Facing work often involves the use of auxiliary devices to facilitate the execution of planned operations. In addition to the standard set of painting and installation tools, special equipment may be required to service a particular material. Such devices include a drywall lift, a photo of which is presented below.
Using such equipment, it is possible to conveniently fix heavy panels. Massive building material of high density is the most difficult to install on the ceiling. In such cases, even several workers may have difficulty in the installation. However, the use of a lift allows you to safely, accurately and quickly implement fasteners. It remains only to make the right choice of equipment.
Key selection criteria
The device of such lifts is quite simple, however, for maximum returns during operation, it is advisable to initially determine the design capabilities. The first thing that is taken into account is the mass with which the unit can work. On average, drywall lifts are able to serve sheets weighing 30-50 kg. And here it is important to consider that the standard design is not intended for the transport of goods - only for lifting. Next, the height to which the fixture can deliver panels is estimated.
Today, even inexpensive budget devices are able to raise drywall sheets to a level of about 4-5 m, which is enough to work in ordinary apartments and houses. In addition to operational parameters, attention should be paid to the reliability indicators of the design. This applies both to the quality of the materials and to the configuration of the base. As for the first factor, it is preferable to give preference to completely steel models without the inclusion of plastic elements. The basis of the design should be represented by an H-shaped platform, which is considered the most stable.
Varieties of lifts
A better understanding of the characteristics of the device will help a clear definition of the functions that it will have to perform. The fact is that the handling of drywall sheets may include horizontal and vertical direction of fixation. Therefore, manufacturers subdivide models into wall and ceiling. But the most effective option is a plasterboard lift-strut, with which you can perform both tasks. A distinctive feature of the design of such a device is a sophisticated sheet feed direction mechanism that can be tailored to different needs. Such models are considered the most technological and functional, but they are not cheap.
Additional equipment: what to consider?
In most cases, manufacturers of such structures are already striving to provide everything necessary for work as standard. But not always the installation process involves the use of additional accessories. Therefore, in order not to overpay for unnecessary options, you should calculate the parameters of the workflow. In its original form, drywall lifts were telescopic devices on tripods, which, depending on operating conditions, required connecting and special goats. Today you can get rid of such additions if you order in the kit and a special platform on which the tripod will be securely fixed. In order to increase ergonomics, manufacturers also equip their constructions with rollers and special grips that make it convenient to move lifts.
Manual model or electric?
The lifting mechanism can be controlled in two ways - using the handle or by means of an electric drive. Choosing a lifting technique should be based on the amount of work and ergonomic considerations. Of course, the presence of an electric drive always facilitates the actions of workers and increases the speed of installation. But if you plan to carry out occasional one-time work, it makes sense to prefer manual drywall lifts. They are incomparable in terms of convenience with electrical counterparts, but they are cheaper and smaller. In addition, there are observations that manual mechanical lifts are more reliable than electric versions.
Models from Knauf
The German company is famous for its high-quality construction and cleaning equipment and in this case confirms its image on the market with two devices designed to hold and fix drywall panels. The main thing in this family is the Montageheelfer design, which allows lifting and fixing the sheets horizontally. It is recommended to supplement the lifts for Knauf drywall with the Plattenheber mounting tool. Such a device is a lever with a locking mechanism, with the help of which the master can conveniently and accurately fix the panels in a vertical position when installing the lining or partition.
Models of Premos
Models of Premos elevators can be classified as professional. Despite a modest delivery height of 4.1 m, such devices cope with sheets weighing about 100 kg. In addition, the presence of special holders expands the list of materials for installation. In the latest versions, the Premos drywall hoist is capable of efficiently installing chipboards and even roll materials. The presence in the design of a special niche for a punch allows the master to easily fix the sheets. As practice shows, the development of the Premos company will significantly help in the installation of HVAC equipment, for example, when equipping ventilation ducts, installing air conditioners, etc.
Models from the enterprise "Edma"
The French manufacturer offers multifunctional designs that allow not only to lift, hold and fix the panels, but also to move the material. This is a telescopic device, the basic working height of which is 3.5 m. True, with the help of an extension, this limit can be moved up to 4 m. From the point of view of operation, the edma drywall lifts are advantageous in that they allow you to conveniently position the material in the most close conditions. This is facilitated by a developed movable platform with wheels and a brake system, as well as a rotating head on which drywall is placed.
Conclusion
Builders rarely use special equipment specifically to hold the material. Typically, such functions are performed either by the worker himself with his partners, or the hold is transferred to the tool. Despite this, drywall lifts are a necessary device, which is difficult to do without. At the same time, it is not worth considering such units as specialized equipment only for holding drywall panels. Lifts are suitable for working with wooden cladding panels, and for other installation operations that require additional support.