Racor PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift 4-by-4-Foot Cable-Lifted Storage Rack
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Racor PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift 4-by-4-Foot Cable-Lifted Storage Rack
Customer Review: A GREAT "ELEVATOR" FOR YOUR ATTIC
Summary: 5 Stars
WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS A FANTASTIC SOLUTION FOR CREATING STORAGE SPACE IN GARAGES WITH FLAT CEILINGS AND NO RAFTERS, IT IS ALSO A VERY EFFECTIVE "ELEVATOR" FOR LIFTING LARGE OR HEAVY ITEMS (BOXES, ETC) UP INTO YOUR RAFTERS.
CONVERSELY, IT MAKES LOWERING THOSE HEAVY ITEMS, FROM THE RAFTERS TO THE GARAGE FLOOR, EFFORTLESS.
MY GARAGE HAS A VAULTED CEILING AND "LOFT-STYLE" RAFTERS. I INSTALLED THE RACOR STORAGE RACK SO THAT, WHEN ELEVATED, THE 4' X 4' PLATFORM IS IN A POSITION ADJACENT TO THE EDGE OF MY LOFT.
I CAN THEN SLIDE BOXES ONTO THE PLATFORM FROM THE RAFTERS AND THEN LOWER THEM DOWN, LIKE AN "OLD-SCHOOL" DUMBWAITER.
I NO LONGER NEED TO WORRY ABOUT BALANCING MYSELF ON A WOBBLY LADDER WHILE TRYING TO HOLD A LARGE HEAVY BOX.
ADDITIONALLY, I CAN THEN STORE FREQUENTLY USED ITEMS ON THE ADDITIONAL 16 SQUARE FEET OF STORAGE THAT THIS PLATFORM PROVIDES.
I HAVE HAD THIS INSTALLED FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS AND I REALLY LIKE IT.
IT CAN BE INSTALLED ON AN ANGLE (YOUR CEILING DOESN'T HAVE TO BE FLAT OR HORIZONTAL).
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE MANUFACTURER OFFER THE ADDITION OF A MOTORIZED GEARBOX (LIKE A WINCH) AS AN ACCESSORY.
Customer Review: A bugger to install but very convenient and worth the effort.
Summary: 4 Stars
I really like this item. With regards to the item, the platform could be framed a little stronger and sturdy. The ceiling mounted rails MUST be mounted exactly 45 to 47 inches apart. In most homes, the construction doesn't place the joists exactly where they need to be so you must plan on your location in advance. To be able to handle the full weight capacity, it MUST be mounted into joists directly. the 2x4 across the joists should be avoided because you loose actual attachment points which will cause a decrease in capacity. Enjoy.Customer Review: ASSEMBLY NOT FOR THE TIMID OR FOR THOSE WITH A LOW GARAGE CEILING
Summary: 3 Stars
I was attracted to the idea of this device but assembly was difficult. There were numberous pieces and the instructions were not very helpful and in the end I needed to have my handyman complete the assembly and installation. The hoist works fine now except that it hangs so low to the ground that I feel that I need to lower my head walking under it.Customer Review: Add to the "Happy Wife, Happy Life" file
Summary: 4 Stars
After 34 years of carrying christmas stuff up and downstairs I don't have to do that any more.
The ceiling joist in my garge were on 24" centers so a 48" spread on the ceiling frames were not an issue for me. It would be an additional hassle to mount these to a seperate board then that to the ceiling but if you know that going in you could prepare.
Mine took about 4 hours for the 1st unit but less than three for the second. Certianly having a second person on a ladder to help put up the ceiling frames would make a big difference. I did not have an issue with the lag screws that mount the ceiling frames to the joist, they are not the highest quality but I broke only one and I drove them with a socket on my cordless drill, no predrilling.
I would recommend a differnet method for holding the wire frame together. I think the piece of tubing is fine. I think the otherside should be a thin strap or maybe even an angle with matching holes, the j-hooks are difficult to get in on the firest edge, after one side is on you can set the mat on that edge the the second edge is easier.
Overall as I said they work well, I've got 225 pounds on one unit, no issues, and more points in towards "Happy Wife Happy Life!
Customer Review: Almost excellent
Summary: 4 Stars
This hoist is rated to carry 250 lbs. That seems like a lot but it turns out to be very easy to overload this. Be careful how much you put on it.
Several reviewers complained about the quality of the lag bolts provided so I initially started pre-drilling the holes for them. Since everything was going well I tried using them without predrilling and I was able to use them without incident. I suspect that it depends on the density of the joists you are screwing too and possibly also the smoothness of deployment. I drove them with a high power drill with a hex socket so they probably didn't get jerked around as much as with a socket. That said I agree that these aren't the highest quality bolts.
Be careful to put lag bolts not only in the long arms but also under the torque tube which rolls up the cables. With a heavy load there is some flex in the tube and also the central section that the the tube is mounted to during cranking.
The lock on the crank gearbox is a clever idea but it is a little hard to use using the pole. Also, when under load there is enough flex in the system that the lock does not deploy smoothly and must be smacked hard with the end of the pole to completely lock the crank.
I bought two but have only installed one so far. I'm still considering whether to install the other (and possibly more) over the top of the door. The issue is that the garage door and the hoist will interfere with each other. This also means that the hoist can only handle a shorter load over the door.
Overall a good product and a great solution but don't expect to lift too much weight. This is not the storage solution for that spare small block chevy engine you're saving for a kit car!