<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <HTML><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2900.3059" name=GENERATOR> <STYLE></STYLE> </HEAD> <BODY> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I did a similar thing to what Conrad did. I shortened the pull chain, but instead of welding I simply used one of those master-type chain links from the hardware store that have the little screw-sleave that secures the link. It works just fine. My load chain was short enough - I only shortened the pull chain - I only have an 8-foot ceiling in my shop. But all chains stay above the plate - so no worries mate!</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Terry Farrell</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><IMG alt="" hspace=0 src="cid:000601c788b8$95f91ec0$0501a8c0@DESKTOP" align=baseline border=0></FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>----- Original Message ----- <BR>>>I used a chain hoist for many years and there is <BR>>>something about having that tactile feedback to <BR>>>judge whether the plate is coming up freely or <BR>>>not. The downside is having to deal with that <BR>>>loop of chain - which side to pull on and what <BR>>>to do with that bunch of chain that hangs down <BR>>>on your newly refinished soundboard or plate.<BR>> <BR>> I also have a chain hoist, and agree about the <BR>> tactile feedback to control the lift.  Soon after <BR>> I installed it, I rolled a grand under it and <BR>> determined how much the chain loop should be <BR>> shortened so that the loop doesn't reach the <BR>> plate/soundboard/rim level. Any welder can do that for you.<BR>> <BR>> Conrad Hoffsommer</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>