Comments on: How to move a heavy safe by myself?

By: Sara Propst

Sara Propst — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 21:26:47 +0000

So one thought take the door off ! Our door weighed a good 125lbs . Once we done that safe wasnt so bad. I have looked at several sites no one mentions this as long as u can open it you can remove the door.

By: Fran Cording

Fran Cording — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 21:25:26 +0000

In reply to Harry. Your experience is exactly why I called and asked if they had appropriate moving equipment to move my 400 (est.) pound safe over my wood floors. All they wanted was more info from me without answering my question. I thought they would show up with the wrong equipment and ruin my wood floors. Still trying to solve how to move this safe.

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 18:23:41 +0000

I just moved my 750 pound antique safe (24″x24″x36″) for the second time. The first time, it took 5 hours with a friend just to get it off the truck and into the house. This is because I had NO PLAN AT ALL! After carefully calculating, I pulled it up a staircase, using a 2×10 as a ramp, and a “comealong” to ratchet it up. I can not stress enough using QUALITY HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT, and screwing big screw eyes into wall studs! Also welding the screw eye closed was absolutely necessary, as it began to open with each crank of the handle. I also used 3 screw eyes screwed into 3 different studs with a chain threaded through all three just in case one came out. This destroyed the beautiful paint, as I should have used wood closet poles as rollers to reduce friction, like I did the second time! Wood rollers have “give” that steel does not…just seems like a better, cheaper, easier, option. Once upstairs, it was on it’s side. I made a gantry out of 2×4’s and used the “comealong” to upright it.
I can not stress enough to ALWAYS STAY ABOVE THE SAFE!!! If anything fails…the safe will be in the basement, and you will be under it!
I had one friend help me (with his truck) help me move it from one house to the other. The two moves upstairs, and one downstairs, I performed by myself. Not the best plan, because if something went bad…nobody would have found me until it was too late!
Although I had a plan for each move (up and down the staircase) each move presented problems that I did not expect. You must have a “problem solving” mindset to take on such a task! If you have any doubt in yourself…PAY A PROFESSIONAL! As mentioned above…not all professionals are professional!
Brute force is not your friend! Use your brain. Use levers, ratchieting devices (they hold the weight while you think about the problem you just encountered!), and secure anchors, preferrably redundant ones!

By: John Moore

John Moore — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 17:08:58 +0000

In reply to Jody Legendre. Well, most people can't do 10 push-ups and the average American weighs 177 lbs. So using these two random facts, I'd assume most people can't support more than 200 lbs for more than a few seconds. No one should be moving any appliances alone, let alone a large gun safe.

By: Jody Legendre

Jody Legendre — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 22:10:57 +0000

How much should a safe weigh so that it cannot easily be moved by one person? Or two people?

By: Sam Li

Sam Li — Fri, 03 May 2019 20:28:02 +0000

I like what you said about implementing proper handling techniques in order to stay secure while moving a heavy safe. I think it’s best to hire a professional service that can ensure that your safe is transported in a stable manner. My friend is looking to relocate his gun safe, so I’ll help him find a safe moving company that can take care of his needs.

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 18:15:48 +0000

I have moved my 900lb safe several times. It is a major challenge and not for everyone. First I use 3 1.75inch steel pipes cut to the width of the safe. With three helpers we carefully tilt the safe and place one pipe halfway under the safe. Now we tilt the opposite direction and place a second pipe under the safe. Now the safe will roll on the pipes. Place the third pipe in front of the safe in direction you are rolling. As the safe moves off the pipe keep moving the free pipe to the front. I also use plywood sections to protect flooring. This technique will move the safe to most areas but a dolly will be needed in some cases. For this I first wrap the safe in bubble wrap and cardboard. I rent a dolly rated for 1000lbs. These dollies have wheels for the weight to tilt back on. Using large straps secure the dolly to the safe. Again have helpers you will need more then two people. Loading onto a moving truck is scary with a steep ramp. I prefer a low ride trailer if possible. I will add my next move I will hire professional safe movers due to my age the possibility of getting injured is too big o f a risk. 900lbs could be a fatal accident. Good luck!! This is not a fun job.

By: Ten Ring

Ten Ring — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 14:48:32 +0000

Great article Ethan, definitely do not underestimate how difficult it is to move an 800lbs+ gun safe! I had a “Professional” moving company tell me “No problem, we move these things all the time!” They showed up with an appliance dolly; well let me tell you something: An 800lb gun safe is not a refrigerator! Three BIG guys “walk” it onto the dolly, strap it on and tilt it back-and it twisted the dolly like it was made of tin foil! The guys who originally delivered it knew what they were doing: they had a proper “Safe” dolly, an A-frame dolly with 4 wheels. It will cost more to have a safe mover do the job, but believe me, it’s worth it! Ask for recommendations at a lock shop or gun shop or call the manufacturer of your safe.

By: Harry

Harry — Sat, 21 May 2016 18:47:41 +0000

Be advised!
I just had a professional safe and vault moving com move my 1860 lb. Safe. I told them, “make sure to bring a pallet jacl, just the ticket!. I was informed they are “Professionals” at moving big heavy safes!. They showed up with four boys and a Dolly!. So a 15 min job with a pallet jack turned into a 4+ hour nightmare just moving it only 10ft. from the front door and out!. Now I’m going to have to take it in to get repainted!. And when one slams a heavy safe down with a Dolly,that IS NOTgood on the door hindges. For these “Professional” safe & vault Movers,,,,In my case, ” Be professional, bring the equipment for the job!. 4 hours at $800.00?, And look what the “Professionals did to the once beautiful paint job on it!!!. Everyone!, Be Advised!