We have move coming up, and a post in the “Tool Epiphany” thread got me thinking.
What are the best tools to use when moving the various items that tradesmen (especially remodelers) need to move. I would think that these tools would also work for a general move from house to house of all a person’s belongings.
I’ll start it off with a question- We have a big DR hutch that we will have to move yet again. I’m thinking of either the Forearm Straps or Shoulder Dolly for this. They both seem much better than brute force.
Anybody have experience they want to share?
Replies
The best tools for moving? Small pictures of dead presidents.
Jon
I watched the appliance movers use something similar to the shoulder harness that you linked. They had to install a double oven that looked like it weighed about the same as a small car, damn thing was heavy.
Those shoulder harness' did the trick. They were able to lift it in the middle and insert it into the opening rather easily because of those straps. I don't think the forearm straps would have done the trick as well. It allowed them to pick it up without having to bend all the way over and lift it from the bottom, which will kill your back fast.
Made me think about getting a set of them for when we have to carry heavy cabinets up the steps.
I know this ain't much but all I got!
Doug
Cheap Harbor freight dollies are real handy.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
I bought a pair of the forearm dollies for when we have to move appliances during a remodel... it's incredible how something so simple can work so well. We carry full size fridges like they were coolers.
PaulB
Like Doug, I had an appliance delivered and they used the shoulder dolly's and they moved it as quickly as they walked. The were going around the back of the house in through a walk in basement and I said why not a two wheeler and they said the shoulder dolly was much faster and easier. They allow you to stand up straight and take the weight with your legs, all you need to do is balance the item side to side which looks fine. I'm probably going to get a pair next time I relocate.
A lot of the appliance stores around here seem to be using the shoulder dolly now and like them
Another thing we use a lot in our company for moving stuff in and out of spots is the air sled
How do you like the air sled??? Any cons to it? Every time we move an appliance I wonder about getting one.Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
The only con that I can think of is that it only works over hard floors, but they have teflon type strips included to to work on carpet.It's really nice for moving appliances into or out tight places, without worrying about the floor getting scratched.I really like it, especially the older I get. :)
Barry E-Remodeler
I've got the " Forearm Forklift" which I used recently to move the stuff out of a 1bdrm apt as well as three fridges elsewhere. They transfer the weight of the object closer to your elbow so it seems lighter. Your hands are free so they can be used to provide balance and stability. I used a single strap by myself to take out small bar fridge and found it was much easier than when I carried it in several days earlier with brute force only (in the dark, through the snow, over the ice etc). Haven't tried the Shoulder Dolly but regular dollies are certainly very usefull. Flat twine might be helpful as well. The larger local UHaul location here sells or rents these things as well as boxes, blankets, tape etc.
Edited 3/23/2008 7:45 pm ET by sisyphus