How to build a Garage Attic Lift / Elevator

[@mfsolutions]

CAUTION. I really appreciate your efforts and clarity of your video. Some people have mentioned that the base could support more weight if you oriented the 2x4's vertically rather than flat. This will more than double your capacity HOWEVER you used shelf brackets that were designed to be installed with the L the other way round. These shelf brackets have a gusset that only works in compression and you can see in your video at 2:41 that they are pulling the bracket away from the vertical support. Please for your own safety replace these with a proper gussett ( a triangular plate or welded bracket) that extends at least 1/2 way out from the wall (18" in your case) and the same distance vertically! If you put something on this lift as it is that bracket will fail.

[@joeverna5459]

i saw that bracket screaming for help myself. need to upgrade the bracket. good job.

[@mfsolutions]

@@joeverna5459 I love your efficient description... screaming for help. I teach mechanics of solids and strength of materials so it is fun for me to try to figure how and when structures will likely fail.

[@judenaidoo]

GREAT idea. Thanks for sharing that. I've been looking at idea for storage in a garage for my bikes, and with a metal base, I should get two motorbike on a longer lift base and probably add a limiting bolt of sorts on the rails so that the lift doesn't start to descend when left in the lift position for too long. I am now inspired!!

[@timothyberg7103]

DUDE - THANK YOU for putting down the EXACT website address for the parts used. Because I have a welder and enjoy using it, I'm going to duplicate your design and build it with a steel tubing framework/base. Great use of simplicity and basic materials!

[@dawnhowes]

great idea. I've been looking at ways to do this...this is the best one I've seen so far. THANK you and thanks for the links

[@kensendelofski3761]

Nice, everything that you used can be bought at my local hardware store. Inexpensive to build and functional. Currently I'm using the type of pulley that's used for pulling boats into a trailer. Looks like I can up grade mine. Thanks for the video enjoyed it.

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Very cool. I built a a new home and could not make these type of changes (code) but now I'm looking at doing something like this. Thanks for the information.

[@mikehammer4546]

Nice job on the lift, this helps me out a lot as that’s what I’m planning on doing in my garage. 👍👍

[@nicholastom0588]

I give it two thumbs up for this one looks good seems to be a better way of then hoisted up the stairs well done job give me a lot of things to look at and think about thanks for looking out for the rest of us that needed a little push bye

[@yourface8698]

This is awesome I've always wanted an elevator in my house.

[@420sumwher]

I'll but a elevator in your 🏠.

[@satishjoshua6122]

@@420sumwher I don't understand you English

[@01worldguy01]

..THANK YOU for posting, what a simple idea .... in my case I have to use "Cantilever Arms" as the base for the "floor" of this elevator - intend to lift more than 100 pounds ...EXCELLENT IDEA

[@actinius3]

Good design and a very useful, handy device. Thanks.

[@shaemurphy8193]

Your hoist motor seems to be the same as is used by the Affordable Wheelchair Lift kit - model KCSPM3648, which has a capacity of 750 lbs. Good job!

[@nickdannunzio7683]

What you call Channel is called Unistrut (or Strut) by most tradesmen... if you were to build your lift platform using the same Strut it would be strong enough to lift more than your Hoist's capacity. I would also add a mechanical method of locking the platform in the up position as to not rely on the hoist / cable. (Maybe 4 large Barrel Slide Bolts bolted through the strut platform resting on the plywood attic floor???)

[@jimh2061]

Nice job! Perfect for that lawn mower I saw up there!

[@joedoe4642]

That’s a brilliant idea, awesome. Will try this myself

[@brandons9398]

You could just add a cable w a turnbuckle on each side with an eyebolt. That would prob double you 100# limit. Good job

[@rupe53]

I noticed those white brackets are bending already and I know it's a temporary / prototype but from an engineering viewpoint those slanted supports should go about 2/3rds the way up the wall side and out the same on the platform. Likely the easiest way would be some 3/8" threaded rods with large flat washers. (nuts and washers both sides) Just bend the ends so the hardware sits flat on the back side and tighten till things hold solid. Yeah, that keeps you from loading via the side but you seem to have plenty of room to load from the end.

