Why I Invented the RafterPacker Joist Hanger
The RafterPacker is a strong steel spring joist hanger. It is one of those inventions that makes you reflect — not just on the product, but on the years poured into it. Honestly, I wish I’d never started this journey. It’s been a beating. But somewhere in the mess of failures, I did create a hanger that works.
The Early Designs: Total Flops
Every time I thought I had a winner — usually some version of an L bracket — I’d test it on a joist setup at work. And every time, it failed. Couldn’t hold weight. I doubled up the bracket, and it finally held about 30 pounds. Progress, but nowhere near a viable product.
To make each hanger, I had to bend steel with a brake, drill holes, and mount two brackets per box. It was too expensive, too complicated, and not scalable. I knew people wouldn’t pay for something that costly.
The Turning Point
Despite the setbacks, I got excited. The hanger worked. Not perfectly, not efficiently — but it worked. I was stubborn (Taurus, after all) and kept pushing. Eventually, I landed on a design that could sell and actually do the job.
A Bit of Help
While running a marina in St. Charles, Missouri, I met a guy with several patents. He looked at my prototype and gave me tips. He saw potential but also pointed out how many steps were needed before it could ship. Still, I believed I was on the verge of something big — maybe even millionaire territory.
Turns out, I was wrong. Very wrong. But the journey taught me everything.
Lessons Learned from the Journey
All and all these joist hangers do what I need them to do…lol
Why, why, why. I was doing just fine. I had a restaurant Sportsbar, and a Marina. I think it is just part of being an entrepreneur. I did sell quite a few, but nothing like I had visioned after all the years I spent making these Rafterpacker hangers.
Everything I invent comes to tuition years in the future. I hope you end up finding a use for a good spring joist hanger. By for now.
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