How to Install an Elevator in your Backyard

JerryRigEverything
25 May 202418:43

Summary

TLDRIn this backyard bunker project, the host converts a used, slightly broken scissor lift into a wheelchair-accessible elevator for a budget of just $3,200. The video details the process of deconstructing the lift, removing unnecessary parts, and modifying it to fit into a deep hole in the backyard. Innovative materials like fiberglass rebar are used for the concrete foundation, and safety features are added for a smooth and secure ride. The result is a fully functional, budget-friendly elevator that brings the bunker to life, with the host's partner Camry experiencing the bunker for the first time, revealing plans for future development.

Takeaways

  • 🏗️ The project involves installing an elevator in a backyard bunker using a tall, slightly broken scissor lift.
  • 📐 The scissor lift, a Snorkel S3219E, is capable of lifting 550 lbs to a maximum height of 19 ft, which is suitable for the bunker's needs.
  • 💰 The regular elevators are expensive, costing over $24,000, but a used broken scissor lift was found for $3,000 to stay within the bunker's budget.
  • 🔧 Modifications are made to the scissor lift to adapt it for use as a stationary elevator, including removing unnecessary parts and adding leveling capability.
  • 🔩 The base of the elevator is modified to include adjustable leveling to ensure the platform is level with the ground at all heights.
  • 🚧 A secure foundation for the elevator is built using concrete and fiberglass rebar, which is stronger and lighter than steel, and does not rust.
  • 🌟 The video is sponsored by Kiwi Co, which provides hands-on projects for kids and teens, with a special offer for a subscription using the code 'Jerry rig'.
  • 🛠️ Custom mounting brackets are designed and fabricated to ensure the elevator fits precisely into the shaft and can be leveled correctly.
  • 🔋 The elevator utilizes the existing hydraulic pump, ram, and batteries from the scissor lift for its operation.
  • 👶 Safety features such as an aluminum platform are added to prevent pinching during the elevator's movement, ensuring safe transportation for all users.
  • 🎉 The final result is a fully wheelchair-accessible elevator for the backyard bunker, completed for approximately $3,200, significantly less than a traditional elevator.

Q & A

  • What is the main project being undertaken in the video?

    -The main project in the video is installing an elevator in a backyard bunker using a used, slightly broken scissor lift.

  • Why did the creator choose to use a scissor lift for the elevator?

    -The creator chose to use a scissor lift because regular elevators are very expensive, and the scissor lift met the project's budget and requirements for lifting 550 lb to a maximum height of 19 ft.

  • How much did the used scissor lift cost that was purchased for the project?

    -The used scissor lift cost $3,000.

  • What modifications were made to the scissor lift to adapt it for use as an elevator?

    -The modifications included removing the tires and other unnecessary parts, relocating the batteries, and adding adjustable leveling capability to the base of the scissor lift.

  • What material did the creator find for reinforcing the concrete foundation of the elevator?

    -The creator found fiberglass rebar made by Corning, which is cheaper, stronger, and lighter than steel rebar, and does not rust.

  • Why is safety a top priority in this project?

    -Safety is a top priority because the elevator needs to be secure and stable, especially since it will be used to transport people up and down to the bunker.

  • What is the purpose of the aluminum platform that was created for the top of the elevator?

    -The aluminum platform serves as a safety measure to prevent little kids from getting pinched on the sides of the walls as the elevator moves.

  • What is the total cost of creating the wheelchair accessible elevator?

    -The total cost of creating the elevator, including the scissor lift and other modifications, was approximately $3,200.

  • How does the creator plan to power the bunker and the elevator?

    -The bunker and the elevator will be powered by ecoflow batteries.

  • What is the sponsor of the video, and what do they provide?

    -The sponsor of the video is Kiwi Co, a company that provides monthly hands-on projects designed by experts for kids and teens of all ages.

  • What is the purpose of the two-in-one lantern included in the Kiwi Co Eureka crate?

    -The two-in-one lantern is included for use in the bunker, providing illumination during the first trip underground.

