Racor PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift 4-by-4-Foot Cable-Lifted Storage Rack Review

After shopping for a garage ceiling storage system, I purchased this device.I was attracted to the ability to raise and lower the platform to load and unload items.This avoids the obvious pitfalls of using a ladder to hoist large or heavy items up from the ground.

In summary, I am reasonably happy with the overall product with some exceptions mentioned below.However, I will caution potential buyers that the design of this device is unforgiving.Unless your ceiling joists are EXACTLY 48" apart (they can be 1.5" less but not more than 48"), installation will be no where near as easy as the video on the website.You may need to mount this to a rigid board first if your joists are not 48" apart.The axle is not made to be adjustable and I find this to be a major design flaw of the device.

The foundation of the system includes 3 heavy metal grates that are secured to two metal cross beams with J hooks.I had a little trouble aligning the J hooks with the holes on the metal beams.However, by far, the most trouble I had was with securing the system to the ceiling.I really did not want to mount this to a board before securing it to the ceiling for aesthetic reasons.My ceiling joists were about 49" apart (instead of 48") and this created a VERY problematic installation.You need to secure this into wood (and not just the ceiling drywall) and you cannot mount the arms of the device further than 48" apart as the axle will not be long enough.I ended up lengthening the axle by a few inches by screwing both halves of the axle together with only the first set of holes.The two halves of the axle are supposed to come together with one inside the other aligning two sets of holes on each piece.I only went as far as the first set thus making it a little longer.Then I bought some aluminum 1/2 inch metal from a hardware store and reinforced the axle by screwing it to two sides of the axle.Keep in mind that the axle is not completely load-bearing so as long as it is rigid and reinforced, the system will work fine (see my uploaded picture of the lengthened and reinforced axle).

Problems continued when I used the included hardware lag bolts to screw the arms into the ceiling joists.Using a drill, I pre-drilled the holes as instructed and used a socket wrench to screw the lag bolts to the joists.I torqued 4 of the heads off of the cheap lag bolts.Do yourself a favor and go buy some better lag bolts at a hardware store before installing this device.The included lag bolts are totally inferior. After finishing the installation, it worked as described and I loaded it with a few hundred pounds of things I had previously kept on my garage floor.I will also mention that using the included crank device to raise and lower the platform, while not overly difficult, is a good work out.

Overall, I would recommend this product IF you know your joists are no further than 48" apart (or you are comfortable mounting it to a board first) and you go buy some decent lag bolts before trying to secure it to the ceiling.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Racor PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift 4-by-4-Foot Cable-Lifted Storage Rack

Product Description:
The RacorPro PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift Storage Rack lets you load and lift heavy items to the ceiling for storage without the need for a ladder. It helps to free up valuable floor space in your garage or storage area and allows you to store heavier items, such as furniture, lawn mowers, tires, canoes, snow throwers, and more. The heavy-duty 4-by-4-foot platform is built to last and provides 16 square feet of additional storage space in your garage or storage area.

The RacorPro PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift Storage Rack:

Frees up an additional 16 square feet of floor space.
Handles up to 250 pound items.
Securely and safely locks into place.

The heavy-duty design can handle 250 pounds. View larger.

Raising and lowering heavy items takes minimal effort, thanks to the lift's unique pulley system. View larger.Heavy-Duty Lifting Capacity for Heavier Items
The PHL-1R is both tough and durable, and it's built to handle heavier items up to 250 pounds. The heavy-duty steel support beams and 4-by-4-foot platform are made from high-quality materials that are made to handle tough loads and provide years of consistent performance. The unit is built to lower 8 feet from the ceiling, accommodating storage spaces with taller ceilings. The drill driver attachment allows you to raise and lower the platform using your own drill.
The unique pulley system makes it easy to raise and lower heavy items with minimal effort on your part. With a durable winding axle that works in conjunction with the pulleys and strong nylon cables, the PHL-1R handles the brunt of the weight so you don't have to, while raising or lowering the platform quickly and smoothly.
Safety Lock Ensures Safety and Stability
The innovative safety lock ensures that the load stays locked into place when fully raised to the ceiling. Simply use the winding crank to engage the safety lock when the platform is raised to its highest position, and use the winding crank's integrated hook to disengage the safety lock and safely lower the platform.
An Additional 16 Square Feet of Storage Space for Your Garage
The PHL-1R's tough 4-by-4-foot platform gives you an additional 16 square feet of valuable storage space in your garage or storage area. This allows you to store your lawn mower out of the way during the winter or to store your snow thrower during the summer months, clearing valuable floor space and creating tidier, more useful quarters.
The RacorPro PHL-1R HeavyLift Storage Rack measures 49.25 x 17.5 x 7.25 inches (packaged) and weighs 74 pounds (packaged). It comes in a smooth black finish and includes all necessary hardware. Additional tools required for installation include: stud finder (for drywall ceilings), adjustable or box end wrench, socket wrench, cordless drill/driver, Phillips screwdriver, pencil, and a 4-foot straightedge or chalkline.
What's in the Box
Winding crank assembly, two arm assemblies, two cable assemblies (including nylon cables), three wire grids, two wire beam supports, center spindle square end, center spindle round end, gear drive, Allen wrench, four end caps, 20 hex bolts, four Allen head screws, two hex head screws, two fender washers, eight long machine bolts, 16 washers, eight nuts, 12 "J" hooks, 12 washers, 12 nuts.


