How to Lift Items Easily - the Old School Way - Kevin Caron

[@jenntaylor9649]

Thanks 4 explaining a block & tackle, speaking beginner- level words. I appreciate you educating us about what Not to do. I will be back.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thank you for watching and posting.

[@petertompkins9608]

Kevin, I had the good fortune of spotting a patient lift ( used in hospitals ) on a government surplus auction website a few years ago and bought it for CAN $110. It's powered by a 24 volt rechargeable battery and lifts up to 450 lbs, has excellent HD castors and even has a scale on the lifting beam. I was told they cost $10k or more new but I've since seen several more sell on the same auction site for about what I paid for mine. If you can find one, grab it and I promise you won't regret it. It's perfect for an application like your's. Good luck and keep the wonderful videos coming. Cheers!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Will keep my eyes open for one. Thanks for the tip!

[@DustyC75080]

Peter - wld you mind giving the brand name, and deets? Am brainstorming DIY wheelchair+human lift indoor/outdoor w/joists, pulleys, levers, etc., and guide/safety rails/poles, etc. Ideas, examples of such welcome...!

[@googacct]

One thing you could add to that is a prusik loop. It is a friction knot that can hold the rope if you need to leave the load suspended. There are lots of examples on youtube on how to make one. I only recently learned about it myself.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Cool, will check it out. Thanks for the tip!

[@jakethehitman-187]

First real teacher on a block and tackle I have seen thanks for the I suppose American English way to introduce this to my brain

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thank you for watching and posting.

[@RickRose]

Another way to intuit the advantage (in addition to what Mr. Dratman says below) is this: Whatever the weight being lifted, it is being held up by six lines instead of one, so each line is carrying only one-sixth the weight. The line you are holding has a single-pulley connection (1:1 ratio) to just one of those six lines, so your requirement to hold the weight is only one-sixth the weight. Hope that make sense to others--It's what makes it seem clear to me.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Math at 6:00am??!?!? Great explanation, thanks for posting.

[@miciahk]

I used a Block and Tackle for 27 years in the oilfield building Bolted Columbian Steel Tanks. Sheets of steel are 5 foot wide and 8 feet tall........ Depends on its gauge as to how heavy it was. We would stand ONLY on a 2x10x8 foot scaffold board from 8 feet high up to 60 feet high NO SAFETY BELTS at all and we would pull our steel up and bolt it in place. I am very familiar with Block and Tackles....... Look up Columbian Steel Bolted Tanks and you might see what I did for a living. Some crews used Air Winches instead of manual pull ropes. They aren't as strong as my guys and I were. We could out build them any day and did.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Cool, nice to know it is stilled used in the real world!

[@mikeomland8341]

We use these all the time in tower rigging. Just one thing to keep in mind is your top anchor's load is multiplied by the number of strands in your "tackle". You can't make weight disapear

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching and posting Mike.

[@9mil]

I used a B & T to raise a heavy top rail on my pipe fence many years ago. I used a rope for the tackle & aluminum pulleys for the blocks. Made a tripod out of cedar off my place to attach the B & T for lifting. Worked well!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Working with whats on hand and getting the job done! Awesome!

[@Quigley-si9xj]

Sometimes old school is just fine. The basic mechanical advantage of a block and tackle, approximately 3 to 1 in your case, is a great back saver. When I was 20, or even 30, I would not have hesitated to try lifting that up on the table by myself. Now that I am somewhat older, and hopefully wiser (and one back surgery smarter??), I always try to find ways to minimize the impact on my body. Keeps me feeling better by the end of the day. BTW, I have started watching your channel, and couple others, since I just ordered by first TIG welder; Lincoln Square Wave 200. Trying to get educated.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching and welcome to the club!

[@danburch9989]

Actually, his is either 5:1 or 6:1. I couldn't see the configuration of the fixed block at the ceiling too well. But in any case, it sure is better than anything else and they haven't improved on it since Egyptian times. I just bought myself a MIG welder for my birthday. I'm learning, too. I envy Kevin's welding and artistic ability. I've got a long way to go myself.

[@scottcarr3264]

I think it is a 6:1 as you add up all the sheaves up three at the top and three at the bottom.

