Garage Attic Elevator / Lift Build in Minneapolis Minnesota

Upon becoming empty-nesters, my wife and I moved from our 3300 SF home with a huge basement in Valparaiso, IN, to a 1650 SF one level detached townhome near Minneapolis, MN. Even though we sold everything we could prior to the move, we still had a storage problem. Holiday décor, seasonal things, old records, keepsakes, and things our kids wanted to keep from their childhood but weren’t ready to take it themselves yet. Fortunately, this home had a nice storage area above the garage, but the access to it was awful, as is typical.
My son Mitch and I engineered this garage attic elevator after watching a number of KZbin videos. None of the videos we watched fit what we needed to do exactly. Most of them were for garages with open rafters, etc. We didn’t know what we were dealing with until we started cutting it up.
This task was interesting because although I like to do stuff like this, I am not a professional tradesman. I can do rough work with wood, but I don’t have the ability to weld or fabricate with metal at all. Thankfully my son Mitch came up to help me with the design, the build, and work through the issues along the way.
The video explains the rest. Hopefully you will find it useful and beneficial. Here are some links that may help you.
Northern Tool Electric Cable Hoist - www.northerntool.com/shop/too...
Home Depot - Superstrut channel- www.homedepot.com/p/Superstru...
Unistrut Trolleys - www.unistrutohio.com/unistrut...
The only video I could find that was somewhat helpful to make the hole in the ceiling - • Properly frame an atti...

[@ArchitecturalDetails]

So cleaver and well built. Thank you for the inspiration for those of us getting older and trying to stay safe.

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you. I can’t get used to getting old. 🙁 I have to work around it!

[@eugeneshealthproject]

This is a clever design but the one problem I can see is it needs a safety break in case the hoisting cable breaks. I can see Murphy's Law when your descending and someone is under it that's when the cable will snap. You need to build a safety cage around it. And maybe some danger signs. I do love the concept but more emphasis on safety protocols. I know you will eventually do the right thing you are clever enough to get it done.

[@lucash1980]

@@eugeneshealthproject Sharpie on wall: Don't stand here. Fatal for idiots. Use lift at own peril.

[@jamesalsip314]

@@lucash1980 🙈🦎🐐🦌

[@di6796]

@@lucash1980 Love your Response :)

[@danarbuckle6640]

Fantastic idea. Beautiful build. Overengineered for safety and cheap compared to a store bought unit. Thanks for sharing.

[@ChunkyKong32]

The chair proves that’s more than just storage space. Tv and fridge will be next. This is fantastic!

[@Vicflash]

Enjoyed the video. I really appreciate when there's no intro logo and superfluous talking. Just to the point meat and potatoes. Thanks

[@soroako4142]

I agree - "Just the facts Ma'am" as an old detective used to say. But thankfully there was another element missing i.e. loud and obnoxious music. Loud music - particularly electronic crap - is a big put off for me. Some creators seem to believe that all viewers are shut away in their Mums' basement when watching KZbin when in reality many of us live in open plan residences and don't want to drown out others conversation or the audio on TV etc. I'll score this video 9.5 out of 10. Deducted ½ a point because nothing is perfect! The concept is great, build quality seems to be good [not withstanding other posters comments regarding the eye bolt] presentation is concise and informative, video detail and clarity is excellent - maybe I should have only deducted a ¼ point.

[@RalphSampson...]

@@soroako4142 I wish I could give your comment a dozen "thumbs up". I hate the music and intros. Just get to the point of the video!

[@jerryf609]

@@soroako4142 i give your comment a 9.5 . I would give it a 10 but nobody is perfect.

[@RalphSampson...]

@@jerryf609 Okay.....now, that was funny!

[@CC-te5zf]

My life will never be the same. This rocks.

[@theelevator3615]

Cool

[@petebutler5139]

Finally a DIYer that is more interested in sharing information than acting or reading a script and or pushing product or asking folks to sub their KZbin channel for that matter. The information was clear and concise, no fluff, you gave it to us straight and because of it, I am now subscribing to your channel. These are the types of KZbin DIY videos I greatly appreciate. Well done… And by the way I’m from Maple Grove lol, but living in Atlanta Georgia for many many years! I’m sure you can guess why I relocated to the south… I got tired of the white stuff that fall from the sky during the winter 🥶 ❄️ HAHA

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you friend! Family first for us. Grandkids! Been dealing with snow in Chicago my whole life. Again, thank you very much for the comment!

[@CactusPete69]

Very interesting and a clever way to bring items into your attic for storge. Also, very good craftsmanship.

[@hendrikriedstra7857]

Just one word..... no two words. Bloody Brilliant. You have solved a major problem we all have, carry up or bring down things from the attic. Thumbs up from me and thanks for sharing. There are going to be a lot of men working on that project.

[@connclissmann6514]

... and there I was, thinking Mr. Otis had solved it earlier? 😊

[@thejimmy4929]

Clever, well thought out, nice work and especially involving your son.... Good job. Thanks for sharing.

[@splatterhead9663]

Leaving the folding staircase is a good idea from a safety standpoint. It gives an emergency exit in case of a power outage or mechanical breakdown.

[@theelevator3615]

Or a firemans’s/stripper’s pole. Dual purpose?