Outlines

00:00

🏗️ Backyard Bunker Elevator Project

The video script describes a DIY project to install an elevator in a backyard bunker. The host introduces the project by mentioning a previous episode where they dug a deep hole and installed storm water runoff pipes. The goal is to make the bunker wheelchair accessible. Instead of purchasing an expensive elevator, the host opts for a cost-effective solution: a used, slightly broken scissor lift found for $3,000. The chosen lift, a Snorkel S3219E, is capable of lifting 550 lbs to a maximum height of 19 ft. The host plans to remove unnecessary parts for space efficiency and to add adjustable leveling to the elevator. The script also mentions a sponsorship by Kiwi Co, a company providing hands-on projects for kids and teens.

05:14

🛠️ Transforming Scissor Lift into Elevator

The script continues with the process of converting the scissor lift into a stationary elevator. The host removes the wheels and other parts, focusing on the hydraulic ram for the lift's movement. The lower half of the scissor lift is not needed, and the batteries are planned to be upgraded to lithium for better longevity. The host emphasizes the importance of safety and plans to add a secure foundation using concrete and fiberglass rebar, which is stronger and lighter than steel. The concrete slab is reinforced with steel mounting plates for the custom elevator level. The host also discusses the health risks of dry concrete dust and the importance of wearing masks during the mixing process.

10:16

🔨 Constructing the Elevator Foundation and Safety Features

The host describes the construction of the elevator's foundation, which involves mixing concrete and pouring it into the hole to create a secure base. The use of fiberglass rebar from Corning, a company known for making smartphone glass, is highlighted for its strength and light weight. The script details the design and fabrication of an adjustable mounting bracket for the elevator, which is crucial for leveling the platform. The leveling mechanism is explained, involving all-thread rods and massive nuts to adjust each corner of the elevator. The host also discusses safety considerations, including a special aluminum platform to prevent pinching and a protective cover for the top of the elevator.

15:17

🚶‍♂️ First Trial of the Backyard Bunker Elevator

The script concludes with the final stages of the elevator installation and its first trial. The host describes the removal of excess metal and hydraulics from the scissor lift, making it lighter and more suitable for the task. The lift is then carefully positioned over the all-thread rods and leveled. The host and a guest, Camry, test the elevator, noting its speed and the need for further security measures. They express excitement about the successful installation and discuss the bunker's interior, which includes plans for a master bedroom, exit shaft, library or armory, bunk room, large TV, kitchen, and other amenities. The script ends with a tour of the bunker and a look forward to the completion of the project.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Elevator

An elevator is a platform or compartment housed within a shaft structure that is designed to move vertically between floors of a building. In the context of the video, the creator is installing an elevator in a backyard bunker to make it wheelchair accessible. The project involves repurposing a broken scissor lift to serve as the elevator, which is a creative and budget-friendly solution.

💡Scissor Lift

A scissor lift is a type of aerial work platform that functions through a crisscross arrangement of linked, folding supports that mimic the action of a scissor's opening and closing. In the video, the creator purchases a used, slightly broken scissor lift for $3,000 to convert it into an elevator. The lift is capable of lifting 550 lb to a maximum height of 19 ft, which is essential for the bunker's needs.

💡Hydraulic Ram

A hydraulic ram is a type of linear actuator that uses hydraulic fluid to generate force. It is used in various mechanical systems, including elevators and lifts, to enable vertical movement. In the video, the scissor lift is powered by a hydraulic ram for rising and descending, which is a key component in transforming the lift into an elevator.

💡Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries are a type of rechargeable battery in which lead serves as the electrode material. They are commonly used in automotive and industrial applications. In the script, the creator mentions relocating four large 6VT lead acid batteries to power the scissor lift, which will later be upgraded to lithium for better longevity and lower maintenance.

💡Fiberglass Rebar

Fiberglass rebar, also known as glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) rebar, is a reinforcing material used in concrete construction. It is lighter and stronger than traditional steel rebar and does not rust. In the video, the creator uses fiberglass rebar from Corning to reinforce the concrete foundation for the elevator, highlighting its benefits over steel rebar.

💡Concrete

Concrete is a composite construction material made from a mixture of cement, fine and coarse aggregates, and water. It is widely used in the construction of buildings and infrastructure due to its strength and durability. In the video, the creator mixes and pours concrete to create a secure foundation for the elevator, emphasizing the importance of a strong base for the structure.