[@JR-kr1lv]

All the steel needs to be harded steel so it can hold more than 100lbs, that lift should lift at least 1,000 lbs now, put that snow blower up there at 250 lbs, those brackets needs to be harden brackets.

[@deividperez9396]

Desde México Capital te saludo y gracias por tu tiempo y gracias por tu vídeo... Un abrazo...

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

Great job. Slick design.

[@ibgeorgeb]

Very nice job. Thank you for sharing.

[@mrdiyguy123]

Very nice budget build. Good job.

[@elegantcourtier]

This should be standard on all new construction!

[@mattwhite1967]

That looks awesome Dude!

[@evantoland6372]

Very cool, I have a need for this too. I feel like the sketchy ladder system I have is barely hold my 210lb self let alone another box full of whatever I am transporting.

[@Tony-rl2fr]

Great job, very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@teaneys1]

Great idea. Nice job

[@warnerrobins8542]

Can you please show a video with it pulling up weight

[@gerardhaubert8210]

Nice , simple ,practical

[@justonyoung6049]

Looks good but I see the white angle brackets are bending a little. Maybe add a cable from top to bottom front on both sides.

[@yogishicksville2789]

Want to see some more good video on the track in the little wheels that you have in inside pretty cool I'd like to get me one built like that have a great day

[@rwind656]

Very good job!

[@davedetert3254]

Like thinkers and problem solvers.... Good job!

[@sjcanalita3093]

Very nice! Good job.

[@suhailpa8642]

What happened if chain broken ... it's will stop by any stopper or it's collapse

[@rayaboomboom]

You did an amazing job thanks

[@jimq.customer4526]

A cable from the top corner of the upright part of the lift platform to the front corner of the platform would support the weight a lot better.

[@MichaelLee-wz9pd]

This is so cool.

[@ScottDLR]

awesome work!

[@dragosnanu5085]

Thank you, nice build and video.

[@cnvw974]

I know each point that could break is rated FAR more then 100lbs Probably 500lb or more! But I’d double up like where the hook attaches. Mine would be two hooks, two 2x4’s 😆 But I’m that guy that one, over builds everything! And that guy that will say Oh, it’ll lift this! 😎😂 Nice build, that’s for the video! Hope it says what motor you used.

[@markhemann5998]

Well done brother! Very cool!

[@jrpeet]

Nice job!

[@elgilligan6616]

good basic design for lite loads.

[@parahjapheth7920]

Watching this was helpful.

[@allenbarnes7202]

Awesome idea

[@joeselzer850]

i want to make one that will left a person up the one i saw long time ago had a round pole and a half circle platform but could not find it any where to see how it was made the lift would be for to get the the next floor bed room cuz they wouldn't be any room for stairs unless they were a spiral staircase for the left wanted some thing very tiny that taks the lest amount of space

[@9and7]

This idea will ruin my future marriage..... THANK YOU.

[@vincentdimaggio5627]

Excellent job

[@jeffcoolhd]

Great job on your lift

[@vincentbarkley9121]

Nice job.

[@CONCEPTCOLABSYSTEMS]

Nice realization !!!!

[@duffyviolante5556]

How is the electric hoist holding up?

[@rondixon6205]

Where did you get the wheels

[@kennethmurphy9094]

This reminds me of the kcspm3648 model lift that has a 500 lb capacity.

[@Goldwing1500rider]

Great idea!!

[@Jeffreviews4u]

Pretty cool build!

[@chrischin7821]

Did you use one trolley on each side?

[@yepworkinonit]

Great idea, Great job

[@jamessilverman4887]

Excellent presentation. I am looking to build same. Do you have parts list for the rollers? Any tips on dos and don’ts with regard to framing?

[@jimk8472]

Great job. Where can we buy the trolly channels and wheels?

[@DrMeirOlcha1]

Hi - See Video Description. Chennels I got from Home Depot - Electrical Isle. Trolly from McMaster.com

[@kevinnobody3052]

Hey Ray Jay if you have a Tractor Supply store in your area they are the best source for the channels and trolly wheels. What they actually are is mounting hardware for barn doors. They are called barn door track.

