FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

BilJax panel lift -Flintstone technology

Gumshoe | Posted in Tools for Home Building on April 7, 2005 10:51am

Saw this subject come up in another thread, but didn’t want to hijack it, so I’m starting a new thread here.

I work alone. Recently had a 10′ clg. to rock with 5/8ths, so I rented a BilJax. All I could say is You gotta be kidding! The thing was like something out of the Flintstones. Or maybe based on a medieval torture instrument, or something. It weighed a ton, and was very cumbersome to manhandle (I had to get it up over a 15′ high second-story deck rail to access the job).

It is based on a winch with a cable (that keeps trying to bind). To reach a 10 ceiling, you have to use an extension. With the extension in place, you have to set the rock on hooks that are almost 5′ high. Very awkward. You set one end, and the thing acts like it wants to tip. Set the other end, and try to flop the rock over onto the thing, and it wants to roll away (oh yeah, set the brakes!).

If you have to lower it while the rock is on it (like to trim a little off, for example), it wants to come rushing down on you. The whole thing is held by a “ratcheting” sprocket with a thin bolt stuck between the socket teeth, very primitive.

To lower it, you have to free the bolt from the teeth. To do that, you have to raise it, a little. But if its tight to the ceiling, thats a pain in the arse.

Maybe its just ’cause I’m unfamiliar with it, but I hope I never have to use one again! Maybe the other manufacturer’s make a superior unit?

Reply

Replies

  1. arrowpov | Apr 07, 2005 04:45pm | #1

    I borrowed a friends lift to put up 2900 square feet of 5/8" gyp on 10' ceilings. I don't think it was the brand you used. I would never want to be without one for a job like that, it's like having two extra hands.

    Jaybird jogged my memory it was a telepro



    Edited 4/7/2005 11:50 am ET by arrowpov

  2. User avater
    JDRHI | Apr 07, 2005 04:47pm | #2

    Telpro panel lift.....thing is a dream. If you do a search of these forums you`ll notice I`ve raved about it several times.

    I`ve never worked with the Biljax, so I really can`t comment....but the Telpro is something else. Breaks down for easy transportation, requires no extension for ten foot ceilings (there is one available for higher), no need to raise in order to disengage lock when you want to lower it, wheels are spaced so that unit gets right up against wall.....I could go on.

    I can`t beleive I worked so long without one. It paid for itself on the first job. Its actually faster and easier to rock a ceiling alone with this thing than with a helper.

    ATTENTION FELLOW BREAKTIME MEMBERS:

    If you`d like to discuss topics other than home building, come on down to the Woodshed Tavern. Great bunch of guys and gals letting off a little steam about everything and anything. Its not a special club, but.....as of Monday, March 14, the Tavern folder will go behind an access wall. Only those who request access to this folder by contacting [email protected] will be able to view and participate in discussions there.

    1. Gumshoe | Apr 10, 2005 09:21am | #7

      Thanks Jay, Arrow & RW. I knew there had to be a better way! The Telepro & the Biljax look similar, but apparently there's a world of difference between the two. I originall tried to buy a telepro model from my drywall dealer for this job, but he sent me to the rental yard, said he couldn't beat their price. Turns out they sell the Biljax. So I thought I'd rent it first, to see how I liked it. Glad I did, learned a valuable lesson.

  3. RW | Apr 07, 2005 07:09pm | #3

    Theres only two right answers here. A telepro or Duane. The telepro has been covered. Duane is about 6'6", 320, and regularly hangs DW solo. He has no issues with a 12' piece of 5/8 on a lid unless someone tries to get in his way under the guise of helping him out. These poor souls I believe he eats before resuming his work.

    "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Apr 07, 2005 07:31pm | #4

      Whew, that second sentance gave me a pucker, till I realized you didn't mean me!!!

      I refuse to hang more than one board on a 10' ciel. w/o a lift.

        

      Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      "Success, is not pleasing others, it is pleasing yourself"

      1. Treetalk | Apr 08, 2005 02:40am | #5

        Lifts take all the fun outta drywall over ur head .No more dropping the sheet after u and ur bud starts laffing( usually over why the can hole is on the wrong side) or that pleasent sensation of that lil button on top of ur hat burying itself in ur cranium as u hold up the sheet with ur head.

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Apr 08, 2005 01:23pm | #6

          LOL...I have many a hat with that button cut off.

          And that laffing is usually cuz one of us farted on the lift off and flip.. 

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          "Success, is not pleasing others, it is pleasing yourself"

          1. Gumshoe | Apr 10, 2005 09:32am | #8

            I can top that: I wore the hair right off the top of my head from doing that! Oh yeah, and the other matter: Did that just loading the sheetrock for the job, before I even started hanging.

          2. r_ignacki | Apr 10, 2005 04:20pm | #9

            Wait!          

            There's another brand of Panel Lifter.      We get them at the corner of 6th and main where they assemble every morning at 6am looking for some Gringo in a pickup truck to stop and say ...!MUCHO TRABAHO!

            They don't speak english, but if you point and grunt, they'll understand. Don't let them share thier food with you unless you like it hot. Comes out hot too.

            They seem to recycle themselves, when they make a bunch of dinero, they go home and send replacements. 

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?

Learn more about the pros and cons of single-room ERVs.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Vintage Sash Windows Get an Energy-Efficient Upgrade
  • Design and Build a Pergola
  • Podcast Episode 689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in