💡Leveling

Leveling refers to the process of adjusting or making something level or flat. In the context of the video, the creator adds adjustable leveling capability to the elevator to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently. This involves using an adjustable mounting bracket and all-thread rods to fine-tune the elevator's position.

💡Wheelchair Accessible

Wheelchair accessible design ensures that spaces and structures are usable by people with mobility impairments. In the video, the main goal of the project is to make the backyard bunker wheelchair accessible by installing an elevator. This is an important consideration for inclusivity and accessibility.

💡Kiwi Co

Kiwi Co is a company that provides educational and creative projects for children and teens. In the video, the creator mentions that the project is sponsored by Kiwi Co, which has sent him a 'Eureka crate' containing a two-in-one lantern, suitable for the bunker. The sponsorship highlights the video's educational aspect and Kiwi Co's mission to inspire creativity and learning.

💡OSH Cut

OSH Cut is a service that provides custom laser cutting and metal fabrication. In the video, the creator had an adjustable mounting bracket designed in SolidWorks and then laser cut and bent by OSH Cut for approximately $200. This service is essential for creating precise and custom parts for the project.

💡Safety

Safety is a critical aspect of any construction or engineering project, ensuring that the structure is secure and does not pose risks to users. In the video, the creator emphasizes safety by adding a lightweight aluminum platform to the elevator to prevent pinching and ensure a safe transportation of users, especially children.

Highlights

Installing an elevator in a backyard bunker using a tall, slightly broken scissor lift.

The project is sponsored by Kiwi Co, which provides hands-on projects for kids and teens.

A deep hole was previously dug in the backyard and storm water runoff pipes were installed.

A used broken scissor lift was purchased for $3,000 as an alternative to expensive elevators.

The scissor lift, a Snorkel S3219E, can lift 550 lb to a maximum height of 19 ft.

Modifications include removing unnecessary parts for space efficiency in the bunker.

The scissor lift is powered by a hydraulic ram and motors, with batteries relocated outside.

Lead-acid batteries will be upgraded to lithium for better longevity and less maintenance.

Fiberglass rebar from Corning is used for the elevator's concrete foundation due to its strength and light weight.

Safety measures include a custom aluminum platform to prevent pinching during elevator movement.

The elevator's adjustable leveling capability ensures stability and safety.

A secure foundation for the elevator requires a significant amount of concrete.

OSH Cut provided custom laser-cut and bent mounting brackets for precise elevator placement.

The completed elevator is wheelchair accessible and cost-effective, costing approximately $3,200.

Camry's first trip in the newly installed elevator marks a successful project completion.

The bunker's interior includes a master bedroom, exit shaft, and plans for a library or armory.

The bunker is designed to be powered by ecoflow batteries for sustainability.

The project showcases innovative repurposing of industrial equipment for a unique residential application.

Transcripts

00:02

welcome back to the backyard bunker

00:04

project today we're going to be

00:04

installing an elevator using an

00:06

extremely tall slightly broken scissor

00:11

[Music]

00:27

lift this is a really high this video is

00:32

sponsored by kiwi Co but more on them

00:33

later to catch you up to speed 6 months

00:36

ago I dug an incredibly deep hole in my

00:38

backyard I stuck two pieces of 12T

00:40

diameter storm water runoff pipes into

00:43

the dirt and then put the lawn back on

00:45

top easy peasy lemon squeezy there's a

00:48

whole seven episode series if you want

00:49

to get the dirty details and I'll leave

00:51

that playlist in the description today

00:53

though we're going to drop an elevator

00:55

into the shaft to make my backyard

00:57

bunker wheelchair accessible a regular

00:59

elev vors however are ridiculously

01:02

expensive for example the one I

01:03

installed in my living room costs over

01:06

$24,000 and this bunker has a budget so

01:09

to simplify things I found a used broken

01:11

scissor lift in the classifies for just

01:14

$3,000 and it goes up and down perfectly

01:16

great just the wheels are a little wonky

01:18

but we won't be needing those anyway and

01:20

fingers crossed it should get the job

01:22

done just

01:25

fine we are in the garage

01:30

this bad boy is the snorkel

01:32

s3219e and is capable of lifting 550 lb

01:36

to a Max height of 19

01:41

ft which is exactly what we're looking

01:45

for be

01:48

heavy it looks like there's a lip on the

01:50

back of this uh metal beam

02:03

and just like in that one martian movie

02:05

there are a lot of parts on this lift

02:07

that need to come

02:16

[Applause]

