pump jacks before. As far as I can see they aren't used at all here in the UK. I have to admit though you wouldn't get me up there.

[@truenorth7754]

Equipped with bonus fun in the frozen north. The rubber isn't too pliable at -40 so hang that siding quick with the frozen airlines.

[@lendavidhart9710]

My dad used to have old 2x4 pump jacks, 24' long wood no aluminium poles in those days.

[@stickyricky345]

my young mind would be thinking of renting a scissor lift, with all of the extra work he did in site works im sure the terrain is good to drive one on there.

[@robbbenedict]

I don't think there's room to get a lift on the hill side of the house

[@ryanfields5181]

Great work guys!

[@samiralbalushi4611]

Thank you

[@WayneSmith-yf3fg]

Love these things! But....we have to use the safety netting between the top & bottom rail.

[@richardmason7840]

U the man. Thanks, keep up the excellent work. Above all Enjoy God!

[@jameselderton9869]

Never ever seen anything like that here in the UK. Very interesting.

[@IndependentThinker74]

How in the heck did you get up there to originally secure the top of the jack posts to the house?

[@charlesgrave]

You attach the swivel bracket off an extension ladder while someone else foots the jack and raises it up to you then it has a t handle and a screw that clamps the pole in place. It's alot easier then it sounds. I use them all the time, 36' and sometimes 42'

[@tommcluckie6034]

ladders are so dangerous specially when they are being used by more than one man i was on a job many years ago we put up the ladder and were bringing up gear when one guy picked up the ladder and moved it and did not notice he had lifted the extension past the step it was locked into the boss [of course] climbs on to go down as soon as his weight left the roof the extension slid all the way to the bottom with the boss on it he escaped a bad injury but just by dumb luck could have been much worse, great video as usual

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

You tie the two top rungs together so that they can't come apart like this. Ask me how I know. Ladders are a really great tool, it's just that you have to know what, how ,why and when. I love ladders. And no, you can't borrow mine, they always come back bent or not at all. Jim

[@ILikeWafflz]

We used these on a siding job on a three-story condo. There was a parking area that allowed access with a 32' scissor lift on one side, but a few sections could only be accessed with a set of these. Sadly, we did all the scary 36' high (some might not know; you can stack the poles) stuff on a 12" x 24' plank, THEN my brother found a deal on this 24" x 24' plank that would have felt five times safer. Even tied off I was tip-toeing up there.

[@sparkyobrian6417]

Ive found scaffolding in 90% of the cases far cheaper and almost as fast to set up, we keep extension ladders to a min, especially considering I can get two stories of scaffolding for the same ( or cheaper) cost as one 40 extension ladder, and you often need 3 per pump jack set, thats alot of money . Granted in certain cases pump jacks are great and like in your case the only choice.

[@DEADB33F]

Yeah, I don't really see why scaffold couldn't be used here. You can erect scaffold pretty much anywhere.... i.imgur.com/pAPogLV.jpg

[@baggetja1234]

That squeak should be trademarked

[@AJDIYNetwork]

Thank you for the informatuon

[@cobaltt88]

I Betcha Larry Haun built his pump jacks with "Tuba Fours"

[@marks6663]

I have been a painter for 31 years. Never heard of pump jacks. Done everything with a ladder.

[@nevoyu]

I have a set of pump jacks and theyre all I use. This is because my van carries ALL of my tools and pump jacks take up anlot less room than scaffolding does.

[@MrJFoster1984]

Sadly we wouldn't be able to use these in Australia due to our OHS/WHS regs.

[@davidmatke248]

I'm surprised how narrow the platform is.

[@thalivenom4972]

usually yu can add or remove "planks" to widen it, but realistically, more then the length of your foot isnt needed

[@Coder-zx4nb]

It kind of makes sense tho. The slim profile is what helps it differentiate it's self from scaffolding. It also helps it become the tool of choice for tight spaces like the one EC showed here.

[@zacharyjohnson829]

Love how he says roof , the mans a lord

[@makemyday1477]

I could never get used to the wobble, especially with two people when you don’t expect it. Wooooh....... hahahahaha

[@bradley3549]

Clamp some X bracing between the uprights, below the jacks, once you get above a certain height. Will make a world of difference in the wobble.

[@modernplumbingtechniques5656]

Nice info on pump jacks and I learned a lot. What about that foam and roof seats, you just turned and walked up the roof and handed another workman something. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

[@lachlanbuchan9004]

They look very handy, They sound very dodgy, I would use them.

[@cameron2476]

What ever happened with the cordless skilsaw review video? thanks

[@davem3789]

‘Or until you forget to tie them down...” 😂

[@rubenvarela4077]

Yuppppp they are handy

[@wrenchallen8034]

Do the 24’ poles come apart for transportation?

[@callietho]

3:45, did you loose a bolt? something fell from the lower rail.

[@mikez4132]

good eye

[@vlogerhood]

So I apparently need to replace two roofs. My residency and a rental. You may be excited to hear I looked up who works with Tamko shingles in my area and have called two of them.

[@drewevans5009]

So how well do they work for vertical siding?

[@davidolchewsky5365]

How should the roof braces be secured if it's a brand new roof just installed AND facia still needs installed? I wouldn't think one would use lag bolts through a brand new roof, just so facia could be installed. Reason I'm asking ... I just had someone install pump jack roof braces directly on top of the shingles, not first prying up and securing underneath the shingles. And when the roof braces were removed 'OSI Quad' was used to fill the holes, which are now exposed to the elements. I didn't think that was acceptable and believe all shingles that now have holes, even though filled, should be replaced. I think the roof braces were installed incorrectly, just to get the job done quickly. Please let me know if my thinking is wrong. Thanks!