[@splatterhead9663]

@@theelevator3615 there you go!

[@freakazoid5907]

I recommend something more like a Bat-pole that can also go up

[@theelevator3615]

@@freakazoid5907 thanks for putting that thought in my head!

[@dollidolli9055]

@@theelevator3615 Скоростной спуск!!!

[@benzlevolz6322]

Genius. Put in attic stairs 20 years ago yep age makes me really want to do your elevator thank you

[@theelevator3615]

You’re welcome. Take care.

[@bluebannany]

You are a genius sir. My Husband and I are getting up on age and have a two floors home. We dont really want to move out of our home and your video is an answer from above. God bless to you and family

[@theelevator3615]

God bless you too! Be very careful and overbuild for strength.

[@BrittanyBenderdeveloper]

This is amazing! Great work on it! Thanks for including the big parts list as finding the equipment is usually half the battle!

[@DedicatedJerk]

Super genius! Thanks for posting this project of yours!

[@palecoder]

Nicely done Brian and nice descriptions. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomclark6742]

I'm 70 years old and appreciate the videos that led me to install an elevator in the garage. Took me 4 years to decide to add and it has been a great addition to my garage. Thanks for the most helpful videos to build this elevator.

[@terryjones1044]

We feel like we know you now, Brian, because we’ve watched the video a thousand times while building our own, just like yours! Ours is outside going up through our deck upstairs. We’ve just finished it, and it is amazing. Our son showed us this video when we were considering purchasing a very expensive outdoor elevator. My husband studied and studied your project and decided he (and I) could do it. We did!! Thank you, thank you for sharing this. We live upstairs and will finally have this for our firewood and groceries, etc. Saved us more than $14,000!

[@terryjones1044]

Brian Michaels, thanks! It’s under a wide roof and we added protection over the motor. Hubby is a stickler for maintenance of his equipment, so yes! Wish you could see it😊 If you’re ever in northeast Texas...

[@terryjones1044]

Brian Michaels, also want to tell you that we added a fence and gate around it on top floor to prevent falling into “the pit” when it’s downstairs. So ours has a few additions because of its location. The basic lift was almost just like yours though.

[@stevevet3652]

Fantastic. Great job. I used to decorate my front and side lawn every Halloween but old age got the best of me and I couldn't get into the attic to bring down the displays. Between now and this Halloween, I am going to build me your lift in my garage and bring out the old displays. Thanks for showing it to us.

[@theelevator3615]

My friend, that is great to hear. You have captured my motivation for doing this perfectly. If you build one of these, be careful building it, be safe operating it, and overbuild it for strength!

[@darlenemitchell4545]

Awesome, That's what we need for my husband is disabled and storage for those seasonal things that I can get to. Thank you for the instructions and knowledge.

[@painedinks]

What an amazing idea! Every garage should just come with one of these. Nicely done!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

good design and build great solution for many of us getting older

[@edgodwin8148]

I was coming down my attic ladder once and missed a step, I fell and hit my chest on a trunk I was going to put up in the attic next. I broke a couple ribs when I hit the trunk. Better than hitting my head on the concrete as I lived alone at the time. Probably would have died from loss of blood if that would have happened. I will be putting in one of these in the next few weeks!

[@theelevator3615]

I hear you buddy. Thank goodness you didn’t hit your head. When you build, be very careful in the build and overbuild for strength. Be very careful operating it. Lots of pinch points.

[@di6796]

Thats what Im afraid of happeni9ng to me too :) Glad youre ok :)

[@stevenbastian3882]

We purchased a house with a garage lift and I have been perfectly happy with it until now. Yours is a much better design and build. Thanks for sharing.

[@hey.hombre]

This the best lift set up I've seen here on YT. It's also the best one with information needed to build one of your own. You don't have to see it being built. You can take the basic information and use it to design your own. Big thumbs up!!👍

[@winterdesert1]

Wow I love it. It's impressive work for such a considerably small storage area. Now your wife can no longer complain about holiday decorating procrastination - when she can do it herself! :)

[@danielgolightly7979]

Somewhere there is a code enforcement officer loosing his Ming over what he sees as the crime of the century. Great job.

[@johnthompson9625]

I'm one of 'them', and it doesn't bother me. What an individual does, is really up to them, except for extremes. I get torqued over a builder that knows the design was to code, and doesn't follow it. I'll council home owners on best practices, help them improve, unless there is some high potential safety issues. Biggest problem here is that the only stop on the winch is it's capacity overload. No reverse system for minor jams, i.e., feet or hands. Just a thought.

[@prun8893]

L-O-S-I-N-G. Jesus.

[@Dranok1]

@@prun8893 Why are you "losing" in such a d-r-a-w-n-o-u-t and DEMONSTRATIVE fashion? Are you generally a L-O-S-E-R? Are you just now such a bad loser that you have to call on the name of Jesus for succour? Or was that simply a random out-of-context blasphemy with no cause? There was nothing going on here but a light-hearted exchange with a little positive feedback, so clearly nothing wrong here; are you expressing a need to share your personal problems with us in public?

