To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Hanging a Chain Hoist from Truss? Thoughts?

Al Bundy

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 1, 2011
Messages
2,026
Location
Upstate NY
It's amazing how much ignorance there is in this thread. From not knowing the difference between a truss and a rafter to thinking it's fine to hang stuff from a truss despite the fact that the engineers that design them tell you not to. It makes me kind of sad.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

n20junkie

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 22, 2010
Messages
538
Location
Grand Island, NY
Even walking on an area means nothing compared to a load bolted, strapped or chained to a truss member. The PSF is vastly different.
 

BD1

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 18, 2007
Messages
4,602
Location
north side
I've hung 6'' water pipe from trusses per the specifications supplied by design engineer. The roof rafter top chord is the hanging point and strongest to the ridge or peak. For this large pipe we had to support from every truss which were four feet on center.
I would contact truss supplier for their recommendations. There are posts on GJ where members have done this .
That HF gantry has received good reviews and maybe a better choice for all around use.
Have you considered a jib crane setup ? That's another option .
 

red61cj5

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2016
Messages
3,747
Location
West Virginia
I'm with the consensus that it is a risk and should probably be avoided if possible, there are better ways of lifting things. That said, ive done it, and lived. There seems to be a bit of "call a structural engineer or you will surely die!" on this board. The OP will probably be fine. We forget that a lot of homes built in the last century were built by guys with little or no formal education, no architects or engineers involved. The OP has been informed of the risks involved, he can now make an informed decision. Really no need for the fighting, kind of takes away from the credibility of either side. IMHO
 
OP
T

tulsa

Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2008
Messages
21
Here's what I threw together with some free lumber (cast off stuff at work) and an inexpensive chain fall from Amazon -

Scene of the crime -


I don't need no stinkin' pickup!



90% done.


Way overbuilt for the little rinky-dink all aluminum Alfa engine and trans.



And when the job is done, takes 10 minutes to unscrew all the screws holding it together. Stack against the wall. Re-assembly takes about 10 minutes, too.


I have considered this, and I think this will be the route I go. I agree hanging from the truss does concern me, but for the little use I will need to use this setup. Wooden will be ideal. I think I will put some large Casters on it as well...

Here is what I am pulling, the camper shell. Its stripped on inside, its thin fiberglass all around and plywood floor.
 

Attachments

  • 15281915_10207590089334923_618205603_n.jpg
    15281915_10207590089334923_618205603_n.jpg
    105.8 KB · Views: 50

wrench409

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 14, 2006
Messages
2,559
Location
Over here....
See that 3" knothole in that 2x6 single runner crossing the span of the framing? No?

It'll be easier to see when it's at ground level.

Makes for a big mess. But at least you'll get a 'Farmer's Insurance' commercial out of it!

Seriously, get a cherry picker, fold up, out of the way when not in use.

:)
 
OP
T

tulsa

Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2008
Messages
21
See that 3" knothole in that 2x6 single runner crossing the span of the framing? No?

It'll be easier to see when it's at ground level.

Makes for a big mess. But at least you'll get a 'Farmer's Insurance' commercial out of it!

Seriously, get a cherry picker, fold up, out of the way when not in use.

:)

I have a cherry picker, it wont work for what i am doing, see my post above yours.
 

manwithtools

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Aug 24, 2015
Messages
13,946
Location
Lebanon, TN
That camper shell would be easy to take off with 4 guys. A lot quicker than building a structure to lift from, actually two structures will be needed to balance the load. A case of beer is much cheaper too.
 

Big Bad Dad

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 31, 2010
Messages
2,665
Location
Southwest/ Central Va.
Stand back and look up. Imagine, in your mind, the worst case scenario about what MIGHT happen if the bottom chords of the trusses fail. In addition to the structural building damage, what is going to happen to whatever, and WHOEVER, will be beneath them if something fails. Is it worth the risk? Is it going to drop on you or a loved one?
I vote NO. And I do have a construction background....
 
OP
T

tulsa

Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2008
Messages
21
That camper shell would be easy to take off with 4 guys. A lot quicker than building a structure to lift from, actually two structures will be needed to balance the load. A case of beer is much cheaper too.


Maybe, but I am not looking to just lift it up and set it down once, it needs moved a few times before its sat in its final resting place. Once structure will lift it. One strap through windows and once its lifted a bit one can be added under the cabover part.
 

wssix99

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
5,161
Location
Chicago, IL
Funny how half the people say it could fail, and the other half have done it with no problems...

