Homemade Shop Attic Elevator [MAKES ME JEALOUS!] DIY Garage Elevator How To

[@peterblades202]

So glad you made this video your father in law is very creative and love that he is firm that it's not a ride for the grandkids.

[@michaelconnor6282]

That is a sweet setup, who wouldn’t be jealous ? Rick has got it goin’ on 100%. Always enjoy your videos too, Neil. Family friendly, and you’re an operator so you’ve got lots of neat toys, LoL. We enjoy your channel greatly

[@JasonWorksAlot]

Your father in law seems like the type of person a guy would really benefit from having a cup of coffee and some conversation with on a regular basis. Genius repurposing of materials for the lift. Stored some ideas in the old noggin for later use 😊

[@digdrivediy]

He certainly is one of those types! And he loves coffee! I'm thankful for his wealth of knowledge. Thanks for tuning in Jason!

[@blackdogexcavator21]

My Dad was like Rick. Not educated as an engineer, but could figure out solutions for complex problems and could build anything. He's been gone for 12 years now, but he's still a big inspiration to me. Nice video.

[@digdrivediy]

Your Dad sounds great BD, thanks for sharing. Rick is a very smart guy. I've learned a lot from him. Thanks as always for watching.

[@robertduke5458]

I wish I had a dad like this guy. I'm doing my best to be like him

[@attaat]

Rick is a smart man. You can't beat a lifetime of experience.

[@clintcando8028]

When you said wait til the end to find out about the tractor for sale, all I could think about was the Porsche!!! I wanted to say that your father in law is lucky but that isn’t the correct phrase. I should say that your father in law’s hard work and ingenuity has provided well for him and his family. I too hope I will be there some day!

[@digdrivediy]

Yes, that is a great distinction. He has worked his tail off. Started out working on the railroad and has the back troubles now to prove it. That Porsche is a 1991. He bought it since we've been married but I don't remember, maybe only 5-6 years now. It's a fun little toy. I figured some people would be interested in it. Thanks for the great comment!

[@flatlinesup]

Watching his dad go up was the best part of the vid for me. It was pretty awesome. Looks well designed and should work a long time. Congrats and thanks to ya'll for sharing.

[@digdrivediy]

Best part for me too. I'm glad he got to take a ride on it. Thanks for watching!

[@mainerdiy8399]

Great lift, and great explanation. I can tell he is a wealth of knowledge and an example of working smarter not harder when possible.

[@digdrivediy]

He sure is!

[@livingproof9622]

I absolutely love how thorough you two are about everything.

[@johnrodriguez7945]

Your father in law is brillant!!! It's so simple and sturdy. I've learned alot from this video. Thank you!!

[@constructionduru5195]

@Neil your father in-law definitely seems like a super intelligent man. If I were you I'd be sucking up all knowledge he's willing to share!

[@digdrivediy]

Been trying for 19 years so far. :)

[@CaptainKleeman]

that two stage weighted system is awesome. the whole setup is awesome.

[@digdrivediy]

Something about being so simple just makes it so much better. Thanks Mike!

[@scottbradley7591]

Your father in law is a true thinking man. The knowledge that his generation has is something that I fear is going to be a thing of the past in a few more decades. You are blessed to have him is a wealth of information. My grandfather was a self made sawmill man that we lost this year. He was a wealth of knowledge himself that will be missed. Learn everything you can from him to pass on to your children or anybody that wants to learn.

[@digdrivediy]

Very well said Scott! So true.

[@kr69idi]

The ceiling door counterweight is brilliant. I'm going to steal the 2 stage weight idea!

[@LocalTradesman]

Wait a few more years and you will be riding it!!!! Let the kids enjoy the ride!!

[@vincetoscano7018]

Simple and very eloquent. bet idea i've seen so far. You did add enough safety involved in your idea.

[@slipperypupy]

Love the explanation, More importantly the safety discussion and not letting the kids on it.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks!

[@toolwarrior1773]

You're right, Neil. I'm jealous. Not only does your father in law have my dream shop, that elevator puts it over the top. Tell him I said well done!