[@prun8893]

@@Dranok1 Thank you for turning autocorrect on and googling a thesaurus for some big boy words. There should, however, be a comma after "Or". Also, your misuse of the semi-colon between "here" and "are" leaves much to be desired. A period is the correct application here. I recommend "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White. The third edition is somewhat superior to the earlier versions. Yes, there is something very wrong with thinking L-O-S-E is the same word as L-O-O-S-E. Jesus Christ, I don't know how people graduate from high school sometimes. #defendingtheenglishlanguageonefoolatatime

[@Dranok1]

@@prun8893 Oh, you want to descend into a grammar argument, do you? Probably best not to pick on a linguistician (who used to work as a proofreader/subeditor, teach English linguistics and Advanced 'English as a Second Language') unless you're on firmer ground: - So you didn't complain about my use of a conjunction to start a sentence, which indicates you are comfortable with my informal style, but you do complain about my informal use of a semicolon. Hmm, we'll come back to that... - Shame that you then think "Or", standing alone at the start of a sentence, not part of a list or set of sub-clauses, requires a comma _after_ it. This is so clearly wrong that you obviously need to read that style guide you mentioned. (We don't use Strunk and White over here, but I can't imagine basic rules are so different in American English to the rest of the world that they would instruct you to misuse an innocent comma in such an egregious way;-) - The use of my semicolon is to maintain a link between those two clauses where the first does not "lead directly on to" or "require information provided by" the second. When I was typing the sense of the two clauses was more strongly linked in my mind and ; felt correct, but being "just" a social media forum -- the most informal of writing one can find -- I didn't then read it back after posting. Now that I have, I tend to agree that that it was unnecessary and a new sentence would have been better. But, given the informality of the forum, attacking someone for such a (not "wrong" but) "weak" use of a semicolon, when you have just espoused the most improper use of a comma, is just foolishly arrogant and bound to open you up to debate. - And then you make the _non sequitur_ of mistaking "lose" with "loose", which neither of us did, unless your original use was a typo. So I don't understand what point your were trying to make there. - And finally you round off by blaspheming at me again in an obviously offensive manner -- perhaps to make me bite? Whatever, I don't need to receive such language, so I'll wait for an intelligent response, but if you simply swear in public as though it somehow reinforces your argument then I'll just block you and move on... (And yes, that last sentence has too many commas where parenthetical subclauses are not necessary, but it's also not necessary to correct because it's just slangy, informal register.)

[@terrysanders2817]

Well done! Will share your video with friends. Appreciate your skills and speaking ability! Happy retirement!

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you buddy. BTW, not retired. Just old. Lol.

[@ashzole]

Nice!!! I moved back home with my mommie and daddie cause they are old. I've been moving stuff around and I concluded we need more storage space , we are storing other family members stuff iue cousins, aunts, uncles... We have 1800 sq feet of attic floor, and over 1000 sq ftt where somne 4'6 to 6.5" could easily stand. The drop down ladder, hell no. A 75-86 yr old seniors would break thier neck climbing up the ladder. You solved our storage problem. As for the eletric going out, have a back up batery system you can plug the hosit to, or a SOS button that triggers some flashing lights , whatever, or put a small window up in the attic, so they can stick htier old peoples heads out the window and yell for help. thumbs up

[@duckydrummer6331]

First attic elevator I’ve ever seen. Very clever and well done!

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you for the comment. Appreciate it

[@cliffchism9187]

This video came at the perfect time. Its exactly what i need to do in the barn.

[@theelevator3615]

Cool. Be extra careful and safe and overbuild it for strength. Good luck.

[@minhnguyen-jg7pt]

It’s genious idea! I wish I see this video before I installed the Werner aluminum attic ladder yesterday! Thanks for sharing.

[@theelevator3615]

Lol. Thank you

[@MRrwmac]

As a DIYer myself, I like it. Well made! Thanks for sharing.

[@cameronphillips789]

Do not tell my wife I watched your video... lol I’ll seem like a mad genius when I copy you!!

[@profuse007]

It's a significant improvement from Garage Journal build about 10yrs ago

[@fredsanford7136]

What happens on KZbin stays on KZbin.

[@gregpalmer9949]

This is great. My son has been remodeling his house and he has been wasting a lot of time on unimportant aspects of the house like kitchen, baths, floors, paint. He should have started this project. I am going to send him the link

[@macmac8249]

You say you’re not a carpenter....could have fooled me. Damn fine engineering job of building your lift. Terrific video to boot. Otis would have been proud of you. Thank you for the video....Mac

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you very much. That’s one of the nicest comments we’ve had.

[@jimm3800]

My son and I added a second story loft to our storage unit and incorporated your elevator design. It worked out great! People are amazed when they see it. If we built a staircase, it would have taken all day to hump everything upstairs. I think we had everything moved up in an hour and a half. It was a fun project. Thank you for sharing.

[@roBLINDhood]

Very cool! Wish I had that much space in my attic. :) Thank you for the tip about the super strut and particularly the trolleys. I’m gonna use those for a different project now that I know they exist. :)

[@trixiebelden8197]

Hello and what a great video! You provided such a clear explanation of your design. It is simple and straightforward to follow - so totally achievable and so practical! Thank you for sharing this. During these times, hoping you and your loved ones are safe and well :) Australia

[@franciscelona826]

When I built my 3 car garage off the front of my house, I had builder put 8' ceiling in attic along with triple 12" microlam beam supporting attic floor. I had a 4' square cutout with same hoist in attic as you dropping cable through opening to bring large items up to attic for storage. As a commercial snow removal contractor.....I stored anywhere from 20 to 30 full size 2 stage snowblowers along with various other landscaping equipment up there in the off-season. Best addition I ever made to my garage.

