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.
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Racor PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift 4-by-4-Foot Cable-Lifted Storage RackProduct 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 ItemsThe 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 StabilityThe 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 GarageThe 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 BoxWinding 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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Easy to install... Works great... Good price on Amazon... Would recommend this bicycle lift to friends.