[@digdrivediy]

Will do! Thank you for watching!

[@koryleague8833]

Boy you sure know how to make a guy jealous. Thanks for sharing

[@digdrivediy]

You bet Kory!

[@gregd931]

First of all, welcome home brother! Your absence was noticed. Secondly, you are as pasty as when you left. Really Neil? We'll let that go for now though. Rick is truly a master at applied physics on a budget! I did notice how green with envy you were while shooting this post. So I guess you did get some color after all. That notwithstanding, this was another fun look at "I have a situation, let's fix it". Not sure how Kara is gonna feel about the one you want to put in bathroom. so dad can have his "me time", but ya never know. Actually, I'd like to see how you engineer that. Anyway, glad you are back and love home brother!

[@dangerrangerlstc]

Thats a really nice design. Keeping the platform parked upstairs keeps the floor clear downstairs too. Clever idea with the door and counterweight.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Nathan!

[@Georgiagreen317]

I just ran across this video and I now know what inspires you. You're trying to keep up with the father-in-law! Keep trying Neil. That house is every man's dream home.

[@Iceheart721]

Love the Elevator. Been thinking of building one myself. Barn door track, never would of thought of it. A word for anyone thinking of building anything for moving any kind of weight. Always build to your weakest link. You can have a 5000lb hoist but if the platform can only hold 50lb thats your limit. Test each part separately as you go. Never put anything under a suspended load you don't mind being destroyed if it falls. The old man clearly has an eye for safety.

[@digdrivediy]

He keeps a pretty close eye on things. Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@taterhater2086]

This place is beautiful..

[@BG-vq9fd]

Yes I am jealous. Obviously a lot of thought and planning has gone into this space.

[@digdrivediy]

A lifetime of thought! :)

[@fitter70]

I'd like to fact that he is open to new ideas. Especially when it comes to a fall arrestor. Awesome video I got a lot of good ideas thank you very much.

[@Oklahoman-in6ph]

Your Dad is Brilliant. I can tell his whole house is full of these great inventions. Great man to know!!

[@digdrivediy]

For sure! Thanks!

[@casycasy5199]

love it.what things work a work space.your a natural at interviewing and explaining how

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks!

[@ericsarchive7718]

The lift is so simple yet a creative use of items not thought of to be used for that. I am blown away by the organization of his upstairs. I've seen storage areas of businesses with less stuff and far more chaos. Thanks for the show and tell.

[@digdrivediy]

He keeps everything so nice.

[@heidi271]

I just started this video all I have to say is that’s a beautiful home

[@timadamany]

Their garage-to-house ratio seems about right! Awesome place.

[@shanesherwood343]

Between your shop tour and now looking at your father in laws you guys gave me a ton of ideas for when I build my shop thanks for another great video

[@wizardmaster6639]

I like it - will build a few in my new house - but loved the look on your Dad's face when he got up there !!! Good moment !

[@roncorbin1500]

Neil, Your inlaws have a beautiful place, Love the lift theres alot of attic space not being used because there's no good or easy way to get there.

[@digdrivediy]

That's exactly right Ron. This idea is so cheap it could be an option for every new home build!

[@michaelmcguire3983]

Thanks for taking us along Neil! Good to have you back in my Sunday morning 👍🏻

[@digdrivediy]

Glad to be back Mike!

[@TheOmniscientCow]

I appreciate his emphasis on safety.

[@ryanunger2368]

Yeah jealous is definitely the right word. I love inventive things like this. Great video Neal.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Ryan!

[@ToddKing]

That is slick and simple. I went way overboard. I bought a used pallet stacker. It's like a forklift without the tractor. It has forks and you pick up pallets using electric over hydraulic but then you have to push it around as it's on wheels. I built my platform on the forks out of 2" square tube. Then I recessed the whole thing down into the concrete so that the platform is level with the shop floor. That way I can roll a pallet jack right onto the platform. It will lift 2 tons 12 ft and it has safety valves built in so that if a hose would brake or there would be any other catastrophic problem the platform would just glide down to the bottom. So I don't have any qualms about riding it. But it cost 20 times what your father-in-laws did, maybe more. I might have to "borrow" that 2 stage door weight idea though.

