hoisting straps?

[Stan Kroeker]

Ratchet straps come with the dire warning that they are not to be used
for lifting.  I (and several colleagues) use them all the time for this
purpose, however.  In fact, I dedicated three of them exclusively for
lifting plates and cut the excess strap to minimize tangles during the lift.

I also cut three 30" lengths of used seatbelt webbing and had the ends
folded over and stitched by a shoe-maker (heavy duty thread and sewing
machine).  These make strong slings for the ratchet straps' hooks to
engage.  The beauty of this system, apart from being a one-person
operation, is that the ratchets enable you to quickly balance the plate
for a level lift.

Finally, consider protecting the inner rim during plate removal,
re-installation.  I made about 50 rim protectors out of aluminum
flashing, lined with inexpensive felt.  Each one is about 1 1/2" wide by
12" long.  They are clipped over the rim at about 3" intervals and
eliminate the scrapes that can occur during lifts.

Regards,

Stan Kroeker
Registered Piano Technician

Dave Doremus wrote:
> 
> What do y'all use for plate lifting straps? I'm installing a chain
> hoist, retiring an old and unwieldy gantry, and am not sure what the
> best straps are. I was actually thinking about using rachet tie downs
> cause they are adjustable in length but I'm not sure if they would
> hold under vertical lifting. Any thoughts?
> 
> I tried the archive and found that Ed Foote likes rope and a 'taut
> line hitch' (did I get that right?) which I dont know if I trust
> myself to tie....
> 
> As always, thanks in advance.....