Converting a Manual Penthouse Top to a Powered Top for $3.10

[hogasm]

Originally Posted by Makalu1

What 86Scotty said. I would love to see something this simple work, or the system that larrie suggested with a socket. I like the idea of not having to recharge an electric drill out in the field.

How much are you going to use it to require a recharge. I just counted how many 2 9/16" holes through 2x4's my Milwaukee M18 drill did on one charge....120
That would be at least 60 days without a recharge with 1 battery. Most kits have 2 batteries.

[Makalu1]

Doh! Good point.

[gcvt]

Just recharge off a small inverter while you're driving to your next camping spot.

For the first eight or nine months I had my replacement SMB, I kept an 18v DeWalt in a cabinet and used it a lot. I'm due for a new drill soon and will keep the old one in the 'tool drawer' full time. Never know when you're gonna need a drill.

[Glider]

Originally Posted by gcvt

Just recharge off a small inverter while you're driving to your next camping spot.

For the first eight or nine months I had my replacement SMB, I kept an 18v DeWalt in a cabinet and used it a lot. I'm due for a new drill soon and will keep the old one in the 'tool drawer' full time. Never know when you're gonna need a drill.

DEWALT DW9109 7.2-Volt to 18-Volt Vehicle 12V Plug-In 1-Hour Battery Charger | eBay

[gcvt]

^ Or that!

[LenS]

Raising the top with a electric drill is not a big drain on the drill. Assuming a 200 lb top and using a 3/8-16 threaded rod the torque on the drill would be about 14 in-lbs or about 1 ft-lb.
A drill that can put out 0-2000 rpm could raise the top 12 inches in about 6 seconds at 2000rpm although I would never try to raise the top that fast with a drill. I do it in about half a minute checking along the way that nothing is catching/binding. Power lift could easily rip something up if it is caught.
Most of my time is spent getting the drill and rod out of a cabinet, installing it and removing it when done. Easy on my back though.

[Glider]

Here's my version of the $3.00 powered PH top. I used a piece of 1x3 oak, reinforced with two aluminum "L" channels. I only need to raise the PH top about 6" before the springs kick in.

[86Scotty]

Nice Bianca!


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[Pritikin]

How much rotational torque is felt on the drill when doing this? Do you have to stand there and keep it from rotating?

What is happening up there at the load distribution 2x4? Is it slowly wearing a hole?

Just curious: i'm having a hard time picturing how this would feel to use. Thx.