[@bluegrallis]

I thought about a "lift" for my storage area above the 'shop', but ended up with just a fold down 'attic stairs' and had the upstairs full of junk before I knew it. The whole layout of the house and shop shows a good amount of forethought. I had to back up and run in slow motion so I could read the Pratt&Whitney on that old lathe. I have a 1934 south Bend in usable condition. It's helped me out many times with 'projects' i dream up. I used to work in a machine shop, so the South Bend got passed up for use when I could whip something out after hours at work.

[@digdrivediy]

His lathe is a 1938 I think he said. I should have put it in there. Maybe older🤔. Now I'll have to go look.

[@bluegrallis]

@@digdrivediy It looks like it could use a little TLC 😉

[@digdrivediy]

@@bluegrallis Yes indeed. It went through a fire at his last shop. Couldn't bear to part with it.

[@jarrettheman397]

Thanks for making a video on the elevator, and also that door was really cool.

[@Erik-pr2rf]

thats a wicked lift idea and love the upper storage space ..... did i spy a late 70s early 80s Porsche in black . beautiful home/shop!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Erik! It's a 1991 in dark blue (dust covered)

[@Erik-pr2rf]

@@digdrivediy still beautiful reminds me of the black Porsches in the movie condorman i love how they kept the body style up to the early 90s thats a gorgeous style the later years not so much

[@edgundlach2811]

Hi Neal. Thank you for sharing this. The elevator will help a lot of people. Not only creatively, but to show them they can store stuff safely. Sincerely Ed from Chicago

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Ed!

[@davidepperson2376]

Wow - I like your father in law - he’s got a really nice looking 964 cabriolet!!!

[@dwjr5129]

American ingenuity at its best!

[@kingkong7617]

Your father-in-law is a really smart person and he has a idea then makes it work for him and that is outstanding. Talking with him would be really good for a person that wanted to do some work in his own home. I bet he could give you a lot of ideas to think about.

[@clarkgriswold-zr5sb]

I built one very similar. Used 2" square tubing for tracks. Chain supported platform that can be swung up out of the way when sitting on the ground. Steel rollers on back, front and side of rail. Use the same hoist for mine. Also installed a retractable fall lanyard as a backup.

[@jimputnam2044]

Grandad had a elevator much like that in his barn. You could pile bags of feed or straw on it and than pull it up. No electric Winch, set of pulleys and man power. And yes us kids used to pull one another up and down LOL. I can't remember how it worked but had some kind of brake system you had to hold the rope tight and pull it down did not free fall, wish I had some pictures of how the down rope worked.

[@russellbelton8213]

What a place. If I had something like that barn if you wanted to find me that’s where I would be tinkering or fixing something up. Can’t wait to see you build your own now lol 🇬🇧👍❤️

[@digdrivediy]

It's a terrific place to hang out.

[@hollandduck79]

from the Netherlands thanks for the video Neil and father in law

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks friend!

[@hollandduck79]

@@digdrivediy you're welcome Neil

[@johnhamilton9229]

Jealous for the lift or the thought out work shop? Yeah both. Great ideas in planning the shop and it looks so organized. Thanks for making this one.

[@digdrivediy]

You bet John!

[@Jebedia47]

Definitely like that rig for the door at the top of the stairs. Will have to do something like that for my shop.

[@Steve_Wojo]

AMAZING ! Yup, I am soooo jealous. Thanks for sharing Neil.

[@BuildALotAcres]

What a beautiful property they have. That elevator is so sweet.

[@johnjacobjinglehimerschmid3555]

Outstanding shop. I think I'd be in that shop alot if I was his son-in-law!

[@gregkneubuhler5798]

That is really cool. Your father-in-law is quite the engineer!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Greg. He is very sharp.

[@Crewsy]

That elevator is as good as any I’ve seen on KZbin. The only possible weak point is the hoist but I’ve seen many of them used and no one seems to complain about quality. Like their dust collector, the hoist might be one of the HF gems. The 2 stage balancer for the door is brilliant. As JasonWorksALot said, they’re definitely ideas to lock away in the old noggin.