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Delta El Greco Ceiling Hoist Review

I recently purchased and installed the Delta El Greco Ceiling Hoist for my mountain bike.After reading the the reviews of other hoists from Rad and Racor, I chose the Delta because it had the least negative reviews.

Most of these negative comments were related to the supplied mounting screws.The screws are typical Asian-made hardware, not the best in the world - but the screws supplied are not defective.With the proper drive tool, they can be easily used.They are Pozidrive screws, I added an image to the photo gallery to illustrate how a Pozidrive screw is identified.These can be driven by a Phillips driver, but it requires care to properly align the driver with the screw drive recess.If the driver is allow to move off center to an angle while apply drive torque, the bit will easily "cam out."

To successfully use the supplied screws, a proper screwdriver must be used.Most people, myself included, do not own Pozidrive tools.I used a #3 Phillips bit in a cordless drill/driver and had no trouble with the screws.However,if you're not comfortable with this, or don't have a #3 Phillips driver, then it's easy enough to go to the local hardware store and buy some screws for under a dollar.

As to the operation of the hoist after getting it installed, it works great.The bicycle raises fairly evenly (stays level) and the rope catch holds it securely in place once the bike is up.As another reviewer mentioned, it works sort of like a venetian blind type device.It's still wise to also use the supplied rope cleat to tie-off the excess rope as an added safety measure.

I love the way this bicycle hoist works and am very happy with it.

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Product Description:
The Delta El Greco Ceiling Hoist is a pulley system used to store bikes

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Delta Monet Single-Bike Rack with Wood Shelf Review

It's a nice looking rack, but it was tricky to get it installed firmly.I've been using mine for about 8 months and no problems until recently when I put my bike on the rack (it's a trek 1500 with an Alpha Superlight Race frame...not heavy) and the bead on the end of one of the cables came off.I like the rack so I've ordered a replacement cable set, but I'm still disappointed that it broke.

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Product Description:
Store your bike out of the way and keep your floor free from clutter with the Delta Monet wall-mounted, folding single bike rack with integrated wood laminate shelf. Made of sturdy, welded steel, it holds one bike by the frame via its rubber-padded arms. The integrated shelf is great for storing your bike helmet, water bottle, and more. It folds down and out of the way when not in use. It can hold a maximum of 50 pounds, and it should be mounted to wall studs. Perfect for any indoor environment, this stylish rack features a silver epoxy powdercoat. It comes with installation hardware, printed instructions, and a lifetime guarantee against defects.
About Delta Cycle
For more than 20 years, Delta Cycle has created useful cycling products with a mission to make an innovative difference. The company works hard to make their products better and deliver superior value. Delta Cycle offers only a small, concentrated product line that represents the best there is in each category.


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Hollywood Racks Locking Threaded Hitch Pin Bolt with Security Cable Lock Review

Product picture very misleading, shows items you do not receive. You receive the hitch lock,a cable and keys. You will not receive the other pieces shown. I am very pleased with the locking system and highly reccommend it. cannot understand why the picture shows items that are not part of the system. I wonder if one could demand to get every thing shown? Could I not make the assumption that what i see is what i should receive? Fix the picture!!

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Product Description:
Hitch rack security kit - locks bike to rack and rack to vehicle

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Allen Industrial Grade 6-Bike Parking Rack Review

Perfrect solution for storage of multiple bikes.Easy to store 6 bikes without the trouble of getting them down from other ceiling mounted racks or hooks.Rack was easy to put together and well made.

