How can I hang a barn Rafter that is 47ft long by my self.?

Question

I am trying to build my barn by my self and I need to know how I can hang the rafters up by my self I done got the poles in the ground and the fram now it is time to hang the rafters and Im not sure how to get those BIG things up there any suggestions will be greatly helpfull.

Answer 1

Setting rafters efficiently is a two-man job. About the only way to do it yourself would be to carry it up to the ridge, nail it, then go back down and nail the tail to the wall, which I've done with smaller rafters but, you're talking about 47' rafters, trying to do this by yourself is just irresponsible. If you don't have anyone to help you, take out an ad for a day laborer or something.

Answer 2

That's a long rafter. We have worked up long beams before by lifting and supporting one end at a time. Sometimes stacking cement blocks under as we lifted it up. I don't know what you have to use . Maybe a winch or jack. or maybe a rope or cable over something like the wall and pull with a car or tractor. If by yourself be very careful and every time you move it up a little make sure you support it so it can't come down on your head. A crane of course is better and faster but I assume you don't have this option.