Does anyone own and or recommend Qual-Craft 2601 Wall Jacks?
They sell for about $260 a pair. I guess you also have to buy the hinges for the base as well.
I saw another system, don’t recall the name, for about $750 so $260 looks appealling. I have also seen a thread where the author talked about building his own using boat trailer winches. It looked like a pretty cheap route to go, although it looked like the crank handle did get in the way at one point in the lifting process, and the cable could be a bit scary.
It should be noted that I will use the jacks for building only one house and probably one large out-building so I don’t need or want to pay for the very best.
Thanks.
Replies
I considered the Qual-craft jacks for a spell. The local rental place has some, that would have been an easy rent. But then I realized that somebody has to follow the jack up the inclined rail which means that that someone would be under the wall as it's going up. Not wanting to be that someone who could get squished, nor wishing to place anyone else in that situation, I declined those jacks.
Then I was lucky enough to find a used set of Proctor jacks on Craigs List. I bought them for $400 which I thought was a steal. Sold them for more after the job was over. The Proctors use a winch and cable arrangement so the operator is on the ground and outside the fall zone. They worked perfectly.
If you can't find a set on CL, perhaps you can rent a set from a local contractor. It won't hurt to make a few calls.
Get the expensive ones
Proctor or Tranzporter
Much safer to use. I would never use the ones with the lumber posts.
JAcks
Thanks to you and sapwood.
I was concerned about the wood posts alittle and more so about having to get up on a ladder to finish the lift with the jack pump.
I have looked on Graiglist with no luck. I will look again. Sure don't wish to spend $700 - $800 for one build. As for renting, I will be working mostly alone so I would need the jacks for days. I suppose I could build a bunch of walls, then rent, then build more and rent again.
Not having seen the plans........
I'd tell you that you can lay your bottom plate-
Toe nail a corner post and brace off in two directions. Do the same to a stud down the wall at the plate brake.
Lift the first top plate onto that corner (with a clamped cleat to keep it from falling off).
Walk the other end of the plate up the ladder and nail it off to your just place wall stud. Go to the corner and nail it where it belongs-it's plumb, so's the wall stud down the line. Fill in the rest of the wall-toenail bottom, through nail top.
Continue on.
Sure, no gable end already attached-nor sheathing, nor windows, nor lookouts, fascia or soffit...............
But, building alone can be done-use your new pump jacks and find a helper to sheet, window and finish the exterior.