Do You Have A HandTruck At Home?
Written by Mosy Blinder on September 1st, 2010 in Self Development.
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.
A hand truck is perfect for moving those heavy appliances around your home, but you really have to be careful. The hand truck is made up of metal, either steel or aluminum, and so is the appliance. The friction rubs metal on metal and you could end up scratching your brand new washing machine on the hand truck.
If you follow the advice given here you can easily protect yours and your clients furniture and appliances. Just take a piece of tubing insulator and slice it down running length wise, then attach it to the sidebars of the hand truck you are using thereby making a economical buffer and protector of your costly items. It only will take you 2 minutes and cost you a few dollars but it is well worth it!
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.
It might sound a bit cumbersome and take extra time to lay down the cardboard but it is well worth it! You can also use a drop cloth which won’t slip away as easily as cardboard but because it is not as thik it doesn’t offer the same degree of protection. Also if using a cloth make sure someone holds it out taut or else you will just get all tied up in it.
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!!
Magliner hand trucks are in a class of their own, being an industry leader in the food moving business. A good choice would be the Magliner u-loop handle hand truck which will give you the versatility you need.