02:17

off not for weight Savings in our case

02:20

but more just to use our space down in

02:22

the bunker more efficiently

02:55

the Snorkel scissor lift is powered

02:56

using a hydraulic ram for rising up and

02:59

down and and four hydraulic motors one

03:01

on each

03:04

tire okay getting a little close there

03:07

to the garage door we need the ram

03:09

obviously but pretty much everything

03:11

else can

03:14

go we don't need those tires anymore and

03:17

we can just put plugs into the removed

03:19

hydraulic outputs in the

03:27

manifold we also don't need the entire

03:29

lower half of the scissor lift I'll be

03:31

relocating the four large 6vt lead acid

03:33

batteries we have plenty of room off to

03:35

the side underneath the

03:37

deck yeah that's awkward I'll be

03:39

upgrading these to lithium later for

03:41

better longevity lead acid requires too

03:43

much maintenance for a

03:47

bunker we also need to make sure it all

03:49

works down in the bunker hole first

03:51

before fine-tuning the final product if

03:53

we wait till it's perfect it'll never

03:55

get

03:57

done oh it's heavy

04:03

rides on there so that all the weight is

04:06

transferred on this Hub Centric piece

04:08

and all the bolts do is hold it

04:16

[Music]

04:18

tight the real reason we're modifying

04:20

the base is so we can add some

04:22

adjustable leveling capability to the

04:24

elevator an elevator that rises up at an

04:26

angle doesn't help us out very much and

04:28

would be dangerous

04:33

[Music]

04:48

[Music]

04:52

woo

05:14

[Music]

05:22

we have successfully turned a mobile

05:23

scissor lift into an immobile elevator

05:26

partially there's still a little bit

05:28

more we got to do

05:37

building a secure foundation for the

05:39

elevator also requires a lot of concrete

05:41

which we Port ourselves one interesting

05:43

thing that I found at my local Metal

05:45

Mart was while I was looking for rebar I

05:47

found something called fiberglass rebar

05:49

from Corning turns out the same company

05:51

that makes the glass on our smartphones

05:53

makes the concrete reinforcement that's

05:55

8% cheaper than steel while being two

05:58

times stronger than steel rebar and

06:00

seven times lighter all without rusting

06:03

without internal reinforcement concrete

06:05

will just crack and fall apart over time

06:07

the rides on the rebar and its grid

06:09

light structure will help hold the pad

06:11

together we know that our bunker tubes

06:13

are designed to last about 100 years

06:14

underground and I imagine this concrete

06:17

slab will now also be here for my

06:19

grandkids grandkids one additional thing

06:21

to keep in mind is that dry concrete

06:23

dust has some nasty stuff in it like

06:25

silica which can shred your lungs from

06:27

the inside which is not on my list of

06:30

things that sound fun so masks are

06:32

rather important we're mixing the dry

06:34

concrete with water to get an oatmeal

06:36

like consistency and then dropping it

06:38

down in the hole with some satisfying

06:40

splatters

06:44

[Music]

