How to Make a Hoist System for a Wheelbarrow

One of the keys to working effectively on a physically demanding job is to find ways to do things safely and with the minimal expenditure of time and energy. Moving a heavy wheelbarrow from one elevation to another represents one of the more physically demanding tasks on any site. The way to make this task easier is to install a hoist system that will allow you to just lift the wheelbarrow directly up. You can purchase expensive systems for doing this, but you can easily and less expensively make your own.

Drill and bit
1 screw-in hook
2 double pulleys
Rope
2 cargo straps with loop hooks
Shackle
1 buckled cargo strap
Power drill
1/8-inch drill bit

Instructions

- 1
  Drill a hole using a 1/8-inch drill bit into an overhanging solid joist or beam just above the level where you want to get the wheelbarrow. The hole should be much smaller than the width of the screw-in hook to ensure the screw doesn't pop out of the hole. Check at the beginning of each workday to see if the screw is loosening. If it is, re-drill the hole and re-position the screw.
- 2
  Screw the screw-in hook into the hole you drilled.
- 3
  Tie one end of your rope to the bottom ring of the first double pulley. Loop this rope under the second double pulley.
- 4
  Loop the rope over first double pulley. Hang the first double pulley from the screw-in hook. Take up the slack so the second pulley is hanging in the air. Place the shackle on the hook at the bottom of the pulley.
- 5
  Place the wheelbarrow under the pulley. Wrap the two straps around the wheelbarrow from the sides and snap the loops at the ends onto the shackle.
- 6
  Run the buckled strap through the two hooked straps and cinch it tight to keep the two hooked straps from slipping apart as the wheelbarrow is lifted. Tie a length of rope to the side to allow the person receiving the wheelbarrow to stabilize it and pull it in.
- 7
  Pull the rope to lift the wheelbarrow. Once it is at the correct height, another person can pull it toward the floor or roof it is supposed to be on.

Is My Drill Supposed to Spark?

The Differences Between a Victor & a Harris Style Gas Welder

Remodeling Tools & Equipment