[@1982MCI]

Kevin v. That’s an extremely expensive route to go when you can get the same stuff he has in the video for 1/10th the cost

[@chuckroast5735]

It's called Unistrut, all on Amazon.

[@lewisclark5694]

Darn smart guy, you are. Thanks!

[@lostintime8651]

2:40 people always put the boards the wrong way, the way you did it is weaker.

[@DrMeirOlcha1]

lostintime86 Agree, this is really a temporary platform while waiting for the steal one to be put together. I needed it to be lower to the grown hence the direction of the 2x4. Good point tho. Thanks

[@bullsboat1]

Nice idea

[@benschmolze1266]

Nicely done! Where did you get the big eye bolt for hooking the cable hoist to? Thanks.

[@1982MCI]

Ben Schmolze you can get those at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or any local hardware store in your area

[@miltonnegron65]

Great job !!!

[@Mr67chev]

Be careful there are many weak areas in your construction.

[@Papa_Reecio]

Thanks for the video! Very helpful

[@MsQuickshift]

I like your idea.

[@TomMakeHere]

Oh to have up upstairs in my shed Next build maybe!

[@frontdesk6193]

cost of material ?

[@JM-yx1lm]

Not bad. To hell with what other people think. If it works for you then oh well, if it breaks then oh well, you'll fix it and improve it

[@409mark]

you might want to add a lid to the top of the lift as the lift gos up it opens as the lift gos down the lid closes

[@aaronpage1822]

william burgin I’m going to guess that when he isn’t using it, it stays at the top closing the hole. So no need to make it complicated

[@ronaldwells1805]

Thanks for the information yes it is very cool I wish I had the money to do mine too

[@marklinder9485]

GREAT JOB. WHY DO YOU NEED STEEL? JUST INCREASE THE 45 DEGREE SUPPORT. FASTEN A 2X4 ON THE SIDE AT 45 DEGREES AND UR DONE

[@nvlvdave]

Nice Job! How is that hoist holding up - looks like a Harbor Freight one?

[@blaXkgh0st]

nice!

[@devinnelson5410]

Great idea, doesn't look to be able to carry much weight but a good idea

[@specialized29er86]

WHS staffs wet dream : )

[@Nudnik1]

Nice idea and job Thank s!

[@AnnaCardone-k6h]

Come faccio a contattarmi con voi

[@ML-lg4ky]

I love it!

[@matthewsum5078]

Nice design and Idea but the assembly of the lift isn't the best. The bracket you used for the shelf only. You have used Unistrut for the rail and you should use Unistrut for the rest of the left. Their component is must stronger than just the screws and bolts. The what shelf bracket is made to support the load from above diagonal. The way you installed the shelf bracket does the opposite. See the video at 2.29. You can see the bracket is buckling. I think this ideal will turn out nicely. Thank you.

[@sharzanco]

Nice 👍🏼

[@Sam-tg4ii]

I would cover that cable in case it snaps

[@1_fishin_magician153]

brilliant !!! now patent your idea fast !!! thumbs up !!

[@rustyfox2794]

A bit of volume in the audio would help.

[@shahensargsyan9223]

super

[@BxCortez2050]

Great

[@whiggerhunter4268]

Nice use of recycled lumber..

[@theflyingdutchman787]

Nice!!!

[@speedpro8192]

I like it

[@jayara9843]

Nice

[@truthh8322]

Rails are just 1"5 strut

[@420sumwher]

Need a safety brake on it

[@kurtzimmerman1637]

my name is kurt and I inspect elevators, escalators, lifts and so on. I would recommend you never ride this or get underneath this.. there have been many injuries and fatalities from people on these homemade poorly designed home freight lifts. good luck friend

[@OU81TWO]

Most DIYers never consider installing a secondary load path fail safe system. Unfortunately they have just enough knowledge to be dangerous.

[@twocentproductions5326]

Zig says ya for light stuff, good design- weak engineering, keep the kids away!

[@SinOfYesterd]

And this is why we have building codes. I wouldnt trust that thing at all.

[@hbpgames7592]

No

[@dougatkins5044]

Don't fall thru

[@Mostviews111]

Sketchy