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!
Got a Gun Safe-Need Opinions on Moving
- Thread starter Mizzle187
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BigRobT
Member
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.
3 Strong guys and an appliance dolly should do you just fine.
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
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.
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
Member
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.
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
Member
My Browning safe is a pain to move but once it's ther is looks good!
lawdogso
lawdogso
17 years in the military
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.
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
Member
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
Member
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.
Husker1911
Member
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.Majic said:
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
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.
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
Member
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
SKIP
mcg-doc
Member
I would call your local professional movers. They are bonded and experienced. Well worth your money and back pain.
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
*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
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!
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
Member
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.
HankB
Member
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.
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
Member
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.
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
Member
does uhaul or a place like that rent those stair friendly dollies?
just thinking aloud here
best of luck with this
just thinking aloud here
best of luck with this
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