We decided to go about replacing the chandelier in our 2 story entry way. The bottom of the existing chandelier is about 12-14 ft off the ground. I am guessing it weighs about 20 lbs. I am fortunate that the previous homeowner had a chandelier lift installed so it can easily be lowered down for cleaning.

The new chandelier probably weighs 40-45lb.

The challenge is getting the new chandelier up to where it would get hooked onto the chain that is connected to the chandelier lift cable. That hook assembly is 12 ft up.

I am thinking of dropping another cable down through the hole in the ceiling to lift the chandelier into position so I can hook it up to the lift chain.
Am I missing something obvious and would make this easier?
Appreciate any comments.

 

It depends on your situation. If you have access above and can drop a rope or cable to pull the new chandelier up. Without a helper you can pull the chandelier up higher than needed. Then attach it to the permenant hanger chain. Then go back up above and gently lower the chandelier until the permenant chain takes the weight. Then go back down below and remove the temporary lift rope/cable. Then go back up above and pull up the temporary lift rope. You might be able to count this as exercise. A helper could reduce the cardio portion with one person above doing the lift cable work and someone below hooking up the fixture.

I use a ladder or scaffolding and just lift the chandelier. I use a short piece of light rope tied to the ladder or scaffold to support the weight while I work. You have to bring in the ladder/scaffolding but you don't have to do all the up/down/up/down/up/down as with your drop a rope/cable method.

 

Usually those chandelier lifts have more cable onboard allowing it's hook to come lower.

 

You are saying the lift only comes down 2 feet; ceiling 12-14 feet hook comes to 12 feet? That seems to defeat the whole purpose of having a lift unless you have a 10 foot chandelier. I would look at the lift and see why it doesn't come down lower.

 

I probably didn't describe my situation very well. Bottom of existing chandelier is about 12-14 ft up. With the lift fully lowered, the bottom is about 3 ft off of the ground but the chain above it to the cup that rests against the ceiling when fully up is still 12 ft in the air.

I did figure it out though. Installed a new chain that reached from the hook to the chandelier, about 12 ft, and used a come along to raise the chandelier to where it needs to be on the chain. Opened a link and shortened the chain to the correct length.

Once I thought it through, it wasn't as difficult as I expected. Thanks

 

Good job. Thanks for letting us know how you made out.