Panel lift/Plasterboard hoist recommendations ?

[stevewestern]

Maybe once a year I need to board a ceiling and am wondering about buying myself a cheapo rather than hire one - anyone got any suggestions or recommendations ?
To hire one costs around £60 a day or £105 a week, and Amazon has a few from around £100 - £130, so it would make sense to buy, but there is that rule about getting what you pay for, so what can you tell me ?

[steviejoiner74]

BoardMate - Plasterboard Fixing Tool - Belmore Tools
http://www.belmoretools.co.uk/.../Board ... _Tool.html
BoardMate - Plasterboard Fixing Tool (1 Pair) Ref: BMATE ... "Putting up 8' x 4' boards on ceilings is now a one man operation for me. What an excellent tool.

I've used these when sheeting myself,it depends on what height you are as well on how easy you can sheet yourself. I've no problem using these but I'm 6ft5 so that's an advantage.
You can make a "dead man" out of timber as well. Basically a prop to hold the board whilst you screw.

[stevewestern]

Thanks for the suggestion Steve - while it looks like an excellent idea, I do need something to lift the sheets up - I have used many a 'dead-man' in the past but now, due to old age, injury and becoming a wimp I do need something that will lift the plasterboard for me. I may well get some of the board-mates too to help tho !

[getthewheelsinline]

I bought a plasterboard lift off gumtree for £50. Makes ceilings a doddle & a one man operation. This is just the £125 Amazon / eBay version.

[stevewestern]

I bought a plasterboard lift off gumtree for £50. Makes ceilings a doddle & a one man operation. This is just the £125 Amazon / eBay version.

Can you send the link again, as that one only gets me to Amazon - Thanks !

[moderator2]

@ Steve Western the forum software automatically changes the word Amazon to a clickable link.

[stevewestern]

@ Steve Western the forum software automatically changes the word Amazon to a clickable link.

Yeah, but the link just takes me to the Amazon home page.....

There are a couple on Amazon - one by FoxHunter, the other by XXL, and while they look pretty similar I would rather get one that comes with a personal recommendation !

[getthewheelsinline]

They are all pretty similar tbh. Break down into 3main parts for easier storage. Just make sure the one you get lifts to the height you are likely to need - as some extend much higher than others & that is where I think the price is reflected in.

[London mike 61]

This may be of interest, try this forum;
http://www.plasterersforum.com
If you type in plasterboard lifter in the thread search you will find a couple of threads about them and what a pro plasterer prefers to use.
I hope I'm not treading on anyone's toes by pointing someone to this forum but there are loads of useful stuff on there for the DIYer and I personally have learnt a great deal from these guys.

Good luck
Mike

[stevewestern]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions - I think the price of an Amazon special is well worth it, and after this job I have a ceiling to do at home soon..
The extra time and materials involved using 6x3 boards (I am insulating the underside of a garage ceiling) mean that I can justify passing the cost on which helps !

[stevewestern]

Just to update this, I ended up going for a hoist from Axminster tools - this one

http://www.axminster.co.uk/drywall-panel-lifter

It is a lot more expensive than the ebay cheapo's, but came the next day, and seems (according to a friend who used to have a cheap red one) to be way better built. It certainly is heavy and feels secure enough for me to be happy to stand underneath.
Oh, and it is yellow. A big bonus, as long as you like yellow.