Pulleys change the direction of a force so you can lift something while pulling down on a rope.
Keep bulky, lightweight items like bicycles and ladders off the floor without sacrificing accessibility by installing a pulley storage system. This type of storage system relies on the strength of the pulley and its connection to the ceiling. Lag screws are used to attach the pulleys to ceiling joists because these longer, wider screws are capable of supporting greater loads than ordinary wood screws. Pulleys and rope for the storage system are both readily available from home improvement stores. Check the weight rating for both and purchase rope and pulleys capable of supporting heavy loads to prevent failure of the pulley storage system in the pulley itself.
Instructions
1. Find one ceiling joist in your garage with a stud finder.
2. Place one of the flat-mount pulleys against the ceiling along the ceiling joist. Mark the bolt holes on the pulley's mount on the ceiling with a pencil. Repeat marking the holes 36 inches down the ceiling joist from the first pulley.
3. Drill the marked holes using 3/8-inch drill bit.
4. Place a pulley against the ceiling so that its screw holes line up with the pilot holes. Screw four lag bolts into the holes on the mounting plate of the pulley using a ratchet wrench. Install the second pulley the same way.
5. Screw a cleat into a stud in the wall with wood screws so it is aligned with the two pulleys on the ceiling. The cleat should be at chest level.
6. Cut a length of 40-foot rope in half to make two 20-foot long sections.
7. Tie an s-hook to the end of each rope length.
8. Thread the free end of one rope through the pulley nearest the cleat.
9. Insert the free end of the second rope through the pulley farthest from the cleat and over the pulley closest to the cleat. Adjust the ropes so the two s-hooks hanging down from the pulleys are at the same level.
10. Wrap the free ends of the ropes around the cleat in a figure eight to secure them.
11. Raise the ropes pull the item to the ceiling for storage. Lower the ropes to bring the item down to the garage floor.
Tags: ceiling joist, storage system, against ceiling, capable supporting, , pulleys ceiling