For most gun firearm enthusiasts, the purchase of a quality gun safe is money well spent. A new safe, no matter the size, affords a far greater level of security than simply placing your guns and ammunition in a household closet.
As such, one can rest easy knowing that their firearm collection is protected, in the event of a fire or break-in.
However, many gun owners are reluctant to purchase a safe of this nature, as moving such a heavy object tends to be a logistical nightmare. This tends to be especially true when traversing somewhat irregular or heavily textured surfaces, such as carpeting.
Luckily, difficulties of this nature can be easily overcome, when using the right equipment for the job.
The following guide will explain how to move a gun safe on carpet, saving you unnecessary hardship along the way.
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Moving A Gun Safe: Carpet vs Hardwood Floors
So, what exactly makes moving a gun safe on carpet more difficult than making the same move on wood floors or laminate? The answer to this question is a matter of texture and resistance.
The textured surface of carpeting presents a much higher degree of resistance when moving a safe, than that associated with hard floors.
As a general rule, the thicker a carpeted surface, the greater the resistance that it imparts upon objects in motion. This can easily slow the movement of any heavy safe to a crawl, leading to a wealth of frustration.
Even the wheels of a hand truck or furniture dolly can become bogged down under a load, when traversing a relatively thick carpet.
It can also be quite difficult to move a gun safe across such a surface, without damaging the underlying carpet itself. This can be especially concerning when moving a safe around within a new home, or when repositioning a safe into a new location that has recently been recarpeted.
In any event, simply pushing or walking a gun safe along, on a carpeted surface, is a bad idea. Doing so will almost certainly cause damage to the carpeted surface, due to incidental snagging of such fibers.
In order to overcome obstacles of this nature, one must have a sound plan in mind, before ever beginning their move.
The Right Tools For The Job
The task of moving a gun safe across a carpeted surface can be made much easier with the use of several specialty tools. Attempting to forgo the use of such specialty equipment can quickly lead to property damage and/or personal injury.
Most pro safe movers highly recommend the use of a heavy duty appliance dolly when attempting to relocate a gun safe. It is important to select an appliance dolly with larger than average wheels, in order to overcome the drag imparted by a carpeted surface.
Appliance dollies of varying sizes can be purchased at hardware stores, such as Home Depot, or rented from most moving companies.
A safe should be strapped to a dolly during movement, thereby preventing inadvertent load shift. When possible, it is best to position the front of the safe so that it is facing the upright portion of the dolly.
This allows an individual to sit their safe in place, without the need for repositioning. Once the safe has been rocked forward into place, a pry bar can be used to gently free the dolly from its load.
Alternative means of movement should be avoided when attempting to position a gun safe over carpeted surfaces. This includes the use of golf balls or PVC pipe.
While these products often prove effective when used on hard surfaces, the texture of carpet typically eliminates such an advantage in its entirety. The use of these products is also known to dent the subfloor beneath the carpet itself.
Additional Considerations
As always, it is important to consider the placement of any gun safe, prior to taking delivery. When at all possible, a gun safe should be positioned over any available floor joists, and as close to a load-bearing wall as possible.
These locations tend to be among the strongest within any home.
One should also consider whether or not they intend to bolt their safe down to the flooring below. Most manufacturers advise such practices, as this provides enhanced stability, and also prevents potential damage to flooring, at the hands of inadvertent shifting.
The majority of safes come pre-drilled for floor-based mounting, thereby simplifying the securement process.
Additionally, one should consider the properties of any carpet that is to be positioned beneath a gun safe. Carpeting that is regularly exposed to moisture of one type or another, can quickly take its toll upon a homeowner’s gun safe.
With time, this moisture can lead to the onset of rust, and other forms of corrosion.
In most cases, a pallet can be placed beneath your safe as an effective barrier, if you find yourself concerned with moisture related issues. Doing so also allows air to circulate beneath a safe, further mitigating moisture buildup.
Do Not Be Afraid To Call In The Pros
At the end of the day, there is absolutely no shame in calling in reinforcements when attempting to move or reposition your gun safe. Professional installers, such as those who work for safe moving companies, are trained at overcoming difficult circumstances, such as those faced when moving a safe up flights of stairs, around tight corners, or over carpet.
In many cases, a professional moving service can be contracted for a move of this nature, at a rather modest price. If you are still unsure about moving your gun safe, are unable to source enough help to complete such a project, or simply do not have enough time, hiring professional help can be an excellent option.
Making Your Move
When adequately prepared, moving a newly purchased gun safe is seldom as difficult as most would believe. A safe of this nature can be moved with little issue when one is armed with the proper tools for the job. It also helps to remain patient when faced with such circumstances.
Doing so lets cooler heads prevail, and prevents poor judgment.
Once positioned as desired, you will be sure to appreciate your new safe, as well as the peace of mind that it provides. Your gun safe will prevent unanticipated losses at the hands of fire and theft, while also keeping your firearms in pristine shape for the long haul.