Ingenious...necessity IS the mother of invention...

 

The ones I used to use when drywalling were called deadmen and not so elaborate. A couple 2X4s nailed in a "T" shape, get the sheet close then wedge the DM under it. Wiggle the sheet in place then set enough screws to keep it there and go on to the next sheet. I set shtrk in a couple rms at an inn with 10' ceilings by myself. A couple steps a plank 2 DMs and a holstered drywall drill driver and a mouthful of screws.

 

I've seen that method, but I couldn't figure out how to get the sheet up to the ceiling by myself. I'm not as strong as I used to be. Plus, starting screws in OSB one-handed while on a ladder in a strain isn't fun anymore. I did find a magnetic bit holder by Makita that works better than anything I've ever seen before. Instead of just magnetizing the bit, a magnetic washer holds the RIM of the screw head. Sucks it down tight and doesn't let it wobble. Highly recommend if you have to drive a lot of screws. Only 4 bucks at the big orange box store.

 

Andy that's a very unique way of addressing this . Question though , I thought you should have stapled up a layer of vapour barrior prior to covering the studs with this osb , same goes for drywall

 

I thought about installing a vapor barrier. Did some research and decided it's not necessary here.
1. Mild winter temps in the deep south mean the temperature differential isn't enough to cause condensation in the attic.
2. I have soffit vents and ridge vents to ventilate the attic.
3. I have no major producers of moisture inside the shop (shower, cook stove, humidifier, clothes dryer.

 

Same as Ron. I had my wife place one on either end while I held the sheet up.

 

I usually temporarily screw a couple or three cleats along the edge that I'm working up to. Then I can pop the long edge onto the cleats before swing the othe side up to the ceiling...then the 'T' braces jammed in under the unsupported side.
But great solution, Andy.
Not clear on why you didn't use drywall, but to each their own.

 

1. I hate messing with drywall.
2. I hate messing with drywall.
3. I like to hang things (air hose, cord reel, etc.) from the ceiling. I can screw a hook into the OSB anywhere I want.
4. OSB is tougher when I hit the ceiling with the errant end of a board.

I guess that's why they make chocolate and vanilla.

 

Awesome solution and thank you for including the pics. I have a 1700 sqft shop I need to do something similar that has been languishing for 2 years as I can't find helpers. Fortunately it's only a 7' ceilng and I'm tall, so I won't need a ladder. Thanks for sharing this, I will be copying your clever solution-the pics are great. I also now will probably do osb. Being able to hang some things from above and attach anywhere is a significant advantage. I hadn't thought of that. I may now also do the walls in it too. I had thought about it there.

Great ideas in our forum-I am constantly learning to think differently and outside of the box-! Thanks

 

I'd kill for 1700 square feet. I've got 480 and bursting at the seams. I'm threatening to add on, but too many other projects ahead of it. I couldn't find any helpers either. Sure friends would be willing to drop in for a few hours, but the wiring and plumbing made it slow and tedious. I have 10 light fixtures and 2 air pipes in the ceiling.

Notice that the rack is as light as I could make it because I had to hold it up to the truss with one hand and drive the first screw with the other. That is, until I learned to use a quick-grip clamp as a hook and then ratcheted it up against the truss.

7/16 OSB is less than $8 per sheet at the big orange box, making for a cheap fix.

 

cool...

 

Job done with great creativeness! Thanks for posting Andy!
Sid.

 

Lowes & Home Depot both rent and sell drywall jacks (don't ask how I know), and they are simple to use and real time-savers. Nice jig you've made there, though.

 

I guess you didn't read the part where I listed the reasons I elected not to use a drywall lift. Thanks for the offer though.

 

I've used the deadman too but as I've gotten older (and weaker) I would run down to the local rental shop and rent a lift made for such operations. All the modern stuff today's carpenters have spoils you. In my youth we didn't have lifts, stilts for Sheetrock, air nailer's and such. I always hated driving nails overhead. Your solution is a good idea and probably cheaper.

 

Memorie lane
Ah yes, back in the day,the wife and I hung many sheets of drywall. The sheet on our heads,tee bars in hand going up step ladders.
Thanks Tom

 

Andy, Harbor Freight sells a nice panel lift for about $200.00, It works up to 11" and will also do vaulted ceilings. Easy to load and maneuver. When done easily sold for $100.00

 

I like your lift set up!!! I will have to keep that in mind. I have a bad back and doing the sheetrock on my head and T-posts to hold them in place is no longer on my list.....I do like the sheetrock lift as long as the shop is empty at the time

 

I had planned to do the garage with a lift, have someone else do it (too heavy for me), and use sheet rock. But your idea about using osb is really great! I think I'll put a hatch in for the blow in insulation and access for wiring. Great solution for some really heavy stock.

 

Great idea, Andy. I wish you had told me 30 years ago when I drywalled a whole house by myself. I haven't been able to stand the sight of a sheet of drywall since. Jim

 

Buncha wusses...yeh, me included!

 

subs for me....now that's wussie...
lazy too....

 

More Details

Someone PM'd me asking for more details. I couldn't figure out how to add attachments to PM's so I'm posting here. See the attachment if you're interested.

 

Great idea Andy. Gotta out think those heavy rascals.

I agree with your comment in the attachment; " If I only managed to hang 2 sheets all day, that’s OK. If I had been renting a lift, I’d be pushed to keep working until I couldn’t move in the morning. "

Mike

 

This is the coolest one I have ever seen.

 

Way Cool!
And built by none other than Rube Goldberg himself I'm sure. I wonder why he didn't use a simple scissor lift design?

 

The lift is amazing!...but he's supposed to be installing the board perpendicular to the run of the joists, and staggered end joints. Never mind; the lift makes up for it.

 

Great jig, I wish I had thought of that 15 years ago . I suggest you paint it white to make the room brighter, I did and it made a huge difference. I used a cheap stain sealer first.

 

I helped my cousin install his OSB on the ceiling, we needed a rig like those. We did paint the OSB white before we raised it tho, a lot easier than painting overhead.
Herb