07:39

yeah just clean it up before the

07:41

concrete has time to harden I'll throw

07:43

in four steel ined mounting plates

07:46

that'll give us something to weld our

07:47

custom level or two once it does

07:50

dry these don't have to be perfectly

07:52

level yet and that part can come

07:55

later huge thanks to Kiwi Co for

07:57

sponsoring this video they've sent me

07:59

one of their Eureka crates which has a

08:01

two-in-one lantern inside which is

08:03

perfect for the bunker if you haven't

08:05

guessed already I'm a huge fan of

08:06

science and engineering and kiwi code

08:08

allows kids and teens of all ages to

08:10

experience Discovery and success with

08:13

monthly Hands-On projects of their own

08:15

these projects get delivered right to

08:16

your door designed by experts kiwo has

08:19

shipped more than 50 million crates to

08:21

more than 40 countries worldwide good

08:23

for ages 0 to 100 the fund Innovative

08:25

projects expand the mind with

08:27

constructive educational entertainment

08:30

like this two-in-one Lantern Camry and I

08:32

like to give these kiwo subscriptions

08:34

away for birthdays or holidays and

08:36

they're especially fun during the summer

08:38

when kids might not be in school glad I

08:39

have this Lantern to illuminate the

08:41

bunker during Camry's first trip

08:43

underground cuz first impressions are

08:45

important and I hope she likes it use

08:47

code Jerry rig to get 50% off your first

08:49

month with nine different lines there's

08:51

something fun for everyone kiwi cod.com

08:53

Jerry rig now that our twoin one Lantern

08:56

is finished let's get this deconstructed

08:58

and reconstructed elevator down in the

09:00

bunker so Camry can visit us for the

09:02

very first

09:04

time while we're waiting for the

09:06

concrete to dry we designed an

09:07

adjustable mounting bracket in solid

09:09

works and had it laser cut and bent for

09:12

about 200 bucks from OSH cut.com just

09:15

like we do with all of our other

09:16

projects the more perfect and square we

09:19

can make our mounting bracket now the

09:20

easier it will be when the elevator goes

09:22

into the shaft

09:25

[Music]

09:40

[Music]

09:52

the leveling ability comes from the 5/8

09:54

in diameter all thread and these two

09:56

massive nuts one on either side once the

09:59

whole metal brace is set down into the

10:00

Elevator Shaft we can use the bracket as

10:03

a template to weld and position the all

10:05

thread exactly where we need it the 5/8

10:07

in pipe is sitting inside a 1-in hole

10:10

with the plastic insert to make sure the

10:11

bracket is centered on the all thread

10:13

the extra wide spacing gives us a little

10:15

room for error not that I anticipate

10:18

making any mistakes and that extra

10:19

wiggle room will help make dropping the

10:21

scissor lift down onto the bolts easier

10:27

[Music]

10:36

go

10:52

[Applause]

11:17

and now that it's being done used as a

11:19

template we can weld that leveling

11:21

bracket to the base of the scissor lift

11:23

and cut away the temporary crossmembers

11:25

[Applause]

11:33

[Music]

11:41

[Applause]

11:42

[Music]

11:43

[Applause]

11:45

and finally the elevator is ready to

11:47

come out of the garage on its last

11:49

Voyage with all the excess metal removed

11:52

and the Hydraulics taken off I'd be

11:53

surprised if what's left weighs more

11:55

than 1,500 lb which is a cakewalk for

11:57

the tah Handler which can handle about

11:59

15,000 depending on how extended the

12:02

boom gets these tah handlers are pretty

12:04

much the most versatile pieces of

12:05

equipment on any construction site they

12:07

can even crab walk like a Hummer

12:25

[Music]