[@grace-kk8rh]

Our family went to experience this while we were visiting my husband in Germany. Who could have known this would be such a thrill. It brought back memories from my young adulthood. We all managed just fine. Then again I played on a see-saw, merry go round & metal 7 ft slide. No problem 😅

[@stevenyoung6415]

Thank you for sharing the details! That’s fantastic! Now that’s what I’m talking about!! 🥇

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you buddy!

[@RAPTURE5770]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO... GREAT JOB BY THE WAY !!!

[@dorianlord6576]

Really ingenious! Not too shabby for someone not a carpenter! Thanks for sharing.

[@joesignoretti9039]

Planning to build a 16' x 24' workshop in back of my house and wanted storage and craft space in the attic. I originally planned on a staircase but grumbled at the loss of space that would cause. This is genius and solves my access problem to the second floor with just a minimal loss of wall space. Thank you for your superb idea!

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you, but build carefully, be safe, and overbuild for strength.

[@aztexadventure2518]

Good Job my Son and I will be building one for our loft/shed thanks for the video and the details.

[@theelevator3615]

Cool. Build carefully, be safe, and overbuild for strength!

[@lolaswetay2931]

This is fantastic. I have a two story shed/barn with a staircase. We keep very little on the second story because it’s narrow and dangerous. This is amazing !

[@theelevator3615]

Cool! If you build one, please be careful building it, be safe when operating it, and over build it for strength!

[@archangel3213]

WOW! That is awesome!!!👍😎💖

[@mathman0101]

You had me crying when you said my dads old toolbox. It’s not the tools it’s the memory and love of working with your hands that my dad also transferred to me. Even though my day job is anything but this.

[@mathman0101]

@@theelevator3615 I hope you are proud of your children. I have five of my own 3 girls and 2 boys. My eldest daughter started college this year and my youngest son who is autistic started kindergarten this year. Big range. However, one thing I did learn was while all my children are good at math none yet showed aptitude to want to make it as a career, mainly sciences at the moment, which is applied math in many cases. It really doesn’t bother me anymore I just hope they are successful and love what they do and become upright and decent human beings who think of service and others before themselves. You don’t love them any less. My dad and mum are still alive and in their 80s but they are back in England with the rest of my and my wife’s family. Whenever I am back it’s 2-3 weeks of doing odd jobs for them in the house. Truly I don’t think you ever really appreciate your parents until you have kids of your own.

[@mathman0101]

@@theelevator3615 i know what you mean. Haha it is expensive. I have been an academic, worked for the government, worked in the city of London as a trader and dealt with Lehman when it went under. Came to the USA 11 years ago to work on international financial issues. I have been lucky enough to travel to over 100 plus countries for my work. Math was an important reason in allowing me to do that. My wife is an amazing Saint she has dealt with the children’s issues when I have been away. I have been doing a lot of domestic upgrading, electrics, plumbing/HVAC gutting and redoing bathrooms - starting from the top floor down. In between helping my older neighbors who need help with their homes. Your video interested me because I want to build a small workshop and tool space and a bike repair station on top of my garage. I have so many tools I really need extra space - the lift is a great idea for the bikes. I will need to strengthen the space just in case.

[@paulsenger3291]

Some of the biggest hurdles in building these is trying to determining how to tie into existing structure. Great video thanks. Another great place to get high quality trolleys for these type of garage lifts is Paul's custom bracket's. They have helped dozens of DIYers to develop custom solutions.

[@theelevator3615]

Cool

[@ensenanzadeidiomas9036]

A very inspirational video. Thanks for sharing and greetings from Colombia.

[@theelevator3615]

Greetings! Thank you!

[@larryswango5473]

Just built a new garage this summer and added this elevator function in it. Works great and has saved my back many times already.

[@Simphome]

Well built, and it's sturdy. I was worried it would collapse, but I don't think it will. you are great.

[@lukefarmer5391]

The shot of you riding it up was awwwwesome! I so want to ride that baby!

[@theelevator3615]

Lol beam me up! And down!

[@saltwaterdrew]

This is awesome. I’ve been wanting to build the same thing in our attic. You guys put together the perfect roadmap for getting it done. Thanks!

[@angelica3368]

About to remodel my 1948 house. No attic access in the house currently only through garage. This is perfect!

[@TheBrickTavern]

Nice job Buddy-I'm impressed! Great idea and execution!!!

[@stefanbuscaylet]

Thanks a ton for making this video. Have it saved to my favorites. Just today i hired an engineer to inspect in garage rafters (a mess of lumber from prior construction and upgrades). he’s going to design and I’m hiring his team to build a solid platform (that can handle the dead loads!). He still wants to delegate to me the lift itself (from prior convos i get why, this lift for example is not rated for humans for safety reasons). Hopefully I’ll have my version of this up and running in a couple months.

