Using a dolly helps lift heavy objects up the stairs.
Taking heavy objects up and down the stairs in your home is a challenging task that also contains risks. Without the correct method of lifting the heavy object, it's easy to drop it, which can result in injury to someone below and damage to your walls and the object itself. A dolly allows you to carry heavy objects with ease.
Dolly
A moving dolly is an L-shaped device with two rubber tires. The horizontal base of the dolly is a solid sheet of metal and is used to hold the bottom of the heavy object you are carrying. The vertical structure on the dolly is made of metal pipes and also contains handles. The tires are typically large and located where the vertical and horizontal pieces of the dolly meet. An appliance dolly is similar in design, but can handle up to 1,000 pounds and often has built-in canvas straps for securing the load. Some dollies have an additional set of wheels, located above the main tires, that allow the dolly to slide up and down stairs with greater ease. If your dolly doesn't have the extra set of wheels, consider using stair crawler wheels, which mount to the edge of the stair to make using the dolly easier.
Upstairs
To use a dolly to get a heavy object up the stairs, place the object, such as a bookcase or television, on the floor. Push the dolly up against the object so the horizontal part of the dolly is centered on the object and slides underneath it. Secure the object to the dolly's vertical frame with ropes or bungee cords and, standing behind the dolly, tip it back toward you. Move the dolly to the bottom stair and, with your back to the top of the stairs, pull the dolly up one stair at a time after you ascend each stair. Have an assistant stand on the bottom side of the dolly to push and support it, if needed.
Downstairs
Taking a heavy object down a set of stairs can be just as difficult and dangerous and taking it upstairs. Secure the heavy object the dolly in the same manner as you would to take the object upstairs, and then position the dolly so you're standing behind it at the top of the stairs. Gently push the dolly forward so the tires roll down to the first stair. Push the dolly again until it reaches the second stair and continue this method down the stairs. An assistant on the other side of the dolly can help you move the dolly one stair at a time.
Safety Considerations
Even with a dolly, moving heavy objects -- especially on stairs -- is not a one-person job, make sure there is at least one other person on hand. In addition, steel-toed boots, leather gloves and a back belt are recommended to protect you from injury. Inspect all the equipment thoroughly before use. Check that welds are secure, dolly tires are in good condition and straps are not frayed or loose -- on the steps is the last place you want to find out there is a problem with the dolly.
Related Posts:
Install Cork Flooring On Stairs
Cork FlooringUsing cork flooring is an environmentally friendly way to finish the floors in your home. Cork is made from the bark of the oak tree. Harvesting the bark to make cork does not affect...
Calculate Risers On Spiral Stairs
A spiral stairway providing access to a platform.Calculating riser height for spiral stairs is no different from any other stairway. Building code enforcement inspectors are particularly strict re...
What Is A Goose Down Alternative Comforter
Down alternative comforters are available with many types of filling.A goose down alternative comforter can be made with either natural or synthetic filling rather than down and feathers. These si...
Make A Thumbtack Board
Liven up a corkboard by attaching fabric to it.A store-bought thumbtack boards might not fit your decor or it might just not be the right size. Make your own thumbtack or cork board and decorate i...
The Best Way To Clean Heavy Traffic Darkened Carpet
Whether you have kids or pets or simply use the same rooms daily in the house, carpet will begin to darken in high-traffic areas such as the bathroom, kitchen and around tables or frequently used...
