Replies

1. 
   jimblodgett | Jan 20, 2003 05:57pm | #1

   Do it.  You won't be sorry.  The only thing I'd say is if you install windows and siding before lifting your walls, get at least three, they are only rated to lift 1,000lbs each.  Even if you only sheet your walls before lifting them, I've seen guys put a scary twist in a long wall more times than I care to remember.  You might get by with two, but three are the cat's pajamas.

   Keep reading, the Proctor freaks will be along shortly.

2. 
   Brudoggie | Jan 20, 2003 09:04pm | #2

   Here comes the first "Proctor Freak". Got a pair of them, and love them. Never tried the Qualcraft type, but they are much less costly, and easier to store, if you make new poles each time. Been using wall jacks for many years. Always work with a small crew. Skipped them once, a couple years ago, due to larger crew. Wall broke loose, and landed on one guy. We're talking 40', of 10' 2x6, with a header in most of the top( all windows). Luckily the guy was tough, and walked away with a couple of bumps and bruises. Would have broke a little fellow like me in half! Now, I always use some metal banding to strap the bottom of the wall in place. Lifted some 2x8 PWF walls alone recently. Try that without a set of jacks.

    Brudoggie

3. 
   TJ | Jan 20, 2003 10:17pm | #3

   Worth the investment, at <$100 each.

   Used my set to lift the 8 exterior walls of my addition, including a 28' wall, three 24' walls, and two 24' gable walls. Solo.

   When lifting the first wall (28', with doorway and three window openings; wife, watching from an upper story window, told me later: "Until now, I didn't believe you could do it."

   Be sure you've got good, strong posts for lifting, taper the bottoms so they'll tilt correctly, and then SAVE them for subsequent lifts.

   I used black iron pipe for my handles, and attached a 12" piece using a 45-degree elbow. This allowed me to get another few feet of lift before having to resort to ladders.

   -TJ

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Jan 20, 2003 10:55pm | #4

   Thanks to all. After raising the walls on my shop (10' 2x6) and then sheating from a ladder, I figured out that my youth really is gone.  I've been hanging dw with aid of a newly puchased panel lift, and figure three wall jacks will save me as much pain and misery from lifting as it has.

   Brudoggie, I know what you mean abpu the strapping. I use strapping and kick block all the time now. Lost a 24' second floor wall once years ago. Four man lift with the whole wall sheated. Wind caught it and almost took use over with it

   Dave