[@theelevator3615]

Nice. Be very careful operating and building it and overbuild it for strength. Good luck.

[@jenlorraine5961]

In house elevators are so expensive, this would be a great solution. Thanks so much for the demo and info.

[@theelevator3615]

You’re welcome. I tell people, if you decide to build one, be careful operating it and overbuild it for strength. Good luck!

[@iammacnathan5350]

Absolutely ingenious, Wish I had thought of that. We're moving into a 3 bedroom later this summer and this will be one of my two priority projects.

[@TheGazmondo]

Great idea, executed brilliantly , well done !

[@Whitshobbyhomestead]

That’s awesome, kids don’t always have time to swing by when I need to get something down. Mika

[@theelevator3615]

Exactly. And thank you.

[@dezfan]

Love it! If only builders could be this forward thinking! 👍🏼

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

I wonder why they aren't personally. How many builders put up christmas lights on their roofs at christmas time. Why not put outlets under eaves ... or .... make that suggestion when they get a house build... Stuff like that.

[@artguti1551]

They probably could, but lawyers always put a damper on things like this because of someone not using common sense and breaking thier foot because it was over hanging the platform.

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

@@artguti1551 Agree with you there. Builder would have a huge liability for anybody getting hurt. Far as a homeowner doing it. It's his liability. Might even be some issues if or when he tries to sell it.

[@twoweary]

It wouldn't be an issue if you wrote it in the selling contract that you are not liable for the lift . . As they say in real estate, EVERYTHING is negotiable.@@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

@@twoweary I guess.... I don't know.

[@Bonniejean2]

This is awesome! I have a carport with a huge attic area I can't get to. You have just solved that issue! THANKS

[@ShaneShepherd]

Ha! I built, pretty much, the exact same thing last year! It makes moving things to the attic so much easier! My water heater needs to be changed. This made the job super easy!

[@michaeld1770]

i also build one a few years ago. as i can weld mine is mostly made of metal and i added a center doubled up unistrut with a spring loaded pin as a safety measure in case of some failure you just let the lever go and it locks the carriage in place.

[@FamilyChannelfun32]

Sweet. And simple honestly

[@TheHowtoDad]

THIS IS AWESOME! I see these are popular, but until your video I had never seen one before. I love this idea.

[@theelevator3615]

I don’t know how I missed this comment. Thank you. My neighbor has one and he showed it to me when we moved here. I like his but I wanted to get some ideas online. I for best ideas on how to make one and I couldn’t find one with much detail so I thought I would do it. Wow, a half million views later! We are working on a cool safety brake right now. Can’t wait for people to dump all over this one! 😂😂😂

[@di6796]

@@theelevator3615 People do but ignore them this is incredible !!!

[@jinyuliu1817]

Super clever idea. Great job!

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you!

[@SCWatches]

Great stuff. Good to see how someone has done this, many thanks.

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you young lady!

[@timslowey4379]

Very nice job! As an engineer I think people should be aware attic rafters have limited carrying capacity...most around 8 pounds per square foot dead load. Rafters are designed to carry roof and snow loads not whatever you can load on the bottom joists. Since they are made of wood there is a considerable factor of safety (usually 3x) from the expected loads due to inherent variability in structural grade lumber. Many times people get by without catastrophic collapse but realize it can happen. Rafters are constructed to carry specific loads, ie: shingles, roof decking, flooring, insulation and ceiling sheet rock below with a small consideration for storage in the event on attic style rafters. Just be aware of their limitations.

[@jimnielsen4076]

I have the same thoughts about heavy items. I thought that yours might have been built to support the room. If not you have a lot of hvy stuff up there. Very cool lift!

[@5555Slugger]

I was asking myself the same question, what is carrying the load for the lift..... seems to be the gable end?? or the studded exterior of the house?

[@TheEzgrider]

I may have carried the load on anchored 4x4's, attaching all the way up the wall and tied in the rafters to the opposite garage wall, upstairs, to share the lateral forces on the wall.

[@Fully-semi-auto]

@@TheEzgrider my thoughts exactly and on the header beam where he has the 2x4s stacked, I think I would have laid a 2x6 flat then put 2x4s stacked narrow side down with another 2x6 laying flat on top to build a stronger beam. Or at least stacked the 2x4s narrow side down so they’d be stronger. Otherwise great job!

[@LocalTradesman]

@@Fully-semi-auto I agree. Still , it is a lift to carry 500 lbs straight up 10 foot at most. He did just fine with what he had to work with. I see no problems ever with this, until his cable snaps... 100 years or more from now. haha

[@rss608]

I did something similar. I used a a micro switch with a long arm to turn off the winch when it gets to the top.

[@CDFJCB]

Same thing on mine. Wife was day dreaming and took it too far bending the frame. Put limit switch on lift feed wire from remote.

[@Llamathellegend]

Great workmanship AND a Bears fan! 👍👊

[@khillikialea]

Brilliant. Love the creativity, imagination and ingenuity

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you very much!

[@robertforehand1631]

Great build and really enjoyed watching. Besides the already made comment about deck screws, I would love to see 2-3 safety levers added to your channel track in case your lift wire snaps during use... thinking of only OSHA and safety first, this is great setup but having only 1 wire lifting and no safety mechanisms built in scares me! Just for your families safety, try to find a way to add in case that wire breaks (someone underneath or someone riding on platform can be seriously injured!). Thanks for the video.....really enjoyed the entire watch!!