[@bengunn3698]

@Quigley----M.A.is 6to1,count the ropes on the MOVING PULLEY.

[@spamboli]

force vs distance. a lever or pulley trades increased distance at the user end for a reduction in required force.

[@grimjim100]

Ancient pre-Egyptian civilisations were using this!

[@yeanurrahman2104]

Is it possible to lift a 100lb weight 30 feet up into the air with a B&T pulley attached to the corner of a roof? Please let me know...

[@KevincaronSculpture]

As long has you have enough rope to reach should be no problem!

[@ScorpionRegent]

Yes the more shivs you have the longer the rope, the more pulling needed to lift, but the lifting is so much easier. The one thing you didn't mention was a tie off point for the end of the rope when you have something lifted and stationary, but need both hands. So what do you tie off to? It has to be something solid and immovable. Making sure what your lifting is centered is a lot easier with a sling, such as a chain or a heavy strap, to spread the load.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

All good points! Thanks for watching and posting!

[@ScorpionRegent]

@@KevincaronSculpture- Thanks for making something worth watching.

[@Fireship1]

That's some magnet. I'd hate to trap a finger under it! Your shop is amazing Kevin. I'd be a kid in a candy store hanging around there!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

It's strong enough to take a finger I believe! Been collecting tools for 10 years or so. And some came with the building.

[@STANDUP4SURVIVAL]

But does it make coffee. Haha! Love old school tech cheers from Florida.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Nope, that is the attachment on the milling machine!

[@adorabledeplorble8497]

I just love this video, helpful, humorous, real 💪

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidkapral3602]

I will be picking up 4x6 wooden knee braces and then positioning them for installation at a 45 degree angle to the posts (on the deck) before final assembly to post and beam. The pulley system looks like it will assist in this effort especially since the final assembly is about 7-8' up in the air. Any suggestions would be appreciated. . The weight isn't the issue so much as is getting the braces positioned and pulled in tight for bolting. Thank you

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Just plan it out in your head first. Make sure everything is tight and safe as you start to lift. Would need a lot more info to give you any pointers.

[@caronp9886]

Weird question but I was hoping you or someone reading this post, might have an answer. My late husband built a leverage system to flip a trailer completely over after he built it. He called it by a certain name but I cannot remember the name. I’ve searched online and can’t find it either. It was definitely old school. I’m sure he learned the technique from either his Father or other old timers that he was friends with. Any help appreciated. My grandson saw the contraption but he was much younger, and I’d like to find the name so that perhaps he can learn more about it. Thanks for any help.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Sorry, but going to need a lot more information on this one. The only thing I can think of is a Rotisserie. A photo would help a lot!

[@dharris192]

Rotator, turn table?????

[@caronp9886]

David 192 that’s not the name I remember but thanks for trying. I will post when I find it. 👍🏻✌🏻

[@Neighbour_Al]

You learn running gear in Coast Guard boot camp :) Knots and splicing too. I've been using what they taught me ever since. P.S. Straddling two joists with steel and attaching your lifting gear to that simplifies installation w/o compromising safety. I have a chain hoist for my diesel generator.

[@brentbarnhart5827]

Enjoyed watching Kevin, and I don't mean to be a "contrarian." Why don't you use a Chain hoist, so that you don't have to HOLD your load by hand during suspension? So much easier I think than your rope block and tackle. Other feel free to comment on this..... but curious.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching and posting Brent. The reason I use a rope block and tackle here is because I wanted something that moves quickly. Just need to get it off the bench to the floor is really all I use this for. And with the rope run overhead it's not in my way unless I am using it. And just wanted to show how the block and tackle work as well.

[@brentbarnhart5827]

@@KevincaronSculpture a lot of time it is just "what we have." And I certainly get that.... I don't have any rope blocks, but I have several chain blocks. Like you, it just so happens to be what I have...... but watching you lift with it seemed somewhat akward because you have to HOLD that load while trying both to manipulate it and move it over...... but honestly, it wasn't that big of a deal, for how little or occasional you use it there is no sense to "go buy" a chain block and tackle. Plus it would also not be a good way to explain "leverage" because you can't see all the inner working gears, etc. as well. Your lift is PERFECT for the lesson that you were teaching. And just like you I always think Sheave, or Pulley? But you are correct, I believe it is a sheave but kind of interchangeable really in some ways. Hey... I think I might subscribe. (and I don't do that.....) but you look like an interesting guy. Let me see what you are up to...... can always learn more. (I'm an engineer) but I learn every single day from everybody.

