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How to Build a Hoist Out of Pipe

Pulleys and hoists use the Archimedes principle to mechanically assist with awkward or heavy-lifting tasks. These devices use a wheel to amplify the effort that the lifter inputs into the lifting mechanism, meaning that the energy that is produced by the mechanism is used more efficiently. Hoists can be made simply and inexpensively at home using pipe and a pulley wheel. Concrete is useful for anchoring the hoist system, but it is important to ensure that you never attempt to lift an item from directly under the hoist mechanism. Always make sure that you are lifting from a position where you are in no danger of debris falling on you in the event of an accident.

Things You'll Need

Hacksaw
Metal pipe, 5-inch diameter
Hole saw
Cement
Gravel
2 planting troughs
Drill
Metal pipe, 3-inch diameter
Bolts, 1-inch diameter
Nuts
Ratchet strap
Pulley wheel

Instructions

- 1
  Use the hacksaw to cut two pieces of the 5-inch metal pipe to a length of about 5 feet. These will be the struts that hold up your hoist. Use a hole saw to cut a 3-inch hole through each of the pieces of pipe, about 2 inches from the top.
- 2
  Mix a packet of cement in one of the plant troughs, as instructed on the packet. Add one part gravel to four parts cement mix and stir into a uniform consistency. Push one of the pieces of pipe into the middle of the plant trough and hold it in position so that the direction of the hole is perpendicular to that of the planting trough. When the concrete has dried enough to stabilize the pipe, repeat this with the other planting trough and the other piece of pipe.
- 3
  Cut a piece of the 3-inch pipe to a length of about 3 feet. Drill a 1-inch hole at each end, about 1 inch from the end of the pipe. Slot the pipe through the 3-inch holes in the initial pipes. Move the strut pipes in the concrete so that the two holes in the 3-inch pipe are clear of the 5-inch pipe. Thread the bolts through the holes and secure each with a nut.
- 4
  Drill a 1-inch hole through the area where the 5-inch and the 3-inch pipes join. Slide another bolt through this hole and secure it with a nut. Repeat this at the other join. Attach a ratchet strip to middle of the 3-inch pipe and hook a pulley wheel onto it. Pull the ratchet strap tight to secure the pulley wheel into place. The hoist is now ready for use.

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