Plate Suspension

[Ron Nossaman]

Before I got my chain hoists, I levitated plates with a strap hoist with my 
1/2" Milwaukee Hole Shooter instead of the crank handle, and just juggled 
three seat belt webbing loops to balance it. After I put up the chain 
hoists, I still fought balance with the straps, though the ratcheting 
adjustment would probably work quite well. Sure beats un-tying and re-tying 
square knots ten times. Now, I'm using an automotive engine load leveler 
(Harbor Freight, 2 ton, $25) for port/starboard balancing, with my old 
strap hoist hooked to the lift ring of the leveler, and looped to the tail 
of the plate for fore/aft balance. Now, I can tie the thing to the plate 
with three loops of strap or soft nylon rope, balance port/starboard first 
with the leveler crank, and finish fore/aft with the strap hoist crank. 
quickly, easily, and Infinitely adjustable. I like this better than 
anything else I've tried, and it gives me a use for that old strap hoist 
that otherwise just hung, unloved, from it's hook on the ceiling. I would 
think the load leveler and a ratchet strap for the rear would be my next 
choice if I didn't have the strap hoist. Another option, for what it's worth.
Ron N