Attaching Garage Hoist to LVL 1

[waytsh]

I have a client that would like to attach a 500 pound garage hoist to an LVL beam. He was wanting to lag an eye bolt into the bottom of the LVL and I recommended against that. I was hoping to find some sort of hanger that attaches to the sides of the LVL instead so the fasteners would be in shear rather than tension and we would not be damaging the tension flange of the LVL. Does anyone know of something like this?

This is assuming that the LVL and its support connections check out for the loading of course.

Thanks!

 

[kipfoot]

you might consider doing some modification to a hanger like a simpson EGQ, but I think your best bet is to get a local metal shop to fabricate something from 1/4" plate. Then, it can be fitted to the LVL, have appropriate holes for lags or through bolts in double shear, and have a suitable eye bolt for connecting a chain or hoist.

 

[BridgeSmith]

It's not an 'engineered' solution, but for that load, I would suggest a heavy duty ratchet strap or tow strap around the beam and call it a day. Far easier, cheaper, and removable without any damage.

Rod Smith, P.E., The artist formerly known as HotRod10

 

[SJBombero]

Here is an option that someone could fabricate in their garage.

 

[Craig_H]

If you end up specifying a new beam, something similar to what is shown below might work well. I've done it in the past and it worked out well.

 

[XR250]

For 500lbs, you could make a contraption pretty easily out of unistrut if you don't want to involve a fabricator.

 

[waytsh]

I appreciate all the suggestions. You have given me some good things to think about here.

A little more information that may or may not be relevant. This is a drop beam that has been wrapped in drywall and appears to be comprised of two LVLs side by side. Although going over the top of the beam may not be out of the question based on the joist locations it will ruin more of the drywall. Even with the side mounts I was considering the drywall will likely need to be removed in order to make a good connection. Not the end of the world either way.

 

[BridgeSmith]

If there is access to the top of the beam, the threaded rod up through it, with a washer and nut on the top (for 500 lbs, the plate washer would seem to be overkill) would be less invasive. Assuming minimal lateral (bending) loads, even a 3/8" standard Grade 36 all-thread is more than adequate; maybe even 5/16" or 1/4". (I'm having a little trouble finding allowable loads for anything smaller than 3/8" at the moment)

Rod Smith, P.E., The artist formerly known as HotRod10