[@digdrivediy]

Yeah for sure. He has another one of those hoists in his A frame and they seem pretty good for the money.

[@flyer16612]

Watching your videos has made me realize how the city life has made me extremely lazy. It’s time to make a change!

[@digdrivediy]

I could be comfortable in the city for a week or two but then I'd miss having the open space and a place to tinker. Thanks for the comment. That is very interesting to hear. Best of luck!

[@josephdriscoll8527]

The knowledge and ability to plan such a shop is incredible. I bet He has created some nice features around the home also

[@digdrivediy]

Oh yes he has.

[@EdBrumley]

Excellent elevator idea and storage.

[@digdrivediy]

My father in law is pretty sharp!

[@mattfields2033]

This thing is awesome. I’m going to add one to my new shop. I have engineered trusses for storage above it just like this.

[@richardstockwell9637]

We used a fork lift mast in our shop to access the upstairs it also is used a a lift to repair lawn mowers,small equipment and atvs as a adjustable table

[@digdrivediy]

Great idea!

[@montebarnes8043]

I like the shop layout and it looks great I like the house and shop design

[@Iceheart721]

Oh, and if that old 9n gathers too much dust I'll take it. Finances aren't right at the moment to buy a tractor and fuel to get it back here to Illinois. But I love the old tractors and would love to keep it alive and working. Have an attraction to the old Ns specifically. Would look great next to my 2n.

[@digdrivediy]

I'll keep you in mind! Thanks for watching.

[@davidclayton6521]

About best elevator I think I have seen on here

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks David!

[@maytham236]

First like first comment wish you all the best of luck best regards from Iraq 🇮🇶

[@digdrivediy]

Awesome! Iraq? Wow! Thanks Martham!

[@troypritchard2999]

That is Awesome, I am jealous of the size of your shop, let alone the lift.... 👍

[@RCPSU4]

That's a good setup for a shop. But more impressive are all of those old woodworking machines and the 9N.

[@ashtoncrow9368]

Great idea! I’m going to look in to adding something like this to my granddad shed. He San still do stairs easily but struggles with carrying stuff up them. As is typical he thinks he’s still 25 but in reality his oldest grandson is 26🤣. Thanks for the idea!!

[@dannydunnagan3267]

That is a great lift we had a large one at the furniture store that my dad owned you pulled it up by hand with a big pully and a large rope than ran around a large wheel it was made in the 1800 in the old stores around town.

[@digdrivediy]

That would be cool to see!

[@donmedford2563]

Very very impressive elevator. I would love for you to give us a tour of your fathers-in-law shop.

[@digdrivediy]

One of these days we'll do that.

[@mikelewisoutdoors6434]

Great video. I love the genuine human ingenuity. Good stuff.

[@jeffpicken5057]

Very cool I AM jealous. When I saw the foam on the door I was wondering why there was no foam on the underside of the elevator. Then you showed why. I probably would have just insulated the lift similar to the door and been done with it, but I guess the foam pieces covering the whole do a better job.

[@bobminchin]

Brilliant!! Hats off to your FIL

[@andrewfrodo2086]

Thanks Rick for sharing the space! Great Vid.

[@Scott_69HemiDart]

This is OUTSTANDING!

[@digdrivediy]

Wow, thanks Scott.

[@LeArtisan]

Gonna copy that pretty slick design, much appreciated.

[@michaelcolford6817]

Another great video. Love you father in-laws shop and ingenuity!

[@craigwarnke1715]

Great video. Great ideas! Yeah I'm jealous. Would love to see a shop tour at his place

[@digdrivediy]

Maybe one day!

[@doughadley9448]

Another great video, I know you're not going to tell us that the Granddaughters haven't figured out that one could be upstairs with the button and the other ride the lift lol I'm sure respect for Grandpa slows that thought down!!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Doug. You're right! Fortunately they mind their Grandpa :)

[@bebaker]

Nice Shop, nice elevator, great video!

