Build a chandelier lift using a hand winch?

[purc1234]

Hello,

I'm installing 50lb chandelier in a 18ft entry. The junction box in attic will need to be replaced to support the heavier light fixture.

My idea is to remove the old junction box in the attic and connect a hand winch to a joist in the attic. Then, lower the winch cable thru the hole in the ceiling and down to the floor in foyer. Then connect a junction box to the winch cable, connect chandelier to junction box, and then (using winch) lift the chandelier up into the hole in the ceiling.

My question is how can I safety connect the new junction box to the winch cable? And, once I've lifted the chandelier into place, how do I secure the new junction box to the attic joists? Or, does the winch become a permanent fixture in the attic to raise/lower the chandelier when it comes time to replace bulbs etc.?

Has anyone attempted this before? Basically, I'm trying to build my own chandelier lift using a hand winch.

Thanks!

 

[iwire]

Basically, I'm trying to build my own chandelier lift using a hand winch.

This has bad idea all over it. Just purchase the correct equipment.

 

[stickboy1375]

Yeah, this is a terrible idea.... :thumbsdown:

 

[purc1234]

A $900 Aladdin lift is essentially an electric winch with attached junction box. How is that any safer than purchasing a $100 winch (1000lb limit) and a junction box with 150lb load capacity?

There has to be a way to use these 2 items safely and achieve the same results (minus the ridiculous price tag).

Any creative ideas out there???

 

[kbsparky]

Just get an Aladdin lift kit, and you'll be good to go!

 

[stickboy1375]

Just get an Aladdin lift kit, and you'll be good to go!

Probably be cheaper in the end then when the hand winch releases and drops that chandelier 18' to the ground. lol.

 

[purc1234]

A $900 Aladdin lift is essentially an electric winch with attached junction box. How is that any safer than purchasing a $100 Electric winch (1000lb limit) and a junction box with 150lb load capacity?

There has to be a way to use these 2 items safely and achieve the same results (minus the ridiculous price tag).

Any creative ideas out there???

 

[purc1234]

Okay, then what about if I used an a $100 electric winch? Surely that could safely lift a 50lb chandelier.

 

[purc1234]

Why won't you let me post replies? What use is a forum if you don't allow free and open communication?

 

[peter]

Harbor Freight sells hand winches. Get the kind with the screw drive. It's slow but doesn't fail.
I don't know whether you can use an 18' cord or a plug type coord and plug it in once you get it cranked up.
~Peter

 

[iwire]

Why won't you let me post replies? What use is a forum if you don't allow free and open communication?

It was nothing personal, all new members posts have to be manually approved by a moderator. It is how we keep spammers out.

 

[Hv&Lv]

Okay, then what about if I used an a $100 electric winch? Surely that could safely lift a 50lb chandelier.

You are wanting to winch the chandelier up, mount it, then remove the winch, correct?
An Alladin is made to leave in place.
You don't have a trestle ladder?

 

[tkb]

Why won't you let me post replies? What use is a forum if you don't allow free and open communication?

You're not going to get any help with an additude and profile like yours.

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Useless!!!

 

[stickboy1375]

A $900 Aladdin lift is essentially an electric winch with attached junction box. How is that any safer than purchasing a $100 Electric winch (1000lb limit) and a junction box with 150lb load capacity?

There has to be a way to use these 2 items safely and achieve the same results (minus the ridiculous price tag).

Any creative ideas out there???

Personally, I think you are nuts to hand make and install anything that is not UL stickered, you are asking for a lawsuit, just my opinion of course.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I have installed many 50 lb chandeliers without a lift on a 18' ceiling. At 50 pounds you have reached the limit of the jb capacity so I would bet there is a thru bolt needed to hang the fixture.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Well the op is not an electrician as far as I can tell so I will close the thread.

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