Winch Recommendation for Hoisting a Jeep Top to the Ceiling

Question:

I am looking for a lightweight winch to lift a jeep top to hang from the ceiling in my garage. I installed a pulley system but need something to easily raise and lower the top. The mount of the winch needs to be on a wall so Im guessing I need a ratchet style winch since I cant get a full rotation of a crank and I would like it to work in lifting the top as well as slowly lowering it. So I guess a ratchet style winch with a two way ratchet? The jeep top is less than 200 lbs. Can you recommend a winch?

asked by: Allan R

Expert Reply:

Only one style of winch would I recommend for hoisting something from the ceiling. I recommend a worm gear winch, # DL10954, that you can mount on the ceiling and use an extension pole to turn the loop drive handle. Place this winch centered above where you would lift the top so you will not have to use pulley blocks to get a straight line pull. Worm gear winches will brake automatically if you release the handle which is nice.

You will also need a secondary support system to actually hold up the top because winches are not meant to hold a load indefinitely. Once hoisted into place you can use something simple like chains to hold the top up in its stored location.

Additionally do not hoist or move people with the winch or where people could get hurt from a falling load. You can use the above winch with a cable, # DL24104. I have included a link to a video review of the winch for you.

expert reply by: Jameson C