The EASY Way to Move a Safe Up or Down stairs

[chiselchst]

I've researched moving a safe upstairs on gun forums, and didn't find much useful help. However when I did a YouTube search, I learned of stair climbing dolly's. Then I called around, and Cresco Rentals has them. A light duty unit at 650 lbs. max, and a HD unit (forget the max weight, but is impressive).

I rented their LD stair climbing dolly ($74 for 4 hours, $100 a day), and it went very well. I climbed 2 exterior steps, my front door step, and 7 interior steps. Made it quite easy with only two people. Safe weighed ~600 lbs. with the door removed..

If you have to move a safe up or down stairs, I highly recommend the rental of a stair climbing dolly. Cresco has the Powermate line. Worked very nicely...

They're on the West Coast, I'm sure other rental Co's elsewhere have them too..

Anyways, just wanted to share that...

http://www.crescorent.com/

The powermate website http://www.powermate.info/

PS (I have a Sturdy Safe, which the door can easily be removed and reinstalled without any alignment issues whatsoever. My door weighed about 1/3 of the total safe weight, and made the job much easier. However, I have read were some gun safe manufactures do not recommend the removal of their door, for alignment issues? So if if you have a light duty safe, or one that is not built well, I've heard the door should not be removed. Check with your safe manufacture).

 

[a1abdj]

There are rental companies that have them, but it's pretty rare.

The machines are very expensive, and very easy to damage. There is also the potential liability involved. I'm in the St. Louis area, and there is large number of rental yards. None of them rent them.

I certainly don't have a problem with somebody renting the proper equipment to do the job, but you should be familiar with the risks involved so that you don't kill yourself. Renting a machine you've never used and running an 800 pound safe down your basement stairs isn't the best time to learn.

 

[chuckusaret]

I rented their LD stair climbing dolly ($74 for 4 hours, $100 a day), and it went very well. I climbed 2 exterior steps, my front door step, and 7 interior steps. Made it quite easy with only two people. Safe weighed ~600 lbs. with the door removed..

I had a local moving and storage company move mine at a cost of one hour of labor $60 x 2 men= $120 plus a $10 tip. They were insured and responsible for any and all damage that might have occured.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

If wood framed (likely) I would closely examine any interior steps before placeing any weight over 600lbs on them includeing the men involved and weight of the dolly. some supports may be wise to install, just temporary will do consult a capenter friend.