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Drilling holes into lift post

nautique1228

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Joined
Apr 20, 2011
Messages
15
So I just installed a Bendpak xpr10as and it doesn’t have any predrilled/tapped holes for running the air/electric workstation. It says do not drill into the post but I see no other option at this point. My mind says it will be fine but the worrier in me says don’t do it. So who here has drilled and tapped holes in their 2 post lift to mount accessories? like tool holders, air manifolds, electric disconnects etc. My rotory at work has a bunch pre drilled and tapped into it

MPHfwE.jpg


Sf4Jub.jpg
 
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nautique1228

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Joined
Apr 20, 2011
Messages
15
Maybe but I couldn’t go all the way around because it would hit the lift arms going up. I think I could use some magnets with clips or zip ties to keep my wires organized. I’m don’t think I’m going to run a disconnect because it’s close enough to the breaker box/line of sight. I don’t think 2 or 4 1/4” holes are gonna hurt anything to mount my air lines.
 

larry_g

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Apr 28, 2007
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oregon
Know anyone with a stud welder? Weld on a few studs

lg
no neat sig line
 

Steve.S

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Sep 25, 2011
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Cincinnati, Ohio
Maybe but I couldn’t go all the way around because it would hit the lift arms going up. I think I could use some magnets with clips or zip ties to keep my wires organized. I’m don’t think I’m going to run a disconnect because it’s close enough to the breaker box/line of sight. I don’t think 2 or 4 1/4” holes are gonna hurt anything to mount my air lines.


I agree - I’d drill a few small holes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Glemon

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Aug 29, 2020
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NE
Agree, 1/4" holes, especially up higher on the posts, where I assume you will want to hang or mount stuff.
 

Jeepster04

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Joined
Jun 25, 2013
Messages
3,097
If you put a fastener in the holes you drilled, is there still a hole in the column?

yep...

Either way, a round hole in a steel member should be fine. We drill them in bridges to arrest cracks....
 

Skyking1992

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Sep 16, 2006
Messages
475
I've drilled a couple and tapped a couple holes in my forward lift to clamp the conduit and also added a box for a 120v outlet. Also did one hole for a small reel with a drop light and a couple holes up high for my air hose reel.
 

ManOnTheCouch

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Apr 23, 2018
Messages
130
I’ve mounted quite a few things on my 2 post lift. In every instance, I welded a bracket to the post and then drilled that. Was usually much easier because I could creat the bracket and drill holes prior to mounting anything. Also, drilling holes was much easier using thinner metal.
 

PANZITTASALES

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May 14, 2020
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Location
PENNSYLVANIA
If you do drill the column and put bolts through, be sure to avoid the areas where the slide blocks travel. That area must be smooth and clear of any obstruction.
 

ezzzzzzz

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Jan 25, 2012
Messages
359
^^^ What he said. That's the only issue you face. I added brackets on the posts of my old Bendpak 4 post lift to hang the casters.
 
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AZ Pete

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Aug 15, 2011
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Central Arizona
There are som pretty good adhesives available today. Glue your brackets on. Or weld them on, as others have suggested.

Might also ask the Mfg. about any warranty issues you might cause by drilling the columns.
 

pepi

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Mar 27, 2013
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Location
Woodstock, GA
Maybe but I couldn’t go all the way around because it would hit the lift arms going up. I think I could use some magnets with clips or zip ties to keep my wires organized. I’m don’t think I’m going to run a disconnect because it’s close enough to the breaker box/line of sight. I don’t think 2 or 4 1/4” holes are gonna hurt anything to mount my air lines.

Not thinking 1/4 hole is going to hurt anything. I would do it if need be.

Might want to use new bit & tap, cannot see any warranty problem. It sure as hell is not going to affect the structural integrity .
 

TurnipTruck

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Aug 28, 2005
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1,559
Location
Southcentral Alaska
Drilled and tapped both of my lifts to hold breaker boxes/welder receptacle/120v recept/ air piping and manifolds. Make sure the bolts don’t protrude into the path of the arm carriage.
 

finn

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Mar 27, 2005
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16,227
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The UP, God's country
I drilled a few holes in mine to mount an electrical box. They aren’t going to affect the structural integrity, but the carriage did clip off the shank of the self tapping sheet metal screw where it passed through the post.

I suspect that’s where the manufacturers concern comes from. A soft sheet metal screw sheared with no damage. A half inch grade 8 bolt would have presented a problem.
 

groberts4444

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Joined
Mar 4, 2019
Messages
6
Location
house
So I just installed a Bendpak xpr10as and it doesn’t have any predrilled/tapped holes for running the air/electric workstation. It says do not drill into the post but I see no other option at this point. My mind says it will be fine but the worrier in me says don’t do it. So who here has drilled and tapped holes in their 2 post lift to mount accessories? like tool holders, air manifolds, electric disconnects etc. My rotory at work has a bunch pre drilled and tapped into it

MPHfwE.jpg


Sf4Jub.jpg

On a side note, how do you like your Bendpak? That is the lift manufacturer that I am considering purchasing from. Just havent landed on the specific model yet.
 

aka Larry

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May 2, 2012
Messages
8,030
Location
Eastern, NC
I drilled and tapped (1/4-20) my lift post for this electrical box and my hose reel. I cut the bolts so they wouldn't protrude and interfere with the slide blocks.

P8250008.jpg
 
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nautique1228

Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2011
Messages
15
Honestly putting it together you can definitely tell it’s from China lol. Quality is way better on the rotory. But it’s 1000-1500 more. I do like the 3 piece arms and screw pads. It’ll get the job done though.
 

Doug

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Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Messages
152
Location
Salisbury, NC
I drilled and tapped 1/4 holes into the column and never gave it a second thought. I also drilled holes to have a custom height for the lock bars (older style Maxjax)
 

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glentre

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May 21, 2016
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909
Location
Gloucester, Virginia
I drilled holes in mine to mount a disconnect switch without considering the screws would interfere with the sliding blocks, which they did. Changing to shorter screws resolved the issue. That was three years ago and I have had no problems.

Glen
 
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