Limit Size for Safe Going Down Basement Stairs

[Blondie]

I have a basement that does not have a walkout - the only way down are some standard stairs (see the attached example). My question is, has anyone had a safe moved down similar unsupported stairs? How heavy a safe can I get? Do the installers brace these types of stairs before moving a 1,000 lbs safe down?

Blonde

 

[klcmschlesinger]

I did it myself - stupid

I moved around a 750 pound safe down the stairs by myself. They are carpeted, and yes the stairs are braced as I told the carpenters to do as we built the house. I laid it down, very carefully and allowed it to slide down the stairs with me underneath it. As I said, stupid, but it worked.

 

[frankenstein406]

Get some 2x6s as long as the length of the stairs. Lay them down to spread the weight out.

 

[rondog]

I don't have the stones or the strength to try anymore. And our stairs have a landing 1/2 way, and a 180* turn. Scares me just to think about it. I would DEFINITELY hire professionals if it were me! But I want my safe in the garage, so I don't have to schlep all my guns up and down the stairs every time I go shooting.

 

[Blondie]

Just to clarify - I do plan to hire professionals for the move - I just thought there is still probably a limit on the size of safe that will go down the stairs.

 

[a1abdj]

We usually limit the weight to 1,000 pounds of safe weight. In our case, there is an additional 200 pounds worth of machine, and 300 pounds +/- of man weight.

Since we are using a machine, we can get away with going on the high side, since there isn't much movement on the stairs. If the movers are moving it by hand and bouncing it around, 1,000 pounds is too much.

Bracing the stairs is always a good idea, and doesn't need to be fancy. A few 2x4s running from floors and screwed into the stringers will usually work.

 

[Guns and more]

My safe movers said they no longer do stairs.
There is the weight of the safe, the dolly and the people in the move.

I think the best way is to lay 2x6's down the stairs, lay the safe back, put a rope around the safe vertically, and lower it carefully. Carpet or towels help to save the paint from scratches. If the stairs are open, devise a way to loop the rope around the top stair so you use friction to help slow the decent.
I would not put anyone under the safe as a "catcher". 800# on the loose is a big danger.
Be creative, If there is a door at the top of the stairs, run the rope outside and attach to car or tree.

 

[a1abdj]

I just looked at the photo.

It looks like the top of the stairs runs close to an exterior wall. This may make it difficult to run a machine with a safe on it down the stairs.

Since you have a walk out basement, your best option is probably to bring it across the yard. You'll get the added bonus of not being limited by weight.

 

[skykid]

A1 he doesn't have a walkout
Blondie do you have a bulkhead door going into the basement
sometimes you can remove the stairs and lower the safe in that way
I've done it moving pool tables and other equipment

 

[nyresq]

Some safes have a threaded hole in the top that will allow you to run an eye bolt into the safe body to secure a rope to it.
Lay a couple 2x6's down the stairs (full length) and slide the safe down on its back. This will spread the load over more then one or two steps and allow you to keep the added weight of people off the steps using the rope to lower it. I have moved two safes this way and it was pretty easy to hold the load with a rope. If your safe doesn't have the hole in the top, you can make a sling using some heavy rope or an automotive tow strap.

And if the underside of the steps are accessible as in the picture, a couple of supports placed under the midway part of each stringer wont hurt. A couple pieces of the 2x6's standing under the midsection will help to take the weight.

 

[rcmodel]

if the underside of the steps are accessible as in the picture, a couple of supports placed under the midway part of each stringer wont hurt.

+1

Shore it up with some strategically cut to length and deck-screwed in 2"x4" or 2"x6" supports under the stringers.

The more the merrier!

rc

 

[Rembrandt]

Took mine down similar stairs, it weighed 1500 lbs. Removed the door (600lbs) and wrapped the (900 lb) safe's outside with carpet to protect the paint. Screwed a couple 2"X12"'s over the steps making it a slide, then added a couple props under the stairs for additional support. Tied a rope around the main "box" and let gravity do the rest....with three guys feeding the rope. After it slid to the bottom of the stairs, tilt it up, rehang the door and you're done.

 

[JMSUN]

I helped put a safe into a basement once that I think was in the range of 1100 lbs. We put planks down on the steps and lowered it down with a rope wrapped around a pipe across the top of the door. (It was a solid door frame and it was a brick house.) The steps were old heavy duty oak steps so there was no need for bracing as there may well be on a lighter stair case. With the rope it took one man to hold the rope and one to guide the safe. we ran the end of the rope back downstairs after going around the pipe, and wrapped it around a post to make sure but I am pretty sure that the extra friction was not needed. It went down as smooth as you please. I just would not want to try and take it back out!