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you for the thoughtful comments. See our other video. We added fall arresters. But I’m working on a cool braking system. If it works. Watch the preview.

[@Troy-Moses]

Hi Brian, That was an excellent effort... As a Registered Architect, my only advice would be to correct that top beam/header onto which the winch is mounted: The header planks should be standing upright, and not flat as you have done. (3) 2x10's screwed together in a staggering (zig-zag) pattern would be a good option. I could tell from your video that the beam has already deformed. Best wishes.

[@dandietzel]

@@theelevator3615 I was thinking the same as Troy (and you). If turned upright, a metal plate, or series of large washers, would help spread that load to avoid spreading the hole. I'm a bit curious how you cut out the garage ceiling to make a square that large. The reason why stairs are narrow is because they try to slip them through existing joists. I wonder if there was some structural weakness by cutting out a joist to fit your elevator.

[@mikemchaney1003]

@@theelevator3615 as far as the header situation, headers are always placed vertically. If you wanted to control the load better, an I beam would have been the better choice. Second would be to have the wood turned and a load plate carrying for the holes for your bolts. Otherwise, you will see deformation (as seen in the video already). Less desirable option, cross brace using diagonal boards to transfer the load to the floor joists. This would eliminate the bowing of the boards you already have.

[@steveman223]

Awesome! I've been planning on doing something similar as and just happened to come across this video. Your video made me rethink a few design things with my setup. Thank you

[@josephgraham1065]

Absolutely fabulous idea. Awesome Job well done

[@thingsdemystified]

At 1:33, you mention that there isn't a lot of weight pulling out on the tracks and studs, but they actually do have quite a bit of force pulling on them. If you think about it, the cable from the hoist is attached to only one side of your platform. The other side has to be supported by the diagonal supports, which produce an outward pull at the top rollers. The rollers at the bottom push in with great force as well. If your platform had a cable attached on both sides, then the force on the track would only be the guiding force, the force that keeps the platform from dangling. I also would have liked to see the interface between the rollers and the track. Anyway, I like it! Good job!

[@theelevator3615]

Yes, your point is well taken. Mitch, my engineer student son lectured me on that as well. So, you are correct. I would only say in my defense that the tension of the hoist rope limits the force and I always place the load at the back of the platform to limit the force of the levering action. Thank you for the thoughtful comments.

[@MrWolfSnack]

@@theelevator3615 Your design works exactly how a forklift works - as long as you hug the load to the wall theoretically it will hold. If you hang around on the outer edge facing away from the wall it might struggle or collapse (the force of gravity and it pivoting forward and outward as the lift rises). Like all prototypes you will see improvements the more you think about it, and build off that in time. Maybe in the future rebuild the frame with steel i-beams and angle iron (talking about real building steel not store bought stuff), but keep the same hoist mechanic, I will bet it will make it a lot more stable than just with the untreated lumber.

[@garycrumrine9538]

Only change I'd make is on your top beam holding the lift motor. Wood strength is compromised by laying the 2x on its side. It would have more strength standing upright, glued and screwed. Mainly because it has more fiber strength that way. The posts on either side are fine. If you are loading under 1000 lbs, your design should work OK, but if you have to rebuild at some point, or want to enlarge, consider using multiple 2x6's glued and screwed standing upright in your next design.

[@The_R_Vid]

Yes, single element dimensional lumber is stronger when loaded for strong axis bending, rather than weak axis bending, multiple plies stacked in weak axis bending and bolted together can provide equivalent strength and stiffness. Bolting requirements would be governed by shear flow. The benefit to doing it the way shown in the video is that the timber elements would allow for larger diameter bolts than boards on edge while still complying with minimum edge distances required by timber engineering codes.

[@MrWolfSnack]

Swapping the entire wood frame with steel beams would improve the entire design greatly. This design in essence is just a copy of how a forklift works. It would be like if you stuck a forklift's hoist to your wall and the same thing would be accomplished.

[@Dormdad09]

Thanks for sharing, I wish I had all that room in my attic.

[@everettvincent1688]

Thanks for the tips! Making a high speed drop style elevator for a ride I’m working on and it will be about the same height. This helped a lot!

[@peaeye3467]

I love this and your ingenuity. Word of cation though from an elevator industry professional. You probably will not be able to sell the house with that unit there. The code violations are numerous and significant. Don't ever let anyone but you use it. With that said I might go build one in my garage because its awesome!

[@johnkcrabtree]

How to get it to code on the cheap, boss?

