(This is an attempt at a reposting of my original post- I tried posting a topic called ‘Drywall Lifts’ about 15 minutes ago, and it was replaced by a thread from 2003. Because my post disappeared, there’s nothing there to allow me to edit/delete it. Man, this new format is buggy.) I have a project with 2 BR’s, a BA, and a hallway that need sheetrocking- 9′ ceilings, and I plan to hang it myself. After suffering in the past with nothing more than a t-bar support, some ceiling cleats, my gumption (aka ignorance), I’m thinking about getting a drywall lift. I figured the specialized nature of this tool would make it hard to find. Boy, was I wrong. There are lots of them posted on Amazon, Ebay, and craiglist- most seem to use the same images in the product description. When I inquired one of the sellers about who the mfr was, they said it was their own. Oddly, another seller uses exactly the same images, and has their name on it. Do a search at any of these retailers for examples. Do you have experience with any particular lift? What did you pay for it? Other tips?
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I scored a Telpro lift from Craigs List for $90. Kinda banged up but works like new. the thing is amazing. Has to be top of the line. Great tool and durable as can be!
http://www.telproinc.com/
If you're going to use it a lot I'd get the best.
Telpro would be the one.
Now there are three threads on this subject! Cripes! Sorry about the confusion, everyone. Hopefully it will be apparent this is the proper thread to post to.
Thanks for the replies, andybuildz. The Telpro does sound like the best I've heard of thusfar, but does anyone have experience with any of the others out there?
The no-name ebay specials are good for a job or two... 5/8"x4'x12' feels pretty dangerous on them. I had one collapse holding a sheet of that. Mine is held together with duct tape and vise grips.
Telpro machines are very good. Well worth the extra cost.
I own this one, or the iteration from 10 years ago.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_40716_40716
View Image
Andy used it with me a few years ago when I helped him on a drywall job, before he bought his Telepro. This one looks the same as the Telepro. Same specs. Different color. Way different price tag for new.
Yeah, that looks just like the one I saw listed on craigslist, ebay, and Amazon- more than one seller said they were the mfr, and it looks like the same lift. I have a feeling they are all similar China-made knockoffs, and sellers are just putting their id sticker on them. Do a search on ebay, using the words 'drywall lift' dozens of them (just like that one) pop up.
For a one-time use, consider renting a drywall lift. They're readily available around here, even Home Depot rents them.