Originally Posted By: kmcmahon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m assuming it’s some sort of repair device to pull in the walls but it’s located in the middle of the attic. I’m perplexed?? The attic/roof is pyramidal in design.
Originally Posted By: bking This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I saw one like that but had even more heavy duty lumber and hardware, the rod went into the concrete foundation. I found out the original owner/builder worked at a lumber yard and probably had an engineer friend that spec’d that design. Must have been some news reports about 50-60 years ago about a roof getting blown off somewhere. There are actually some houses being built well these days too. (but not many really)
Originally Posted By: mcyr This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Kevin;
I saw this many years ago, where my father had this set up to support an eye hook below the ceiling to hook up a chain fall to work on equipment.
I also seen it to support a ceiling carrying beam that was spanning in the opposite direction. This type of support, exerted, extreme lateral pressures to the outside walls. Haven't seen this situation in a long time.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Definitely looks like some type of hanger, maybe for a very heavy fixture or ceiling beam. Looks like it’s missing a tie across the bottom, like a bolted wood member.
I'm surprised curiosity didn't get the better of ya ... enough to venture out on the joists and see what the vertical rod was connected to ... 
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong