Using Hand Trucks In A Home Environment
In a warehouse or on a shop floor no one worries that a hand truck may leave scuff marks on the ground. The main concern is simply transporting loads back and forth across the floor quickly and safely. At home, moving items with a hand truck involves a little more consideration to protect the floors and the objects being moved.
Another precaution that is important to take is to ensure that the appliance you are moving, be it a metal appliance or a wooden furniture unit is not damaged by getting scratched by rough contact with the hand truck. Imagine if you are doing a job for someone else, the amount you will owe in damages could be more than the money you made on the whole job.
To prevent the hand truck from scratching the appliance, you will need to obtain some pipe insulation that is made from dense foam rubber. Cut the pipe insulation to the length of the hand truck and cut a slit down the back of it. Slide it over the hand truck rails on either side and secure it with a few pieces of duct tape. You may need to tape it to the hand truck itself, otherwise the tubing will slip out of place when you lift and tilt the appliance onto the hand truck.
Although a hand truck has rubber tires and the rubber is soft, they have a tendency to pick up sand and grit. The grit then rubs into the floor, leaving marks and scratches behind. You will also need to protect the floor from the tires, especially if it is your brand new hardwood floor. One of the first things that you can do is to find a clean and flat piece of cardboard to put under the appliance. Disconnect the appliance beforehand and be sure to get every tube or cord connecting it to the wall before you try to pull it out of there. Tilt the appliance back and slide the cardboard underneath. Put another piece of cardboard down to protect the floor when going out the door.
For those who don’t have big pieces of cardboard another option is to use a drop cloth which is readily available at any home improvement center. While it is easier to use than cardboard it doesn’t offer the same level of safety because it is not as thick and another co is that you will need someone to hold the cloth tight as you wheel the hand truck or it will just get all messed up.
Now don’t just say forget the whole hand truck think, I will just move mu appliances and furniture by hand. That can cause a lot more damage than using a hand truck. WE are talking about damaging your back and stressing your muscles. So just stick to that hand truck and follow the ideas here and you will be glad you did!!
The Magliner hand truck is the king of the bunch with its combination of strength and lightness being legendary. The u-loop handle and u-brace Magliner hand truck is a great choice and gives you all the control you need!
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