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Product Description:
The Allen 206S Industrial Grade 6-Bike Parking Rack is ideal for any high-traffic area where parking capacity is a must. It is single-sided--up to six bikes can dock with the rack from either side for added versatility. Its streamlined design requires only minor assembly, and takes only five minutes to set up. The rack is zinc-plated, making it resistant to corrosion. The vertical sections of the rack are welded directly onto the body, providing excellent strength and rigidity. It also features a black powder coat finish, providing both durability and a sleek, attractive look.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
About Allen Bike Racks
In 1967, after a few years of working on the aerospace technology for the Apollo missions, Dick Allen was out of a job. Government cutbacks led Allen, a Harvard-trained physicist, to transform his garage hobby into a new industry. A cycling enthusiast, inventor, and family man, Allen had a personal need for a bike-carrying device. On weekends, he would take his sons and wife to Cape Cod or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What proved difficult time and again was the transport of his family's bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities.
Always a pathfinder, Allen took to work in his Lincoln, Massachusetts garage in search of a more efficient way to transport bikes. Drafting designs during the day and constructing them throughout the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). At first, the Allens' tested the prototype on weekend excursions. Finding the first trunk-mounted rack to be a success, Dick started Allen Bike Racks. Dealer acceptance came quickly, and by 1971 Allen Bike Racks were sold nationally through a number of major bicycle distributors. Today, the company owns over three dozen patents and offers a versatile product line of bike racks while Dick's son Alex now owns and operates the business. What started out as a small garage run operation now operates three warehouses nationally, two factories abroad, and has products sold in more than a dozen countries around the world.


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Planet Bike Double Ended Cable Bicycle Car Rack Cable (10 mm x 84 cm) Review

I've had this chain for 6 months, used it maybe 40 times in mostly low-to-medium risk areas for securing a quick-release front wheel on my bike. No problems yet.

It certainly feels thick and solid, but like any chain on the market, it can surely be cut in seconds with the right tool.

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Product Description:
Ideal for securing bikes to car racks, this double-ended cable is tough and reliable. This is Planet Bike's shortest cable (medium and long cables are also available), with a total thickness of 10 mm and length of 84 cm (33 inches). As with all Planet Bike products, the cable carries a limited lifetime warranty.
About Planet Bike
In November of 1996, Planet Bike was founded in Madison, Wisconsin. In many ways, Planet Bike began as a social experiment that dedicated itself to doing business in a different way. Instead of being just another company that develops and sells products with profit as its end goal, Planet Bike wanted to help bring about positive change for people, their communities, and the environment.
Despite being a simple machine, the people at Planet Bike have always believed that the bicycle has great potential to help improve the world and the lives of the people in it. From the start, they have embraced an alternative corporate purpose which seeks to help get more people on bicycles by making communities friendlier places for the self-propelled. By donating 25% of company profits to causes that promote and facilitate bicycle usage, Planet Bike hopes to make an impact.
Social experiments aside, Planet Bike was born from the heart of a cyclist with a goal of making innovative, high quality, and practical bicycle accessories. Simply put, they strive to design and develop the best bicycle products in the world. In the company's short ten year history, they have made important product innovations within the bicycle industry. Advancements include the 4-line computer which is now a standard in the industry and the world's first self-contained HID light. Not bad for a company that ten years ago started as a one man operation. Today, while still a small company, Planet Bike continues to evolve and improve their product line with the goal of always striving to build accessories that make it easier for people to ride their bikes. Since 1996, Planet Bike's financial support of the grassroots bicycle movement has totaled $500,000. By 2010, they have made a goal to donate $1 million to organizations that are dedicated to making America a friendlier place for cyclists.


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Racor Pro ABL-1R Aluminum Ceiling Mounted Bike Lift Review

If you've got high ceilings, this is a great way to store you bikes in your garage.I've got a double car garage with two single car garage doors.My bikes fit great in between the doors and high enough I don't have to duck underneath them to walk under.

Like I said in the title of this review, my biggest praise for this product is that it is safe.I chose the more expensive than the one for half the price because of the cam lock feature.Once I get a bike hoisted all the way up to the ceiling, I can let go of the rope and the bike stys right where it is, it will not come down on its own.This is a HUGE feature if you've got kids.The last thing you want is a bike falling on some kids head because they were screwing around with the rope (which is natural for a kid to do).

The only thing that I found somewhat difficult was initially hitting the studs in the ceiling when screwing in the board.My ceiling is textured, so my stud finder wasn't very effective.I finally hit the stud after the first couple of trys.But once you hit the first stud, measure out with your tabe and you're good to go.

Quick note- I suggest screwing in a 2x6 to the ceiling, making sure that is very secure, then screw the bike lift into the 2x6.I think its more secure this way and gives you more room for error when screwing into the studs (four screws per stud vs one)

Installation of the device is a snap.A third grader with a ladder could figure it out.The rope (they give you more than you need) is very strong & doesn't feel like it'll fray any time in the future.

I'd recommend this lift for bikes any time.

On a side note, I can't see using one of these for a ladder.A ladder fits so nice and flush on a wall that a hook would work so much better than this.

