Lifting device

Sandy-Feet

I know there are a number of Brew In A Baggers out there.
For the first time ever today, I could not lift the bag. Well, actually I could, but it took both hands, and I could not put my grill grate under the bag without help. I brew outside under a canopy, so I really can't rig up a pully system. Do any of y'all know of any compact, reasonably priced devices that would work on the loops of my bag to pull it out of the water? And, if they are out there, where I could purchase a device like this?

Minbari

this is what I use.  you just need another pulley to double the lifting ability.
https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-Nor...89&sprefix=ractching+hois,aps,185&sr=8-3&th=1
couple that with some U-channel and a trolly and you can lift and move it over really easy.

MaxStout

BIABer here.
Seconded on the ratchet pulley.
I built a BIAB rig a few years ago, I can roll it in and out of the garage.

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Yours doesn't have to be as elaborate. A simple A-frame built from scrap 2x4s would do fine. You could also rig the pulley under a tall folding ladder.

Zambezi-Special

I brew small batches (3 gallons) in my kitchen and concocted this thing because I had a similar problem. Lifting the bag wasn’t too much of a pain, but doing without creating a mess was challenging. This thing lets me drain, squeeze and lift the bag mess free.

MaxStout

Small batch here.
I pull and put in a colander over a seperate pot.
For your situation I though maybe a tripod would work? With pulleys

Donoroto

When I brew 5 gallon batches indoors on the stovetop, I use a DIY drainer thing I cobbled together from a plastic food-grade bucket, some stainless bolts and scraps of sheet metal. I got tired of using a large colander, as it had holes in the side which allowed wort to trickle down the sides (and onto my countertop). The bucket thing just has holes drilled in the bottom and it sits slightly below the rim of the kettle.

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Sandy-Feet

A simple tripod from 2x4s gives you the 'sky hook' you'll need, as would an A-frame ladder. I use something similar to this this non-ratcheting pulley setup. It uses two double pulleys and a length of decent poly rope, and I can lift my 5-gallon malt pipe with one hand easily.

Donoroto

Interesting ideas. I had somebody tell me today that Harbor Freight has some nice toys, so I may go look there too. Thanks y'all.

Sandy-Feet

Three 2x4 studs ...a foot of all thread ..couple of bolts and a couple of 1/2" pulleys and you are on your way.  Just make sure to anchor the feet...you don't need a leg kicking out with 40 pounds of wet mash dangling over a pot of hot wort!  A cleat or something like this will be nice to hold things in place.

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Donoroto

Caveat Emptor. Their tools are often 'cheap' in all senses of the word.
Some items are so simple in construction that they cannot be made too crappy. Like an anvil, tarps, some hand tools - you can usually tell..
Other items are made well enough but relatively expensive (but still less costly than well-known name brands), you'll get some service from them but they won't last as long as the name brands. I will say their high-end alkaline batteries are a good buy. I also have a set of cobalt drill bits that have really lasted. My brick saw is fiddly but it's cut hundreds of bricks with ease.
However many items are junk, because you get what you pay for. Like the screwdriver that I swear had a lead tip, it stripped itself almost immediately. Saw blades that un-sharpen in minutes. Screws for wall anchors that strip out when you try to tighten them.
I often will buy a tool for a single job. If it gets through that job, I consider any subsequent use as a bonus. I estimate I have a thousand dollars worth of their tools, maybe more.

MaxStout

I like the ladder idea. When I get some time, I might play around out back with it.