[@johnkcrabtree]

Help the community out

[@peaeye3467]

@@johnkcrabtree I don't think there is a way on "on the cheap" that's why most people don't own one. But just to give you an idea. Don't call it an elevator, call it a material handling lift. NO PASSENGERS ALLOEWED! Build hoistway walls around it, and a cab with gates on the car. Design some sort of safety that will engage if the hoist cable breaks, this will have to be able to stop and hold the car with full capacity load with a safety factor of 5. That's just to get started, if I went to look at this lift I would probably come up with a list as long as my arm of code violations. And when you've corrected all of the code issues you get to pay to have it all reviewed by a mechanical engineer who holds a PE stamp in the state of Minnesota. My advise as a certified elevator inspector is to build it and use it quietly and carefully, certainly do not post it on the internet that you have an illegal lift in your home. And I do mean carefully, there are a lot of real hazards with this thing. Pinch points, fall hazard, lack of redundancy safety circuits, materials not designed and engineered for this use, etc. Most people have no understanding of how over regulated we are in the US. If you want to have the freedom to build cool things like this in your own home, you have to vote for politician's who are willing to cut regulations.

[@cartoonking461]

@@peaeye3467 heck even garage doorshave safety eyes . no panic stop switch?

[@colinforward6803]

Yep - every qualified elevator mechanic that sees this is shuddering.

[@charlesjohnson7222]

Neat and functional project. My only note would be that your horizontal header to which you attached the hoist motor should have been constructed with the timber width vertically oriented. This way the load would be carried without the risk of deflection. Yet, you put thought and effort into this and It seems to serve you well. Overall, well done.

[@theguid0]

Normally for a load like this you would laminate those three beams (glue and clamp) then turn them vertical and sandwich between and top and bottom plate. Basically making a header like you would for a door. Drilling through that wouldn't weaken it like just turning them by themselves. Given the weights you're working with in the 500lb range your design should be fine. If you were using a snatch block setup for higher loads then you'd really need to look at going to a more typical header design.

[@DannySauer]

@@theguid0 exactly what I came to the comments for. Putting a plate on top of the vertical boards would provide a flat surface to distribute the load across the *much* stronger laminated beam (ideally both glued and bolted together). Whether the top plate is a horizontal board, a steel plate, or just fender washers is up to the engineer requirements; a board with fender washers would likely be more than enough. Anyone still thinking it's "strong enough this way": Just grab a ream of paper and see if it's easier to bend along the wide side or narrow side. :D Also worth noting - hooray for someone actually making a constructive comment instead of just tearing everything apart. :D

[@tomdevine7395]

Great job guys. I’m going to follow your lead and build this for our house (we also downsized and have a great garage attic space). Attic ladders are disasters waiting to happen, no thanks. For not being carpenters you guys gave that design a lot of good thoughts. Thanks again.

[@lanceleo6460]

Outstanding work! You have inspired me to built an elevator lift in my future garage here in MPLS, MN too. Thank you for the links and the inspiration. Looking forward to getting my son involved in the build as well.

[@gkess7106]

Back plywood should cover all way up to the 2 by 6 to cover the hole, for safety. Spliced/taped exposed power wires is a code violation in every state.

[@firewirewatcher]

The fire rated wall is now compromised and that being a townhouse it compromises the neighbors

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

My friend built something like this but way beefier so that he could lift the snowmobiles up to the ceiling and still park the vehicles in the garage.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

Does it use a chain hoist hoist rated for overhead lifting?

[@hoperules8874]

clever

[@margaretflores4065]

Awesome I truly appreciate the links and descriptions. Great job 😁👍

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you. If you build something like this, be very careful and stay safe. Overbuild for strength!

[@SuperFunny65]

Very well built. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@eddiecuevas1085]

As a material lift it's a great idea. No one should ever ride or position themselves underneath it, even when not in operation. Space below should be marked with red and white striped tape and sign indicating: Danger do not walk or stand here. I would still be concerned about small children or pets. Safety First!

[@dannylee5588]

I am a carpenter and this is what I would have done differently. In the Attic after opening the drywall I would have doubled or tripled up on the existing studs behind the drywall. Then I would have used 4 by 6 post and a 4 x 6 header. I would have done that after I added additional bracing to the floor. Other than that I think you got a pretty good system here! Well done.

[@jawa5669]

The 2x4 can split and break not strong enough where cable hooks to carige

[@douglassmith2055]

@Dean Dean, Journeyman carpenter here as well. Also machinist, metal fabricator. Your comment makes good solid points, however, need to also consider max rated capacity of the lift is only, 550 pounds. That is a very minimal load for the design. One 16 penny nail on shear in wood will hold 150 lbs conservatively. The framework is transferring to load to the "shear" on the studs attached, as well as down to the floor, which as a designed storage space, should have adequate support. Do agree with the eye bolt lagged into the wood as a potential point of fail, need to secure with safety strap or similar. Would be nice to see some simple type of fall arrest device attached to the lift, like this one, for less than $200 simplifiedsafety.com/fall-protection-lifelines/tie-off/retractable-lifelines/11-1-nylon-web-retractable/

[@mfsolutions]

@@douglassmith2055 Great points... took the words out of my mouth especially the fall arrest. As an engineer we look at something like this and say Where will it fail... because it will fail (eventually). In my mind the most likely point of failure is the point of attachment with the cable and the carriage. There are multiple issues that could go wrong such as splitting of the wood, slipping of the cable thru the crimp, fraying of the cable. This may work for a month a year or 10 years but it will eventually fail.... what happens then. A fall arrest will save the rider but if there is someone below they could be crushed. Just something to consider when building lifting devices.