[@TinManKustoms]

hey kevin another way to set up a anchor point is to get a steel I beam and 2 metal post. you can get them roller thingy that go on the I beam and then you can put your block and tackle on that. this way once the load is up in the air you can roll it over to where you need it.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Need to work on that.. Been looking for an I beam to use...

[@TinManKustoms]

+Kevin Caron, Artist or a chunk of railroad track would work also

[@TinManKustoms]

+TinManKustoms Railroad track also work great as mini anvil to shape metal.

[@YaearBen]

What's the magnet thing that lifts the beam so easily, and how do you take it off?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Permanent lifting magnet and it has a cam release on one end. Rated to 1000lbs!

[@horacerumpole6912]

What is the span of the double 2x6, and how are the ends placed & secured?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

20 feet and on top of the headers with anchors.

[@AliciaMarkoe]

Thank you 🦋

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You are so welcome

[@auspicious113]

put a second one in the other side of the bench to move your loads side ways, great video i am impressed

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Now why didn't I think of that?!?!? thanks for the tip!

[@billm6171]

what about the magnet, can you expand on that a little for me. thanks

[@jenniferdecker8825]

Looks like you'd appreciate a overhead monorail and a manual trolley. The side pulling/ pushing could stop and save ya some strain.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I so want to install one but just have not gotten around to it.

[@Echo_5_Charlie]

Nothing beats a block and tackle. Even the cranes use them, for those that might say "a crane could do it better" 😂

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I wish my block and tackle were that big!!

[@RalphDratman]

If you just had one fixed pulley on the ceiling, with the rope running up from your hand and then down and attached to the load, you would get no mechanical advantage: for every foot of rope you pull downward, the load would rise one foot. But if you add one pulley at the bottom end, with the end of the rope now anchored to the ceiling, the rope has to be pulled two feet down for every one foot the load rises. Likewise only half the force is needed to pull up an equal load. Using three pulleys at the top and three at the bottom means you have to pull the rope down six feet for every foot the load rises. But then the force you have to exert downward is just one sixth of the weight of the load. One other point: I prefer to use chain rather than rope for lifting anything off the ground. Chain is longer-lasting and, used within its load rating, safer.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Much easier to understand then my rambling! Thank you for posting...

[@horacerumpole6912]

You would have the physical advantage of using your body weight to pull downward on the line.

[@pidgeiam4979]

Cool video and cool little mechanism you've got there. In the topic of weight, an idea I had for a video...if you've got the time, do a video of different weights of steel. For example 2" square that has a wall thickness of 3/16" and is X long. How much would it weigh. Perhaps the same with beams and flat bar etc. just a thought. Keep up the nice art and cool vids. I enjoy em. -Pidge

[@dougankrum3328]

Most steel and metal suppliers have plenty of charts available for free, with the sizes and weight/s....

[@scottybabb6297]

Is it hard to trust the magnet? Can you test it?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Because it is a permanent magnet you can feel free the grip right off the bat. No problem trusting how this sucker grabs!

[@CharlesStruble]

Thanks guys. Many years ago, when I was a Correctional Officer, the word "shiv" had a different meaning...

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Been watching "orange is the new black" ,,, Understand totally!

[@danburch9989]

"Sheave" is the pulley used in a block and tackle system. "Shiv" is used in a cell block after you tackle your adversary.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Sorry, I have a speech impediment.

[@danburch9989]

No apology necessary. My comedy routine needs lots of work.

[@kolloduke3341]

Thanks man thats exactly the kind of vid i needed .

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Glad I could help

[@peterellis4262]

sheaves with a long E :) Shivs are a different thing altogether....

[@pauls5745]

nice if you have a hoist. how about if you have no overhead support?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Let me think on this one. Sounds like a cool video!

[@pauls5745]

@@KevincaronSculpture sure. we encounter all sorts of situations in the shop. One time we only had the use of 2 employees' roller jacks to lift a long 4" hollow square beam, and had some really long rebar, maybe 4 pieces 6ft , we tied the ends, ran 2 pieces about 4ft in to each end with enough hanging out to rest on the jack. We got enough height to get a pallet under it haha thanks for the videos!