13:00

what are your thoughts right now Nate

13:01

it's going to

13:02

work okay how we looking just keep

13:09

coming all right start going slower go

13:12

slow keep looking at those two yep what

13:15

come up a

13:18

little there we go I'm on on both I'm on

13:21

both

13:24

down good is that it that's it take a

13:27

look at that

13:29

I'm excited we got an elevator first try

13:33

baby drop it let's go

13:36

drop that's the hard part done we have

13:38

an

13:39

elevator in the

13:41

bunker success and thanks to all that

13:44

planning and prep work we did earlier

13:46

the scissor lift fits extremely neatly

13:49

right on top of the all thread and now

13:51

we can tighten or loosen these nuts to

13:52

level Each corner of the unit to make

13:54

sure each platform is level with the

13:56

ground even after raising up 20 ft the

13:59

platform is bolted and leveled and since

14:01

safety is one of our top priorities

14:04

we've made a little special something

14:05

for the top I'm not worried about me or

14:08

Camry our hands we know where they're

14:10

going but for little kids we have to

14:12

make sure they don't get pinched on the

14:14

side of the walls as the elevator is

14:16

going up which is why we've made this

14:18

aluminum platform lightweight sits on

14:20

top and make sure that little kids can

14:22

stay safe during transportation and

14:26

using that same hydraulic pump hydraulic

14:28

ram and batteries that the scissor lift

14:30

came with along with a little ramp and

14:32

perfectly sized bolt-on platform there

14:34

is now a fully wheelchair accessible

14:36

elevator with access to my backyard

14:39

bunker all for about 3200 bucks and we

14:41

have a total of six bolts holding the

14:43

platform to the lift now all that's left

14:46

is Camry's first voyage underground all

14:49

right Camry you ready to go on the

14:50

elevator for the first time I'm ready to

14:52

go in the bunker for the first time okay

14:54

so grab that controller right there

14:56

bring the elevator up

15:00

okay and then stop it perfect does it

15:04

can it keep going it can go higher up

15:05

like 2 feet

15:10

higher oh

15:12

go a little Wiggly huh I'm a little

15:15

nervous about this especially cuz

15:16

there's like braks are going

15:19

on it's like wobbling right now okay oh

15:23

don't make it wobble it's going to make

15:24

my stomach drop we'll make it more

15:26

secure later I'm nervous does it just go

15:28

fast no super slow actually I feel like

15:29

it came up kind of fast it does go up

15:31

faster than it goes down

15:33

okay that's not bad yeah that's not

15:40

bad say goodbye to

15:46

civilization oh my god oh okay here we

15:50

are oh is this it does it go down any

15:52

lower no that's it it smells like a

15:55

bunker yeah come on in

15:59

okay oh this does not feel safe is this

16:01

safe you're fine 100%

16:10

safe

16:12

hey this brings a whole new like meaning

16:15

to you're in the dog house whatever this

16:18

is a great house what do you

16:24

think I'm still just taking it all in

16:27

it's bigger than I thought like this

16:28

this is kind of cozy I think I was

16:30

expecting it to be more like I don't

16:32

know creepy this is cool yeah this is

16:35

like B cave es is this did you think we

16:39

could do this what were your thoughts

16:41

when I when I mentioned the bunker

16:42

project I mean like anything else you'll

16:44

ask me to do something and I'll be like

16:45

yeah but I don't actually think it comes

16:47

to fruition so this is just kind of wild

16:49

that it's really here like it's so it's

16:53

so weird cuz I've seen the process I've

16:55

been watching out the window and then

16:57

it's buried and then I kind of forget

16:58

about it except for the one little like

17:01

entrance but like

17:03

it's it's really cool it's yeah I like

17:08

it still feel like I'm just taking it

17:10

all in like it's bigger than I imagined

17:13

like I don't feel claustrophobic down

17:14

here like it feels cool and cozy and

17:18

legit and so knowing there's a qu

17:20

million pounds of dirt above your head

17:21

doesn't bother bring up that aspect do

17:25

you want a

17:26

tour yeah okay

17:29

all right so over here in the far corner

17:32

is the master bedroom this is going to

17:34

be where you know people the you know

17:37

master bedroom

17:38

sleep and then there's the exit shaft

17:41

over there on the far side and so we're

17:43

going to have a dividing wall right here

17:46

it's so short it's the same as the other

17:48

side no I mean oh the yeah the ceiling

17:51

going to be like a little like hidden

17:53

door that opens up or something it just

17:55

seems so cool yeah I think so and then

17:58

up here in the top top we'll have either

17:59

like a library or like an Armory that

18:02

like folds down and then here's going to

18:04

be like a bunk room with bunk beds on

18:07

this side and then here at the middle

18:10

point where we welded both the pieces of

18:12

tube together is going to be the largest

18:14

TV you've ever seen and then Kitchen on

18:16

this side combustible toilet over there

18:19

whole thing powered by ecoflow batteries

18:22

and then like a couch and stuff over

18:23

here so it'll be even more cozy can't

18:26

wait to see it C to life and now you can

18:28

come down whenever you want probably

18:30

won't be that fre it's a little sketchy

18:32

getting down here little Dy bit well

18:35

want to finish this off thanks J for

18:39

watching we'll see you around

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