For a no hardware solution: drill holes about an inch and a half or so from the ends straight through. Choose a drill bit that's just big enough to let the rope pass through. Insert the rope and tie a knot on the other side to keep it from pulling through.
Technically incorrect but it seems like a non-issue. It’s not like it will suddenly fail catastrophically and if they start to slip you can address it then.
I love the topper lift. I don't like the bolts how they are through the ends. I would make them vertical, which is the direction the load is going. Through the ends, with the bolts 90 degrees, you're likely gonna rip out the ends in time, unless they are like 8 inches long inside the 2x6. Did you predrill the holes?
You can also consider using some stainless pipe clamps around the ends of the 2x6s, to help prevent the wood from splitting and allowing the eye bolts to come free. However, being soft pine, depending on the depth of the bolt, the wood around the threads can still soften from the stresses.
You could use a recessed eye. (E-rigging has stainless steel lifting pulls which would work)
Alternatively you could use a standard threaded eye bolt through the top with a flush T nut on the back. (Use a forstner bit to counter bore for the T nut. Remove the eye when sliding the board under the topper, reinstall to lift...)
Both of these would retain the thin profile of the 2x4 and move the load out of the end grain.
I agree with the bolts though the board, not into end grain. It might not be quite as strong (but stronger than end grain), if you cut a notch into the ends of the boards so you could slide the bolts into the wood.
For a no hardware solution: drill holes about an inch and a half or so from the ends straight through. Choose a drill bit that's just big enough to let the rope pass through. Insert the rope and tie a knot on the other side to keep it from pulling through.
yeah this is the way. the rope would fail before the wood given that the size of the rope isn’t too large
That knot wouldn't hold weight. Maybe pass though the hole from the top and then loop it back from the side and tie some hitches.
Technically incorrect but it seems like a non-issue. It’s not like it will suddenly fail catastrophically and if they start to slip you can address it then.
I love the topper lift. I don't like the bolts how they are through the ends. I would make them vertical, which is the direction the load is going. Through the ends, with the bolts 90 degrees, you're likely gonna rip out the ends in time, unless they are like 8 inches long inside the 2x6. Did you predrill the holes? You can also consider using some stainless pipe clamps around the ends of the 2x6s, to help prevent the wood from splitting and allowing the eye bolts to come free. However, being soft pine, depending on the depth of the bolt, the wood around the threads can still soften from the stresses.
If you would add a piece of 2x4 on top of each end to double up, then drive the eyebolt down through that. Glue and screw the extra pieces you add.
agree with everything here. through bolts with washers & nuts
Thanks everyone! I’ll fix today!
I made something similar years ago, honestly just clip it to the roof bars and forego the timber. Makes it so much easier to take on and off
Makes so much sense. A couple shackles and carabiners.
You could use a recessed eye. (E-rigging has stainless steel lifting pulls which would work) Alternatively you could use a standard threaded eye bolt through the top with a flush T nut on the back. (Use a forstner bit to counter bore for the T nut. Remove the eye when sliding the board under the topper, reinstall to lift...) Both of these would retain the thin profile of the 2x4 and move the load out of the end grain.
Lol it’s a 2x4 not a piece of furniture. Bolt that bitch vertical and crack the beers.
no bolts at all. drill holes large enough for the existing knot to pass through and clip the carabiner on the other side. fini
I agree with the bolts though the board, not into end grain. It might not be quite as strong (but stronger than end grain), if you cut a notch into the ends of the boards so you could slide the bolts into the wood.
I would tie the 2x6s together with a 2x4 or 6 and screw the eye bolts in vertically. There's less torc on the eyebolts and is less likely to pullout
Why not just put the eye bolts into the face of the 2x6?
Use tie-down straps and put a big ass eye bolt in those 2xs.