Request for Help

[RalphTomaccio]

One of the last things remaining with my downsizing into a condo is to mount both my kayak and Jeep hardtop lifts onto my garage ceiling. It's not a difficult task but does require two people, one to help hold the 2"x6" boards to the ceiling and the other to screw the lag bolts into the joists. If someone has any suggestions as to how one person can do this, I'm open to trying it. If not, is there anyone who has a view hours that can help me?

I now live in Slatersville Ri, a village in North Smithfield. And, of course, there is a lunch or dinner provided.

Thanks!

[Kurt]

A few ideas in no particular order...

To hold the 2x6's up you can use a 2x4 whose length is the distance from the floor to the ceiling.
Using a step ladder lean the 2x4 against it. Then climb up and position the 2x6 on the ceiling.
Now place the 2x4 on it's end on the floor while placing it's top near the center of the 2x6. Have your wife kick the bottom end of the 2x4 across the floor to wedge it in place thus holding the 2x6 against the ceiling. Screw the 2x6 to the ceiling.

Another option would be to put a screw or eye screw temporarily into the ceiling near where you want one end of the 2x6.
Using some rope tie one end of the 2x6 up as close as you can to the ceiling to the screw or eye screw. Now you can move the ladder and swing the second end of the 2x6 up and screw it to the joist. Then untie the other end, remove the rope/screw and screw that end to the joist.

If you have two step ladders you can place them under where the two ends of where the 2x6 needs to be. Use some box's, pails, whatever to build up the height so they are just short of the ceiling. Place the 2x6 on top of them. Then screw the center of the 2x6 to the ceiling. Remove the ladders and then screw the two ends of the 2x6 to the joists.

If none of those ideas seem feasible I'd be happy two swing by and give you a hand.
I have a little time to spare these days
Earliest I could do is Saturday afternoon or Sunday.

[RalphTomaccio]

Thanks for the ideas, Kurt. I may try them this weekend if it isn't too cold. You're very generous to offer to help, but let me see what I can come up with. I spent some time in the garage today trying to come up with items that will go from the floor to the ceiling to prop up the boards and have a few ideas.

[Kurt]

OK - if you need an extra pair of hands just let me know

[RalphTomaccio]

Kurt, is this what you had in mind? That board is tight against the ceiling. Wowzaa!

[Kurt]

Yup - you got the idea!