How To Move A Gun Safe? - Robert's Defense

Gun safes come in all different shapes and sizes. The small ones are obviously easy to transport. However, those monster 1200-pound heavy-duty gun safes are tricky to move.

First of all, you will need to think about how to move your safe safely and without causing any damage before you move it around your house. I’m going to give you a few tips on how to move a safe depending on what resources you have and how far you need to move it.

If you’d like to attempt to move the safe yourself, it’s not as difficult as you may think. Even a guy like me can usually move an 800lb safe with a good refrigerator dolly. Safes upwards of 2,000 lbs are another beast.

Stairs are a different matter. You have to have a strap – never leave someone underneath the safe. A really easy way the, the easiest way I’ve seen that it’s done is with a tow strap wrapped around the shoulders of two strong guys, and it works pretty easily; it works pretty well.

But the standard way is a refrigerator dolly. I’ve also known people that have moved their safes on golf balls, but they have dented their wooden floors.

I’ve known other people that have rolled their safes on PVC pipe, which works. I’ve known other people that have rolled their safes on PVC pipe, which works safe moving.

Things To Keep In Mind While Moving A Gun Safe

Moving a heavy gun safe with a refrigerator dolly is an efficient option. Have at least two strong people who know how to move heavy objects on hand.

An unsecured safe can cause injuries if it slides downstairs, and you could be crushed. Even though moving a safe may seem difficult, it’s really not.

Another option is to use a towing strap and a couple of strong people. Using the strap, two people physically lift the safe off the ground and carry it to the location where it needs to be.

Moving A 1200-Pound Gun Safe

In this part of the guide, I will show you how professionals move big affordable gun safes from one place to another. For this demonstration, I will be moving a 1200-pound gun safe from one store to another. You will need two or three people for this job.

First of all, you will need to remove all shelving to avoid damage during transportation. Plaster or plywood are typically used for gun-safe shelving.
Rollers will help you move the safe to a more spacious position outside the niche so that you can wrap it.
Add rollers to make this big guy glide on a carpeted floor while you tie it down with heavy-duty tie-downs.
As soon as the safe has been moved to its ideal location, protect the handguns gun safe with cardboard, moving pads, and shrink wrap.
It will help prevent scratches and damage to the dial, spindles, and finish of the safe.
Your gun safe can now be attached with hydraulic tools and rolled onto the moving van. You will need to use a powerful winch to lift the safe.
You will need to perform the reverse process for unloading at the destination. Once the gun safe is safely positioned, remove the padding and safely place it where the customer has requested.

Job done!

Tips For Moving A Gun Safe On Your Own

The bulkiness and weight of a gun safe make moving a gun on your own very challenging. In addition to their fire protection features and military-style locking bars, high-end safes are extremely valuable once they’re in place; however, getting them inside in the first place can be a challenge.

A professional moving company with experience with safe moves is the safest bet!

If you do have to move your gun safe nightstand on your own, here are some tips for moving a heavy safe without causing injury or damage to your home or safe.

Preparation Is Key

Getting the right tools and equipment for moving a safe is essential. The most important thing is to have a plan in place.

First of all, you will need to ensure that you can actually transport the safe through narrow spaces. If doorways or tight areas exist, make sure to measure them before you walk through the house.
Be sure the staircase is strong enough to carry the safe’s weight.
During the move, empty your safe of its valuable contents so it will be lighter and less likely to be damaged.
If you plan to move your safe safely, make sure to have sturdy appliances, dolly, ropes, and thick moving blankets, along with support straps or ropes.
When renting a safe from an equipment rental company, you will need to know how big and how heavy it is.
To reduce the risk of slipping while moving the safe, wear shoes with good traction and comfort that fit close to the foot.
Ensure your hands are protected and provide a good grip on the moving and safe equipment with high-quality work gloves.
If you want to move your safe to another home or business, make sure you use a vehicle that can handle the weight and size of the safe.

Be sure that the safe is closed and locked before you begin moving it. Protect it with moving blankets to help prevent damage. Ensure the blankets are taped in place, so they don’t fall or cause you to trip.

Carefully and slowly tilt the safe with the help of your friends, then slip the dolly beneath its bottom. Before moving along your pre-planned path, secure the safe to the dolly with ropes or straps. When loading a moving truck with a safe, use the ramp to roll the dolly up.

Position the safe against a side of the truck and securely strap it so it won’t move throughout the trip. You can unload and move your safe safely into its new location, whether it is within your home or elsewhere, by simply reversing your steps.

Safety In Numbers

If you’re moving it between rooms in the same room, it can be tempting to move the safe on your own. You run the risk of your safe tipping over.

Make sure someone helps move the portable gun safe across the room or down the hall. I recommend having at least three strong friends available who can physically handle this difficult task.

Do Golf Balls and PVC Pipes Work?

Some people have reported moving safes with golf balls or PVC pipes online. What about those options? Do they really work?

In the opinion of our professional safe installer, golf balls are bad for safes. Although your safe would roll easily on top of a bed of golf balls, they are notorious for damaging floors.

You can damage your flooring by putting too much pressure on these small, focused areas, which can leave dents, scratches, and even cracked tiles. It also won’t work on the carpet (golf balls sink too deep and stop rolling) or on floors of varying heights.

Although there are risks associated with PVC pipe, it is a viable option. It’s easier to roll the safe with the pipe as weight is distributed over a larger area. Although your safe is protected, there is always the possibility that you will lose control of it and injure yourself. You can also damage it or your home.

Final Words

Some gun safe installers replace PVC pipes with long, rectangular bars. Its bottom is cushioned so that it cushions your floors, and it has a smooth surface on top that allows heavy objects like safes to slide right along.

These bars will be laid out systematically, pushing the safe along the track and then retracting the bars behind it, so they are front and center of the safe’s path. Getting your hands on a set of these bars, or making your own, will help you move your safe a little easier.

It’s best to use professionals when moving your safe. I recommend that you do not move a safe on your own.

For more information about moving a heavy safe, talk to your local dealer and find a safe-moving company with a lot of experience. And now you know the best ways to move a gun safe. Stay safe!