[Mizzle187]

OK I just got a Sentry 14 gun safe that weighs 475lbs and I want some opinions on moving it. First of all its going up stairs. The stairs its going up(about 12 of them) are concrete so Im not worried about them being able to handle it. What I am wondering is should 3 people with a nice strong dolly be able to handle this? Hopefully the door will come off the safe, Anyone know about Sentry safes? Any opinions or thoughts are welcome. Thanks!

[BigRobT]

I just moved a DPMS Panther style safe. It weighs 900 lbs. I had a unit made with wheels that the safe could fit in. No stairs, though. :)

3 Strong guys and an appliance dolly should do you just fine.

[P95Carry]

Somehow I doubt the door will come off. Mine doesn't tho not a Sentry - very similar tho.

Lot's of muscle can work, and well - but I would stress - beware the ''toppling moment'' - no fun when that heavy bulks goes over center and wants to fall! I recommend a discussed strategy rather than ''suck-it-and-see'' moving - such that co-ordinated small lifts are achieved safely.

Two guys using heavy webbing straps can also make things easier - and help avoid herniated disks!

Some folks hire a remover with special gear but costs can be $100 and up.

[a1abdj]

3 guys and an appliance dolly should move your safe up stairs without a problem.

Before moving the safe, make sure you discuss a few physics lessons with your helpers.

One guy on top. His job is more balancing, and less lifting. Two guys on bottom. They're the muscle doing most of the lifting. When they push, you want them pushing on the bottom of the safe so that it's not pushing the safe back into you at the top (if that makes any sense).

Work smarter, not harder...and take your time.

[lawdogso]

My Browning safe is a pain to move but once it's ther is looks good!
lawdogso

[MSgt B]

and I'm a semi-pro mover now.

3 guys and a dolly, no sweat. Just make sure everyone is pretty comfortable squating about 250 lbs.

Try to use a dolly with big soft tires on it, those little hard rubber casters are a pain going up stairs.

Look at your steps. Does the tread extend out over the face a little bit?

Don't let your buddies crack the beers open until everything is where you want it.

[Husker1911]

I've moved many safes. Three good men, with a plan, will do just fine. Use a good refrigerator cart, one man on top, two on the bottom, as a1abdj posted. The man on top needs to keep the safe no more than 45 degrees tilted back. Any more, he might have a safe on his lap! Slow, steady, and you'll do well.

[SpiderJohn]

The door comes off. Open the safe and lift the door. That takes about 100 pounds or more out of the equasion. It also gives you some handholds to lift the remainder. Two of us had no trouble once the Door was off. If the stairs are carpeted, it is easy to slide it up on it's back.

[Majic]

There are specialized stair climbing dollies that allows one man to move heavy objects up stairs and steps.

[Husker1911]

There are specialized stair climbing dollies that allows one man to move heavy objects up stairs and steps.
They require a little training to use. I don't know for sure, but have my doubts one could find one to rent. They work great if you know what the heck you're doing.

[Ala Dan]

We just moved a 565 lb Liberty Colonial Series safe into my home,
once inside we laid it down on the inside of the cardboard wrapping
and slid it into place. Its very easy when done properly; however
you will not be able to make any 90 degree turns using this type
of method.

[Skipper]

My 900 lb. Cannon was moved easily with two men from my appliance company with a heavy HAND TRUCK. Charge:$50. For tall stairs you'll just need that third man and you'll do fine.

SKIP

[mcg-doc]

I would call your local professional movers. They are bonded and experienced. Well worth your money and back pain.

[MechAg94]

The company I bought my safe from had one of those dolly's that can walk up the stairs. It still took two people, but no one had to lift it.

[Tall Man]

Mizzle, are you sure about the weight of your safe? I had a Sentry 10-gun safe that I know weighed 200 lbs. The 14 gun unit is nominally larger*, but you state yours weighs over twice as much as the 10 gun's rated (empty) weight. Just curious.

*I know this because I intended to purchase that very safe, but it was out of stock and I needed a safe post haste.

TM

[Mizzle187]

Yeah here is the safe Im getting-
http://www.sentrysafe.com/Products.asp?r=22&s=159

I plan on renting a stair stepper if possible or a big movers dolly. I will have probably 4 people who all are strong big boys and beer wont be an issue. Thanks for all the feedback. I figured it wouldnt be to difficult with a plan and the right tools!

[BigRobT]

Tall Man, is it possible that your safe isn't fire rated?? I know that's what added something like an extra 100+ lbs to mine.

[ball3006]

it will be lighter....................chris3

[Tall Man]

My safe was not fire rated, and I see that Mizzle's selection does have a fire-protection rating. That explains things. Thanks.

[HankB]

Be very, very sure you're not going to have a problem getting through any doors, negotiating any corners, etc. (Remember, if the door doesn't come off, the handle sticks out, too!)

THINK OUT and plan each move before you start it, so everyone is clear on who's going to do what - and when - at each stage.

Include the size of the dolly and how much the safe is tilted back (as you're wheeling it around) in your measurements.

[No_Brakes23]

I moved my Sentry "14" Gun Safe on my own with a moving dolly, (Hand truck for fridges, that is). That was only in the first floor, and I wouldn't recommend doing it solo. But 3 smart folks should be able to get it up stairs with a dolly.

By the way, it is more like a 10 gun safe unless you like playing a little game I like to call Rifle Tetris.

[jeremywills]

does uhaul or a place like that rent those stair friendly dollies?

just thinking aloud here

best of luck with this

[Mizzle187]

Rifle Tetris eh? Sounds promising! lol

[CB900F]

Fella's;

I sell & move safes for a living. Amused I am.

:p 900F

[pete f]

should be a breeze. we just moved and hung a 1300 welded steel stair case today with three guys and two come alongs.

[Majic]

They require a little training to use.
Not much training to just pulling a lever and rolling the dolly. I borrowed one and moved my 800lb safe up the steps of my front porch.

[aguyindallas]

Those special stair climbing dollies can be found by companies that move copiers too. I used to work for Lanier and we contracted AAA Cooper transportation to move some copiers. They have those special dollies. You might contact them to find out where you could rent one.

Aside from that, I think as stated many times....3 guys, a fridge dolly, and a plan will get it done.

[aerod1]

I moved mine (1000 lbs. +). Four guys (a truck driver, 2 pipefitters and a Dallas police officer) moved mine. None of us are considered weak. It was almost too big to get in my den. I had to remove the den door to get the safe in the room.
Pay the $100.00 because it is worth it.
I will NEVER do that again!!!

Jim