I think its actually closer to half say that it could fail, 25% say they have done it with no problems, and the other 25% can't post as they aren't allowed to use the computer from the hospital.
 

laser3kw

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 17, 2012
Messages
7,276
Location
northen IL
One person described it this way:
You might be able to lift something that way and see no apparent damage. But every time you pull down on the roof support, you are also are pulling on the roofing material. Over time, you will damage the seal the sheeting and shingles have. You will develop a leak.

makes sense to me
 

lakeroadster

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2015
Messages
5,166
Location
Central Colorado
What do you all think? Can you share how you have done this? Here is a few pictures of my Truss.

Place an appropriately size beam above the truss lower chord (say 4 inches above the chord), supported by the pole barn column. On the other end of the beam, place a removable column, one that is only installed when the beam is being used.

Then you'll have your sky hook, but not compromise your building.
 

johninct

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 21, 2010
Messages
2,596
It will work fine until you pull the roof down or crack the truss. I had a bad weld on a metal truss. During the winter when it seemed to snow every day that truss failed and the load was put on the trusses on either side. 50'x60' building then collapsed.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

wssix99

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
5,161
Location
Chicago, IL
Why do people cover up licence plate numbers? Worried that original owner may track you down? :lol_hitti

Anyone (for a small fee) can lookup the owner, where they live, the car's VIN, etc. Showing off your license plate is just one step away from putting your legal name, your home address, and all the specifics about your car in your online signature...
 

Dragfluid

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Sep 15, 2013
Messages
17,579
Location
Pillager, MN
What a crock. Throw up some pictures of said failures. Google them. Do you really think or any of the other "sky is gonna fall" crowd think that you are saving a life? Why isn't it posted on tv commercials as a PSA to let people know - don't hang anything from your truss! There's more people hanging **** off their trusses than truss failures. Why do they sell ceiling shelf kits in all home stores? Could you imagine the liability? Wowza! All of these homes that have structural damage from hanging **** off the trusses! I would never buy a used house again! Engineers are everywhere! Thank freak'in God for secondary education. Mankind wouldn't be around anymore!

The 2 stickies needed - 1) PVC airlines 2) can I hang anything off my truss.....

Flame away!
Perhaps for the same reason that they don't have a PSA to not try to shoot a bottle rocket out of your ***? :lol_hitti
 

wssix99

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
5,161
Location
Chicago, IL
Perhaps for the same reason that they don't have a PSA to not try to shoot a bottle rocket out of your ***? :lol_hitti

+1. One also needs a professional license from the state to design or modify a truss. Just like doctors need a professional license from the state to treat people.

I think I have all the tools needed in my toolbox to pull off a colonoscopy (An engine boroscope and some long handled nippers should do) - so if anyone wants to come over for a checkup, I'll do one cheap and promise to undercut any "doctor."
 

Jim The Swede

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 5, 2016
Messages
83
Location
Forshaga, Sweden
Here´s what I did in my Swedish garage with an electric winch.
No, I have not calculated on this construction, hade it for lifting motorcycles and the trusses are build for snowzone 3 and that is for to handle the snow in the northest of Sweden. just mounted it up and did some test lifting with 500lbs, did work. (just for now at least...)

 

coldh2o

Well-known member
Joined
May 21, 2013
Messages
1,428
Location
Ontario, Canada
Anyone (for a small fee) can lookup the owner, where they live, the car's VIN, etc. Showing off your license plate is just one step away from putting your legal name, your home address, and all the specifics about your car in your online signature...

And they can't see your plate on the road, or in a parking lot...or in your driveway at your home address?? :headscrat
 

quick60

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 5, 2010
Messages
214
Location
Virginia
Information flows so freely now you can google anyone and pretty much find out a lot about them.

A ten year old kid playing play station can tell you what zip code you are in by getting your IP address through the online game.

Sorry did not mean to hijack this post.
 

wssix99

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
5,161
Location
Chicago, IL
And they can't see your plate on the road, or in a parking lot...or in your driveway at your home address?? :headscrat

Correct, but you don't bet 10,000+ views in a parking lot or at your home address and when people check you out in public, there is less anonymity.

If I want to troll for for a license plate and info on a black vintage Mustang with a shaker hood - it's a lot easier to do that on the web than to drive around the planet until I happen to come across one randomly.
 

rcpaulsen

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2011
Messages
6
I'd screw a 2x10 to the bottom chord of the truss each side, about 12' long.

I'd procure some 2" square tubing, 1/4" wall, that's long enough to span from floor to the underside of the bottom chord. Could also be 2" Sch 40 black pipe.