[@johnryan4104]

Nice video you should be in a western movie very natural and enjoyed

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Wow, thanks, I will keep that in mind!

[@RJMachine62]

Kevin, did you do the insulation for your shop ceiling yourself? When I was researching insulation kits for established buildings I saw different kits but weren't real sure how good they were.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Nope, just wrote the check. I have a thing about ladders.

[@divineangel606]

Amazing video sir!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Glad you liked it!

[@gregbrooks9546]

Kevin, This is just what I need. I am trying to move and relocate a 700lb small short safe that is about 32" tall and about 30" wide with 1 1/2" plate steel so it is not like a big gun safe. Do you think one of these would do it if I wrapped a log chain around both directions. If so what is the best brand name of a block and tackle so I don't have to worry about it breaking.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Block and Tackle are all about lift capacity. Mine are all rated in tonnage. i don't' know of any brand name to look for but i can tell you that if you find a set at an antique store you should buy it!

[@lalchandra2864]

house lift modyfic

[@gregbrooks9546]

Is this a name brand block and tackle

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Nope, just picked it up on EBay.

[@gregbrooks9546]

Can you send me the link of the triple block and tackle you bought on ebay. Looks like a good one. Thumbs up on this one

[@aningshimrah6541]

I'm going to build a house on the top of the mountain, and I'm planning to bring out stone from the down it's deep down, vehicle can't go inside. So can you show me any machine to bring out big stone from 700 meter distance.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You are talking about a whole different set of tools and machines now! The block and tackle will work but you need rollers to move the stones on. Think large diameter , heavy wall pipe to use as rollers. Now you just have to get the stone on the rollers! Good luck!

[@aningshimrah6541]

Kevin Caron, Artist thank you so much for replying me back, it's awesome idea, I'll just so your video today, you are great awesome man, I'll have subscribe looking forward to get more knowledge from you . from India.

[@bperrymd]

The easiest way to raise logs in a log house build is to make a tripod out of long poles lashed together at the top. This allows for easy movement of the tripod from wall to wall. Put one pole on one side of the wall and two legs on the other side. hang a block and tackle from the top of the poles. This makes it easy to raise even large logs. I recently saw a Building off the Grid episode in which logs were raised up a skid by a group of strong men. This is unnecessary as two ordinary people can manipulate the above system to raise the logs. Barbara Perry

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching and posting Barbara!

[@stephenrothman6058]

Can you suggest a brand and model block and tackle?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Not really, I just look for one that has the capacity that I need and get the next bigger size.

[@trex283]

can you please recommend a good block and tackle product. There is so much junk out there. Thanks.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Haven't found a really good set in a long time. Maybe check out some of the antique stores in your area to see if you can find a set. All I find now is cheap stuff that doesn't work as well as it should.

[@gregbrooks9546]

Kevin, Do you prefer the block and tackle over a chain hoist. I work alone most of the time and do not own any of these yet. I am trying to lift a 700 lb. small short safe on to my truck. It has 1 1/2" thick solid steel so it is heavy. My garage rafters are open to the attic and 2x6's on 24' centers. I was going to lay a 10' long 4x4 across them which will rest on about 5 of them and mount the block and tackle in the center of the 4x4. Do you think this will be strong enough spanning 5 of the 2x6 rafters without breaking them. This is all I got right now so stop laughing LOL

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You should use 2 4x4 instead of 1. Side by side should be plenty of strength for what you are lifting. Just pick it up a few inches and hold it there. Check your rafters for bowing and go from there. I like the block and tackle over the chain fall because I can get farther away from what I am lifting. Just in case!

[@gregbrooks9546]

Kevin, You've been a super help. I have to bolt some kind of shackle or D-Ring into the 4x4 so if I put them side by side it will only be going into one 4x4. Would you still do two 4x4's side by side.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Nope, wrap a chain around the beams and get to work. Drilling a hole will weaken the beam.

[@theprojectchannel9953]

why didn't you attach the block and tackle to a rail?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Need to make up one. Great idea!

[@JP-tg6lr]

Awesome video!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I get tired of hurting myself picking things up. Had to come up with easier ways to work. Thanks for watching.

