Just a FYI. I have a Troy sheet rock lift I bought used off Craigs list. The one Amazon sells for about $150. Looks new. Hung about 10 sheets of 5/8 x 4 x 8 for the shop ceiling single handed. Great experience. Handing the last full sheet and just cranked the wheel to get it tight against the ceiling when the cable snapped. Down came 70 lbs of angry sheet rock. I wasn't exactly under it but close enough it hit me coming down. Often wonder what would happen when working alone and an accident occurs. Now I know. No physical damage to me and the 1/8 cable is replaced. Be careful out there!
Sheetrock hoist failed
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venturesomerite
Well-known member
At least you are ok, could have ended badly. Be weary of any used tools with moving parts like that. Can you put a new cable on it and fix it?
Eds Garage
Active member
I hear ya. I was just using a rental hoist to do 4X12 sheets on the garage ceiling. The thought of failure crossed my mind as I was under that thing. Cranking the handle while standing directly under it and watching the frayed cable and pullies creaking away with the sheet teetering 10 feet in the air. I'm really glad that job is over without issue! Glad to hear you escaped any serious harm and now I know those things can be dangerous.
machine_punk
Well-known member
I am a nurse, I can call 911! 
Painter123
Well-known member
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The cable on most of those hoists can go in in 2 different ways
one is right and the cable will last for years
one is wrong and the cable will snap after about 20 or 30 sheets
Been there, and my partner at the time, got 12 stiches from what he thought was the proper cable routing
make sure you have the cable in properly
one is right and the cable will last for years
one is wrong and the cable will snap after about 20 or 30 sheets
Been there, and my partner at the time, got 12 stiches from what he thought was the proper cable routing
make sure you have the cable in properly
I bought a Buffalo Tools hoist last winter for drywall lifting. Hub failed. Replacement they sent failed sooner than original. Both times I was able to lower the sheets before the machine tipped over so I got lucky. Frikken chinese welds.
djjsr
Well-known member
Where did the cable break? Somewhere in the middle or did the end break loose?
The cable broke almost dead center. I am still trying to figure why. I will inspect the cable and pulleys frequently from now on.
The original cable was slightly under 1.8 and fairly stiff. I replaced it with aircraft quality which is much more flexible.
There are many places that a single weld failure could cause failure. The cable attachment points for example.
The original cable was slightly under 1.8 and fairly stiff. I replaced it with aircraft quality which is much more flexible.
There are many places that a single weld failure could cause failure. The cable attachment points for example.