docstradamus

I am trying to locate a ceiling rafter-mountable repair stand to use in my basement workshop. I have considered the variety of bench- and wall-mount stands offered by Park, but none seem specifically designed for mounting from exposed ceiling rafters. I guess what I'm wondering is, would something like the Park PCS-12 work or would I experience frustration with the open end of the clamp facing downward? Also, I'm not sure weather a device like this would fit between my rafters with a gap of 14 inches.



Is there a product available that I could mount on a ceiling rafter that would position the clamp directionally the same as a floor stand or bench- or wall-mounted stand would? I am still considering a floor stand, which would ultimately be the most versatile, but I like the zero footprint offered by a "stand" suspended from the ceiling, which would be ideal for my limited workspace. I have searched on BF and the interweb for possible solutions, but nothing's turned up.

Thanks for any insight.

HillRider

I don't see why having the clamp operate "upside down" would be a problem.

One problem I do see is having someone walk into the hanging stand since it will always be hanging down at and below head level. Better put a bright warning flag on it or have a baracade around it when not in use or find a way to remove it when you are not using it.

a77impala

Doesn't the clamp swivel all the way around? I think my PC9 does.

docstradamus

Well, yes, the clamp swivels. But, if the base plate of the device is bolted into the side of a rafter (the bolts being parallel to the floor) the open end of the clamp would be facing the floor, regardless of which way it's swiveled.

Zef

There is a bike shop that I went to in Everett WA that has their repair stands hanging from the ceiling. I can't remember exactly how they had it rigged but imagine a long 4x4 coming down from the ceiling with another piece mounted at the bottom forming an upside down "T", I think they either had 1 park clamp on each end of the "T" or 1 on each side of each end. If you can bolt a 4x4 into your rafter then park makes a wall mount clamp that you bolt to the 4x4.

-j

Panthers007

I don't perceive any problems with your idea. Just be sure the rafter is up to the task, and do hang a truck-flag on it to get people's attention. Sounds like a novel approach.

HillRider

OK, that's what you have in mind. I assumed you were going to fasten a vertical pipe or board to the rafters extending down and then mount the Park clamp on it so the Park's base plate was pointing straight up.

Unless your ceiling is very low, won't mounting the Park clamp "sideways" up between the rafters put the bike too high to work on?

dedhed

Go to your local (insert favorite) home improvement store and pick up a jack post of suitable length.

https://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(w3...aspx?SKU=58452

A couple of scrap pieces of wood for top and bottom, 2 muffler clamps of correct diameter and you're good to go. Not to mention taking care of that annoying squeek in the floor every time you walk in the room above. This will leave a small footprint or be easily removed out of sight when not needed.

docstradamus

You're right, I would have to use something as an extension to get the clamp low enough. I'm not sure if a 4x4, as was previously suggested, would give me a sturdy enough extension.

I actually already have a couple adjustable jacks down there, one of which that is pretty well positioned to be a repair stand. And you think the muffler clamps would work to secure a wall mounted bike clamp to the jack post?

dedhed

Short answer yes. A guy at work just did this. His clamp was a bit different with only 2 holes so I made a plate with holes drilled at the muffler clamp/post diameter and other holes to mount the clamp to the plate. I suggested wing nuts or knobs on the muffler clamps to ease up/down the post adjustment.