Sheer-leg.
(Hoisting.) Sheer-legs were employed in lieu of scaffolding in the erection of the Crystal Palace building at Sydenham, 1851. Two poles were placed upright and connected at top by a cross piece; the whole being steadied by guys. The columns were hoisted into a vertical position by a rope and pulley, and held until they were bolted to their bases. When two columns had been fixed in position, a connecting piece was attached to each end of the girder, which was raised by the same means and bolted on to the tops of the columns.