How to Make a Pulley Hoist

You can rig pulleys to make a pulley hoist for storage.

One popular type of pulley hoist is used by some outdoor enthusiasts to store canoes, kayaks, bikes and other gear in a garage or storage area. A simple rigged pulley hoist can make lifting a heavy canoe or bike much easier.

1. Locate two cross-beams in the ceiling where you can securely install the screw-in hooks. Drill a pilot hole with a drill and a bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw-in hooks.

2. Screw the hooks into the ceiling until they are flush, or securely mounted. Turn the screws with pliers if necessary.

3. Hang a double pulley on one hook and a single pulley on the other. Thread the free end of a small-diameter rope or cord through one side of the double pulley. Pull the rope or cord down so it is easily accessible.

4. Feed the free end of the rope or cord through a single pulley so that the eye on the top of the pulley is on the bottom. Attach a carabiner to the pulley eye.

5. Pull the free end of the rope or cord up and through the double pulley. Feed the rope or cord through the side without rope or cord. Pull the rope or cord through the pulley and across to the single pulley attached to the other hook.

6. Feed the free end of the rope or cord through the single pulley suspended from the hook. Pull 1 or 2 feet of rope or cord down past the pulley. Double the rope or cord several inches from the end to form a working loop. Tie a simple overhand knot to secure the loop in the end of the rope or cord. Attach a carabiner to the loop.

7. Connect the carabiners to the kayak, canoe, bike or other object in equally spaced points. Pull the rope through the pulley hoist to raise the object to the ceiling. Securely tie off the rope to hold the object suspended from the pulley hoist.