Stay Safe: Your Guide to How to Move a Gun Safe
As a safe gun owner, you know the importance of a gun safe to keep your family and children out of harm’s way. Gun safes, however, can also be dangerous. Gun safes used to protect assault rifles can weigh between 500-800 pounds, making their transport a difficult task.
In fact, people can die from improperly moving a safe. This very thing occurred in 2014, when a 19-year-old mover was crushed to death when attempting to move a safe.
With gun safes even reaching upwards of 1,000 pounds, it becomes even more important to learn how to properly move a gun safe.
How to Move a Gun Safe
You’ll inevitably need to move your gun safe. Whether this move is from one bedroom to another, or even to a new home across the country, it’s important to know how to move a gun safe while remaining safe. Keep reading for five helpful tips for moving a gun safe.
1. Know What You’re Handling
Each gun safe is different. They differ in dimensions, weight, and handling capabilities. You need to know your safe’s dimensions and weight so you can use appropriate equipment. It’s also helpful for foreseeing any potential difficulties in moving it from one location to another.
For example, is the safe too wide to fit through the door, so it needs to be turned in a particular direction? Are there gadgets or knobs that extend out and may snag on furniture or door frames?
Knowing the dimensions and weight of your safe is essential to anticipating any issues and properly executing the move.
2. Prepare Your Workspace
First and foremost, it’s important to remove the guns and place them in a secure location. Guns will add to the weight of the safe and may even move around in the safe if left in there, making transport more difficult.
You’ll then need to lay down blankets and durable materials on the floor (such as Masonite wood) to help glide the safe and prevent it from damaging floors.
If you want to keep your safe unscathed, you may also consider wrapping it in plastic or blankets to avoid damaging it during the move.
3. Find 3+ Helpers and a Path
Make sure you know exactly the path you are taking to move the gun safe. Be sure to move any obstacles from the way.
Using at least three helpers and a heavy-duty furniture dolly or machinery skate, you can load the safe onto the dolly and safely transport it to its new location. For a refresher course on the best way to operate a dolly, click here.
Don’t Risk It
A heavy safe is something you should not underestimate. These steps outline how to move a gun safe, but it’s important to know your limits. If you cannot find at least three helpers or don’t have the proper equipment (and the knowledge to use it), do not attempt the move. Consider hiring professional movers instead.
For more tips on moving heavy machinery and tools to help you during your move, check out our blog today.