[@bigray2859]

Thanks!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You bet!

[@stevenyates715]

'I' beam with monkey rollers, gives you more movement, saves all the pushing and tugging ;)

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Need to look in to a jib crane for this part of the shop.. Think it would help a lot!

[@davidclayton6521]

@@KevincaronSculpture Rolling Gantry with trolly may be an option to

[@bperrymd]

My three pole block and tackle is easy to manipulate for two people to operate it worked well in1976 for .my husband and I to build a barn

[@g.r.4853]

My B&T is on a heavy duty garage door track, moves about 10 feet.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Now that is a great idea!! Have to look around the shop and see how that would work for me.

[@googacct]

@@KevincaronSculpture You could also look for strut channel(also called unistrut) and a strut channel trolley.

[@umoh0]

How do you remove 1000lb steel object from the attic.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Carefully! Don't know what you are dealing with so hard to offer advice.

[@melgross]

Cut a hole in the attic floor around the object. It will come down all by itself.

[@scottcarr3264]

Hey Kevin, They are called sheaves, (pronounced sheevs) By the look of your tackle you have a 6:1 advantage.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks Scott.

[@chriscameron4618]

3:1 it is

[@ameenghuloom1346]

I Love the way you act in the end of the videos. thanks

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Just laughing at myself!!

[@keeganburckhard2642]

this is gold

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Thanks for watching and posting!

[@WickBeavers]

it'd be a lot cooler if the top eyebolt was on a track so you could move the load without penduluming it.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Yes it would! But I don't think the roof will handle that much load. Maybe in the next building.

[@1OlBull]

Can you use that to pick up a phone booth? Oops, now you gotta explain what a phone booth is...

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Kind of like the cone of silence but square.

[@thebrokenbone]

hey don`t get smart ! :D:D

[@thebrokenbone]

dang i deleted or double posted don`t know haha. great advice kevin you have to watch the rope for nicks from time to time and also get the right rope (strength rating) for the thing. love unconventional power tools take care pete

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Will keep an eye on the rope for sure!

[@CastilloDelDiablo]

They are called pulleys, shivs are what you get stuck with in prison. This will explain the etymology en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Block_and_tackle

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I knew I was screwing along the way.

[@Y10Q]

I don't think you can lift 140lbs. Just saying. Maybe once upon a time you could lift 200lbs, but you have used that block and tackle for too long you are struggling with 23lb force

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Yeah, you are probably right, damn gray hair!

[@jrpefx]

Another name is Block and Falls. Another note stay out from under the load. Take care.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Forgot that one. And always stay clear!

[@keeganburckhard2642]

I need a good beam

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Nothing like a good stiff beam in the morning!

[@MrGurushit]

“Shivr’ Me Timbers”!

[@KevincaronSculpture]

And scratch me barnacles!

[@auspicious113]

all good kevin just thought about trapeze artist

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Funny, I was thinking about Goofy from Disney!

[@mynextketchfrontier6351]

Well heck where can I get them shackles trio ? Can rip them off a sail boat..lol

[@KevincaronSculpture]

I found these online.

[@johnrutledge1803]

I miss my gramp.

[@KevincaronSculpture]

You must have had a great one. Mine were not around at all.

[@lappap4262]

You are a funny man, i like you...

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Wasn't what I was going for but thanks!

[@ScoutPL]

Thanks Studley. Bahahaha

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Damn,,, Someone noticed!!!!

[@proraze3]

I can lift a 100 pound dumbbell with out curling it

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Good for you. I am still recovering from shoulder surgery so nothing over 10 pounds in my right hand.

[@proraze3]

I have had broken collar bone and a broken toe so therfore I grab the top near the handle I can curl up to 35 pounds since recovering without 2 hands.

[@johngalt9262]

work smarter, not harder!

[@admiralpercy]

You're a beautiful man.

[@johnrutledge1803]

Are your children in college and your wife makin a sandwich ?

[@KevincaronSculpture]

Childless by choice and the wife is running the camera.

[@billm6171]

what about the magnet, can you expand on that a little for me. thanks

[@johnsellers2999]

Bill M my thoughts also. That magnet scary to me. Would be watching my feet the whole time