I'd weld a "U" shaped cup to the top end of the tube, width to match the 3 thicknesses of 2x material created above.

When its time to use the hoist, get out the posts and use the stud on the leveling foot to just touch the U-cup to the bottom of the truss so the column won't fall over. Repeat left and right.

Now use your hoist with confidence. Put the tubular columns away when finished.


I did something similar to this.

First, I sandwiched an 8-foot 2x6 betweeen two 8-foot 2x10s with the gap at the top. I slipped it over the bottom of a truss FOR LATERAL SUPPORT ONLY and attached with 3" screws from both sides.

I made 8-foot long end braces to spread the lateral forces across several trusses. The braces were made by ripping a sheet of 3/4" plywood into four 12"x94-1/2" pieces. Two pieces had 1-1/2" x 5" slots cut 22-1/2" apart to slide over the bottom chords of the trusses. The other two were cut the same except the center slot was 4-1/2" wide and 10-1/2" deep to slide over the bottom of the beam. These dimensions allowed the braces to extend 1-1/2" above the bottom chords of the trusses, and 1-1/2" below the bottom of the beam. Two plywood braces were set in place and attached to the ends of the beam with 3" screws. After cutting 1/2" x 3-1/2" notches out of both ends of the 2x10s, 8-foot 2x4s were laid flat on top of the truss chords and screwed to the inboard (beam) sides of the plywood braces. 9" long blocks of 2x4 were laid against both sides of all the trusses and screwed to the top 2x4s and the plywood braces. Two more 8-foot 2x4s were screwed to the bottoms of the 9" blocks and along the bottom edges of the braces. Finally, the other two braces, with the wide middle slots, were slipped into place below the bream and screwed to the top and bottom 2x4s and all of the 9" blocks. THIS WAS ALL DONE TO PREVENT ANY TWISTING OF THE TRUSSES WHEN THE BEAM WAS CARRYING A LOAD - NOT TO SUPPORT THE LOAD! This was probably overkill, but dimensional lumber and plywood is a lot cheaper than a broken truss.

The weight was carried by basement jack posts at each end of the beam. I attached 4-foot long 2x6s to the tops of the posts. These were aligned with the braces when in use to provide a friction fit at the top. At the bottom, the posts were supported by triple 4-foot long 2x8's. The top 2x8s had holes drilled through them to accept the bottom on the post. This kept the bottom of the post in place, with the whole base providing a friction fit to the floor.

The only thing I might do different might be sandwiching 9-1/2 inch x 8-foot pieces of 3/4" plywood between the 2x6 and the 2x10s with through-bolts for a little extra insurance against deflection in the beam, although I used this setup to pull engines and handle awkward body components such as hoods and roofs, as well as moving other heavy items in and out of my pickup bed for years with no problems ever.
 
Last edited:

rust in the eye

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 2, 2017
Messages
2,795
Location
Chicagoland
When I built my garage the architect specified trusses. After I got my truss quote I inquired about lifting from the bottom chord. NO as the succinct answer. They could be re-engineered but unless specifically engineered for that purpose, NO.
 

Skiff Builder

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 7, 2016
Messages
1,782
Location
Southern NJ Coast
Simple/fast. No need to go wide beam.

Ceiling joists used here but could work w/truss ( for lateral support only)
 

Attachments

  • Stern Lift Jig.jpg
    Stern Lift Jig.jpg
    79.2 KB · Views: 94
  • Bow Lift Jig-1.jpg
    Bow Lift Jig-1.jpg
    93.8 KB · Views: 94

Josey

Active member
Joined
Mar 10, 2019
Messages
33
Location
Southern Illinois
Why not just build some temporary cripples to put under the lifting points of the truss so it puts the load directly to the concrete floor? Only concern I would see is accidentally knocking the cripples out if u bump them while it's under load. As long as u have purlins between the lower portion of the truss where it cant spread, u should be good to go. Remove the cripples when your done lifting. Just my 2 cents!
 

KenC

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
2,590
Location
oklahoma
My plan:
span 5 trusses, 24" centers with a wooden beam, under the trusses.

square tubing on top of the trusses directly over the beam.

Bolt the beam to the tubing.

Use common hardware store hinges to attach verticle supports to the beam.
Swing said supports up to the bottom of the beam and tie/strap/hook them that way when not in use.
Unhook and swing down when needed.
Hang my little electric hoist from the tubing.

I use part of this today, less the support legs but limit the load to 300 lbs.

300 lbs/5 trusses.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom