welding lift eye recommendation

[ryanjones2150]

I don't run into the issue of having to move material of any size around my shop. Most of the time, I order the heavy stuff cut how I need it, just for that reason.

I'm at a point where I need a whole sheet of 1/2" steel. Don't want to drop a couple hundred bucks on a lift clamp if I don't have to. So, what do you guys recommend for a welded on lift point?

Pretty much gonna lift it up onto my fab table from a trailer using an overhead hoist and start whacking away at it, one piece at a time.

[BukitCase]

I'd probably just get a pry bar under a corner at a time, block it up a couple inches, push a couple 10' long lift straps under it maybe a couple feet from each end, run all 4 of their end loops into a single shackle, pick it slowly with the hoist to see how it's gonna swing, adjust as necessary, then move it over the table and down on whatever it's gonna rest on while you butcher it - if you're talking 4x8 sheet, it's only 640 pounds.

Might be able to use chains too, but I'm not a big fan - chains can slip unexpectedly and catch you off guard, proper straps stick better and shouldn't have any problem with something that light... Steve

[D Auger]

Weld a eyelet in the dead center of it or a D ring like we do for road plates at work for construction .Once on the bench torch or grind
out the weld .D
or we torch out two holes in the middle and leave a 1 inch strip for the chain or hook to rap
around, straps work but can Frey on the edge of the steel .D

[MMW]

I use two short pcs. of angle with a pc. of flat bar welded between it. I'll grab a picture so it makes sense. Very cheap & easy to make. I've lifted a little over 1000 pounds with it. My other clamp is just a screw clamp with an eye welded on it. I'll grab a pic of that also.

[MMW]

here are some pics. The small one fits sheets up to 48" wide. 1/8 x 1.25" x 60" long flat bar with a pc. of 1/4 x 2 x 2 x 4" long on each end. The angles were bent to make them over 90 degrees. The bigger one fits wider/longer sheets. It is 1/4 x 1 x 94" that is bent on the ends with a pc. of 1/4 x 3 x 4.25" welded on each end.
The clamp is a normal heavy duty screw clamp with a pc. of 3/8" plate cut & welded on to it. I have two of these so you can use one on each side of the plate with a chain or just one to lift it up on end.

[MMW]

more pics

[MMW]

another If you need more pics let me know. A few won't upload tonight. Just slip the angles on the edge of the plate & the hook from the hoist goes on the flat bar. Simple.

[ryanjones2150]

All excellent suggestions. Thanks for all the pictures! I often have trouble posting pictures too, which is why I don't do it often. <br />
<br />
Scheduling to pick up that sheet probably Thursday, so I'll have my problem worked out by then I hope. Have to get this little crane boom done and out by then too!

[MMW]

Took a photo this morning before I head out of it being used. The trick is the flat bar needs to flexible enough so it can be bent ("adjusted") so the angles are closer together than the edges of the plate you are lifting. This keeps it on the plate until the the hoist supports the weight & then it forces the angles tighter against the edges. I know it looks cheesy but it works awesome & I've been using it for the 8 yrs. I've been on my own & 20 years prior in the fab shop I worked for. I took it when they went out of business. I lifted (very carefully) my welding table top with it. 1" x 48" x 96". I never give it a second thought when lifting sheets of 1/2" plate.

[ryanjones2150]

That's a pretty slick tool. I have the strap, thought I had some angle, but didn't. I'm gonna make one of those, maybe even a couple of different sizes.