On 23 May 2006 20:59:53 -0700, "Richard" wrote:

I need to install a steel beam that is about 20' long. The beam is a
w10x30 so that make it 600 pounds. The beam will be supporting the
main floor (installed in the basement). How does one lift such a beam
in place? Obviously I cannot use a crane. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Richard
Richard, I hve a similar project now. Your question has me seeking
an elegant solution. I have to lift a lesser load than you however, in
that the steel plates being lifted are 3/8 X 6 X 15' and weigh 120# or
so. So this is what I am doing. I will drill a 1/4 " dia. hole above
the center of the position of the beam, lay down some 2 X 8 stradling
the floor joists, thread the wire from a winch to the plate below and
attach it to the plate using a thimble and a cable clamp thru a hole
predrilled. And then I will crank away and hope! I will probably use
some temporary bracing on the plate's slow journey upward.
If you go to HD you can see the load numbers on steel cable. In
my case a 1/8 cable is rated for 340#. So I should have a safety
factor of 3.
Btw, as a poi, when using a cable clamp, the saddle should be on the
load side and the short loose end have the U-bolt.
A way to remember this is "Never saddle a dead horse". This is an
old stage rigger's expression.