[@clark57225]

@Dean There is nothing wrong with constructive criticism. It advances the body of knowledge, especially in an environment where shared knowledge is the primary purpose. Brian Michaels is an enthusiastic, caring, inventive, helpful and sharing individual. He doesn't need cheerleaders who agree with everything he says. And I am certain, he enabled comments so that comments would be made. As a result, we all learned something.

[@xaviercross917]

@Dean You and I are kindred spirits. Thank you for saying what I’m thinking when I read all these “know it all” but “haven’t done its” on this app. 👍🏼

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@cattleguy]

This is brilliant! Thank you for sharing your build sir.

[@shutterbugg5217]

Nicely done. I would have turned the "beam" on the edges of the 2 bys. That's where the strength comes from. Then sandwich it with some plate steel where the strut is bolted.

[@theelevator3615]

Duly noted. Thank you!

[@hoperules8874]

Thanks! Imma need that info!

[@gwilli]

Yeah that motor support makes me shudder. 😬 I would use an engineered beam and support the motor on top instead of hanging it by bolts.

[@theelevator3615]

@@gwilli there’s really nothing wrong with the beam from an engineering standpoint. I was just being polite/non-confrontational. But now people will be misled. The boards are glued and screwed, eliminating slip. The multiple boards eliminate a crash caused by a single failure. That beam could lift 5 times the weight it lifts and it would take several failures to cause a crash. The boards are on their sides because of the holes drilled through them to support the motor. Much safer.

[@di6796]

@@theelevator3615 THANK YOU ! I definitely dont want to be misled. You are a humble kind man. Funny how people think they know better but havent done it yet. Of course you're going to have things you would do differently, for ease, Structure, safety etc. Please give me any advice you Have. We welcome it :)

[@FStoppers]

I just bought trolleys like this but they do not pass through the channels when any low profile screw is used to install the super strut. What did you do to combat this? I’ve read some people saying to get the extra deep struts but those aren’t sold at HD or Lowe’s. Any suggestions?

[@thewholefamdamily]

May not help you in your situation, but I got some custom made trolleys. The email is [e-mail]. They can custom make all kinds of different ones.

[@martinmoore]

ace hardware online has barn door channel

[@danamcwhite]

You use bolts not screws

[@jonbush6245]

Use a low head...like a "spac" brand lag

[@danamcwhite]

@@chucksgarage7165 you did the most. Just Mark a hole in the wood or metal where the Trolley goes. Drill Hole. Put BOLT thru opposite side. Put NUT on Trolly side. Using wood screws or lags for untrut and trolly is the stupidest thing ever. The Head of bolt/screw does not go thru the troll the THREAD Side does

[@vDC2me]

Wonderful job. I like the straightforward approach to doing the video. It's things like this that show the great benefit of KZbin. just a couple of guys that come up with an average Joe approach to doing something that's a necessity. Thank you for taking the time to share your work. I'm an unemployed computer designer with massive handyman skills. I'm going to build one of these for one of my relatives and then see if I can spend the winter in Michigan doing more of these. Having many garages myself I can definitely see the benefit of this. Just think all the people that you could have helped by not falling down those darn folding stairs.

[@johnpiegzik298]

Wow! Great idea and you guys did it together, bonus!! 😎👍

[@theelevator3615]

Yes, thank you.

[@TheRoadTaken]

Husband: hey honey, the Christmas tree can be put out next year. And lights, and whatever else you want down. Wife: Oh good! Husband: Let me show you how you can get it all down...

[@theelevator3615]

Just lived it! (Putting it all away today)

[@kittysch2]

I dare you to say that's

[@hoperules8874]

On the next episode of, "The Husband Tries!"

[@hoperules8874]

On the next episode of, "As The Husband Tries!"

[@theelevator3615]

@@hoperules8874 love it!

[@gorak9000]

You should add some electronic eye beams across the perimiter of the opening to disable the lift if something breaks the beam (aka is hanging off the edge of the platform and would run into the ceiling). You should be able to use a set of garage door beam sensors, and a couple carefully aligned mirrors for that. There are more appropriate commercial versions of the same thing, but they'd be a lot more expensive. Would hate to see someone loose and arm, leg, or even some toes if they're standing in the wrong place as the lift is going up.

[@theelevator3615]

That is a very constructive suggestion and I love it. There is very little chance of that because it gets used so infrequently, and it’s usually me. It’s not like something used commercially. But a great idea nonetheless. I’ll put it on my list. Thank you.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Not really needed now is it? Anything that fits inside the perimeter of the platform will go up or down perfectly fine. And since this is not a remotely operated hoist and will stop the moment the operator lets go of the up/down button, there's little to no chance that an overhanging item is going to cause any significant problem. I think you're really, really overthinking this.

[@ktcopyguy]

From a fellow Minnesotan who has his air compressor hose go up in his garage attic with an old garage door opener... Bravo nice work!

[@theelevator3615]

Thank you buddy!

[@cindyfeazell1559]

We are building this soon! thanks for sharing, I LOVE your video, right to the point, and even I can understand what you are doing! thanks again..be blessed!!

[@cindyfeazell1559]

@@theelevator3615 thank you so much, we have watched both videos several times, he has ordered all the parts needed. Your video is the best, to the point! Thanks again for sharing, we have needed one of these for years, getting older sometimes sucks!!