pump jacks~should I? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Richard · 09-30-2006, 12:52 AM

Ok, so I'm a 'one man show', so they say. I'm thinking I might eventually invest in some pump jacks for ease on exteriors.

Are they a pain or do they set up relatively easy? And do they break down in length? I have a chevy astro van and cant go too crazy on top, plus storage is always an issue since I dont have a shop~what are some good types/kinds/brands?

some trivia?......

vs.

......who would win?

maybe it would end like this.....

=

or this.....

**slickshift** · 09-30-2006, 05:21 AM

Hmmm....
I don't have any myself
I would/have considered buying some, but it hasn't happened so far
It seems the only times I really could have used them in the last few years, I couldn't for some reason
Running out of roof right where one should be or something
So I haven't used any in years
I think the last time I used them, they were left by the siders

So, not that I haven't thought about it also, but I would think they would sit around most of the time

maj · 09-30-2006, 05:36 AM

I don't know how much use you would use them for painting (I am not a painter), but we used to have some and used them on two construction jobs........... Never used them again.

PITA to set up. You will need a 30' pole for each jack.Aluminum planks are $$$$$$.

I just can't recommend them.

Richard · 09-30-2006, 09:42 AM

So far....it's ladder moves-2, pump jacks-0

RussellF · 09-30-2006, 10:14 AM

I have used them in the past and they were just the wood(2x4s)......it is difficult to break them down totally......We had just left (2x4s)set and ready to when we needed them..........they were real heavy too. The ones we had would look really funny on top of your van too. DON'T DO IT!!!!

rws · 09-30-2006, 10:22 AM

Are you using ladder jacks now? They work very well for me.

Richard · 09-30-2006, 10:36 AM

ladder jacks, yes~but only for the first story....I'm a strong guy, but not strong enough to lift my plank to the 2nd story, plus...let's be honest, I dont feel nearly as safe (up 2 stories) on 2 ladder jacks, as I do on pump jacks, do you?

rws · 09-30-2006, 12:28 PM

I feel safe .On high areas if I can get position I use a 2nd set of jacks as a backboard.But pump jacks are handy.Anything that can save ladder moves is worth having.

KellyPainting · 09-30-2006, 06:28 PM

Anything 3 stories or lower.... ladders..anything higher... boom truck for me.

mjay · 10-01-2006, 10:35 AM

Use them, love them: Do a lot of renovations, paint stripping, difficult rooflines: cheaper than scaffold, and three story buildings. For extra safety always have a harness and top rope. Find a local climber to give advice re: equipment and tie-in, rope + harness + hardware $200.

Tom R · 10-01-2006, 11:05 AM

I've had 'em for years, - - and although I can't say I use them all that often (because I do so many different types of jobs), - - I feel they're handy as hell when you need 'em.

The covenience factor well over-rides the set-up time, IMO.

Overall, they save time.

K2 · 10-01-2006, 11:14 AM

I used the ones on the wood pole for mahy years and hated them. They always jammed and pinched you fingers and hands. I finally learned to to everything without them and sold most of them at the flea market for $5 each. I don't think the old ones are osha approved anyway. I don't see any around amymore.

They were invented by a guy in Paterson NJ.

Richard · 10-01-2006, 03:47 PM

Soooo....for those of you who recommend them...

what are some good brands/kinds and how do they work? I know they must attach to the roof~ I'm looking to get help determining which to get....not so much "if" I should~I already know they will help

wmass · 10-01-2006, 04:10 PM

Have you looked at Lynn Ladder? They sell what is called a Painters Pole,
Alum poles,easy to set up and move. Used them alot when I did a lot of res repaints

Steve