[@famousamoso7]

Great design and let me preface this next part with I completely understand the reasoning for keeping the control in the attic. However...... He may regret that later on in life when every time he wants to stow something up there he has to go upstairs to send down the elevator 1st and if he is doing multiple loads having to continually go up and down the stairs. It may be a cumbersome thing. What he could do to prevent children from playing with it (Ive seen this on other videos where people installed the elevator) is get a remote with keyed access. So they cant use it without the key enabling it. Or they have a wall switch (some with a keyed wall switch) that controls the power to the winch. This also prevents others from playing with it. And if you trust the build and have the safety fall arresters installed you shouldn't fear riding it up yourself.

[@digdrivediy]

Good thoughts. He has provisions for a remote switch.

[@kentandrews1560]

Thank you for this video showing a safe and practical design for an elevator, it looks and sounds like your father in law has taken time to consider the structural and safe way to design this freight elevator. Thanks again for the great video keep up the good work

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for watching Kent!

[@texasproud3332]

Great lift idea and I would say with simple and economically cost of build seems sturdy and best part fast good video

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks 👍

[@C-M-E]

Simple and effective, though being a pully and snatch block enthusiast myself, I would certainly entertain running a little longer cable with two double pulleys looped for more load capacity or reducing effort on the motor. I'm sure he's taken into calculations that the platform itself is part of the load rating, but I commend him on not riding the thing at every opportunity!

[@digdrivediy]

I think he may have tried and it affected the speed. I could be wrong I don't remember for sure.

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

All very good, but,,, I'd buy the strongest lift of this style mostly for the brake. Also, if you have a Tractor Supply near by you can get these tracks and trollies there.

[@digdrivediy]

Not a bad idea!

[@kevinwilliams8662]

Enjoyed the show

[@FloridaDeere]

Cool video, the door thing with the two stage weights, really cool. Another shop to create my envy🤣🤣. I like the German car and the 3R tractor, super nice.

[@digdrivediy]

I know it. That 3R tractor speaks to me every time I'm in that shop!!!

[@jasonschwab4308]

the dual weights for the door is similar to overhead garage door springs; the higher up the door is the less tension is need to pull it up.

[@Erhorn300]

Great video! Storage space like that is something that should be built into every work shop!

[@digdrivediy]

Agreed!

[@Iowaflyboy1]

Thanks Neil, great video. What a wealth of knowledge you have in your father in law. I wish you guys were my neighbors. I am the great imitator, I could build something like that with help but would never come up with it on my own. 😎

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Tom. Yes, I'm lucky to have all the help and influence that I do from my Dad and FIL. The neighbors out here aren't bad either! Thanks for watching!

[@bryansloesshillshomestead4523]

I like the two stage weight system on the door.

[@davek6630]

Nice shop! The elevator looks like a very handy addition!

[@Remydelco]

Excellent build. Can we get a shop tour. Looks like he has a nice layout

[@digdrivediy]

A shop tour is on the list of video ideas. That's a good winter project maybe.

[@aaronburford5701]

This is a ingenious idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@danacurlee8900]

This is amazing, I am very jealous.

[@digdrivediy]

It's a nice setup.

[@JimFinlayson]

New idea for the next house. Thanks. Just shared with the CFO 👩‍💼

[@digdrivediy]

Well worth it if building new.

[@clarkgriswold-zr5sb]

Regarding your counterweighted floor cover/door, move the pulley and counter weights to the far end of the door to free up floor space. Lifting from the end would work essentially the same as the middle.

[@newsnowadirondacksredux360]

Nice crib!

[@briankear8661]

Incredible! Nice work.

[@BigFarles]

What a great video and idea. I’ve seen this before but I like his take and explanation. Seems like this demonstrates yet again that you out-kicked you coverage when you tricked you wife into marriage. Love these types of videos. Happy Sunday.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a bunch Marcus! Yeah, I certainly married up as they say. Not only is my father-in-law a wiz at this stuff, my mother-in-law is a fantastic cook! I can't go wrong with any visit!!!

[@BigFarles]

@@digdrivediy I would love see a tour of his shop. He looks like he has a great setup. Some of the belt driven stuff is amazing.