But for a bike, there's no question- Go with this!This is the Michael Jackson of bike storage (the "BAD" album Michael Jackson, not the sleep over Michael Jackson)!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Racor Pro ABL-1R Aluminum Ceiling Mounted Bike Lift

Product Description:
Nothing eats up garage floor space faster than bikes and ladders. This bike and ladder lift hoists those bulky items up to the ceiling and out of the way. A unique rail design means easy mounting either parallel or perpendicular to garage ceiling joists. A smart cam lock locks the pull rope with every pull so you don't have to hold down the whole load between lifts. Designed for ceilings up to 12 foot, the lift has a 75-pound capacity for stable storage of most bikes and ladders. Made from heavy gauge aluminum, the lift won't rust for years of reliable bike and ladder storage. --Brian D. Olson

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Allen Lightweight 6-Bike Parking Rack Review

First of all the box arrived so banged up, pieces of the rack were hanging out - it looked like it got left in the rain along the way.Second, there is no possible way we can figure out to rack 6 bikes on this thing.The product description said single-sided - that is impossible - the spaces are WAY too close together.We also tried it double-sided (which wouldn't work in the space we have to rack bikes anyway) but that didn't work either.And mountain bike tires don't even fit into the rack

Click Here to see more reviews about: Allen Lightweight 6-Bike Parking Rack

Product Description:
The Allen 206MP Industrial Grade 6-Bike Parking Rack is the ideal bike parking station for casual or residential use. It is double-sided--up to six bikes can dock with the rack from either side of added versatility. Its streamlined design requires only minor assembly, and takes only five minutes to set up. The rack is zinc-plated, making it resistant to corrosion. The vertical sections of the rack are welded directly onto the body, providing excellent strength and rigidity. It also features a black powder coat finish, providing both durability and a sleek, attractive look.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
About Allen Bike Racks
In 1967, after a few years of working on the aerospace technology for the Apollo missions, Dick Allen was out of a job. Government cutbacks led Allen, a Harvard-trained physicist, to transform his garage hobby into a new industry. A cycling enthusiast, inventor, and family man, Allen had a personal need for a bike-carrying device. On weekends, he would take his sons and wife to Cape Cod or the White Mountains of New Hampshire. What proved difficult time and again was the transport of his family's bicycles. Rather than fight through inconvenience with twine and a dinged car, Allen sought an answer for himself as well as a market in which he foresaw major growth possibilities.
Always a pathfinder, Allen took to work in his Lincoln, Massachusetts garage in search of a more efficient way to transport bikes. Drafting designs during the day and constructing them throughout the night, he put together a model made of electrical conduit, metal strapping, and fire hose casings (for padding). At first, the Allens' tested the prototype on weekend excursions. Finding the first trunk-mounted rack to be a success, Dick started Allen Bike Racks. Dealer acceptance came quickly, and by 1971 Allen Bike Racks were sold nationally through a number of major bicycle distributors. Today, the company owns over three dozen patents and offers a versatile product line of bike racks while Dick's son Alex now owns and operates the business. What started out as a small garage run operation now operates three warehouses nationally, two factories abroad, and has products sold in more than a dozen countries around the world.


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Delta Botticelli Four Bike Storage Rack Review

It was less than 15 minutes and I had it completely assembled.It has been a great help going vertical.
It is good for lighter bikes.If you have a very heavy mountain bike that weighs close to 30-35 lbs, it may not be the best option for you.
Road bike, commuter bikes, no problem.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Delta Botticelli Four Bike Storage Rack

Product Description:
The Delta Botticelli Four Bike Storage Rack is a free standing rack used to hold 4 bikes

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Delta Cezanne 4-Bike/Multi-Use Storage Rack Review

I have a garage full of bikes and I needed some organization badly.I saw this rack during a search on Amazon and it looked like just what I needed.When it arrived I was immediately impressed by the materials and construction : it is very well made and the pieces feel substantial.All the fasteners are allen heads which is a quality touch.The quality was such that I thought it must be made in the USA ! But alas, after searching the packaging carefully, I found the elusive "made in China" sticker.Oh well, what isn't made in China?
Assembly went well and all the parts went together without much struggle.Follow the tip in the instructions to leave all fasteners "loose" until assembly is complete.When I got it together and tightened all fasteners snugly I hung 4 bikes on it and it is very stable.I have to say I am very satisfied with this product and feel comfortable in recommending it to others.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Delta Cezanne 4-Bike/Multi-Use Storage Rack

Product Description:
Perfect for the family that bikes together, the Delta Cezanne bike/sport utility rack accommodates up to six bikes. It's also great for storing gear like bike helmets and backpacks and hanging jerseys and rain jackets--it even includes slots for holding skis or snowboards. It features independently adjustable arms with rubber-coated hooks that can accommodate any style bike and two wire racks. It measures 27 by 19 by 82 inches (length x width x height). It's a great choice for the garage, but is stylish enough for use in your home as well. The rack is easy to assemble and comes with required hardware, printed instructions, and a lifetime guarantee against defects.
About Delta Cycle
For more than 20 years, Delta Cycle has created useful cycling products with a mission to make an innovative difference. The company works hard to make their products better and deliver superior value. Delta Cycle offers only a small, concentrated product line that represents the best there is in each category.


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