Drywall provides a smooth, flat ceiling, suitable for texturing or painting. During installation, the drywall contractor attaches the panels to the ceiling joists, but the panels, heavy and unwieldy, are difficult to hang overhead using only brute strength. Two or more workers are needed to install even the smallest panels. A drywall lift makes installation much easier, but operating one requires diligence and attention to safety.
Instructions
1. Position the lift beneath the ceiling area where you will be installing the next panel.
2. Flip the stabilizer legs down to hold the machine in place. The lift has a large center support in addition to a roller assembly that rests on the floor. The stabilizer legs are small, rubber-tipped legs that you can fold up or down, usually with your foot.
3. Tilt the lift bed into the loading position, which is nearly vertical, and pull out the panel braces on the bottom of the lift bed.
4. Place one sheet of drywall on the lift bed. The panel will rest on the braces on the bottom of the lift bed, and the panel will lean against the flat lift bed surface. The front side of the panel must face the lift bed.
5. Tilt the lift bed until the panel is resting horizontally, and lock the tilting arm with the lever located on the bottom of the tilt bed. The panel is now in the correct position, and all you need to do is raise it.
6. Turn the lift handle to raise the panel. Drywall lifts feature a cable system that lifts the panel as you turn the crank. However, the cables are usually exposed, so keep your free hand away from the cables at all times.
7. Continue turning the crank until the drywall panel is within a few inches of the ceiling, and then use your foot to flip up the stabilizer legs. Now the lift will roll freely, and you can position the panel precisely as you crank it the last few inches into place.
8. Snug the panel tightly against the ceiling joists, using the crank before you lock the lift arm in place. You may now climb a ladder or use scaffolding to climb up and insert the drywall screws to hold the panel in place.
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