A sensible strategy to keep your firearms safe and away from unauthorized individuals is to own a gun safe. One place that's proven to be ideal for putting a gun safe is the basement. However, getting it to the basement can be a hassle if you have a large and heavy safe.
Key Takeaways
- The narrow hallways and stairs can be tricky to get a firearm safe into a basement. Planning and putting safety first are important
- Before attempting to move the safe, assess its size and weight, and evaluate the path from the current location to the basement
- Moving the firearm safe requires proper lifting techniques and the use of proper equipment, such as a dolly, winch, pulley, or come-along
- To ensure a smooth and risk-free move, put safety first, follow safe lifting procedures, and take measures to guarantee a smooth move
While the location's enhanced security measures are welcome, the basement's stairs and narrow hallways create their issues. In this guide, we'll outline a step-by-step process of how to get a gun safe in the basement while putting safety first and reducing the chance that your weapons will get damaged.
How to Get a Gun Safe in the Basement
It can be tricky to get a firearm safe in the basement. To ensure a smooth and risk-free move, you'll need to assemble a solid team and do lots of planning in advance. Let's take a look at what it takes to move a firearm safe to the basement:
1. Assessing Your Situation
It’s the first phase, and here are some things to think about as you plan the move of your safe to a secure location:
Determine the Size and Weight of Your Firearm Safe
Using this information, you can determine if you need additional tools or assistance to relocate the safe. The weight and size of gun safes can vary widely, from a few hundred to over a thousand pounds. Verify the safe’s dimensions (height, width, and depth) and refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for weight information.
Evaluate the Path From Your Current Location to the Basement
The next thing to do is to assess the route you’ll take to get to the basement. Doing so will allow you to spot any risks or prospective roadblocks which can impede the move.
Remember that the safe must fit through some quite narrow doorways and stairwells. Be sure the safe won’t get stuck by measuring the height and width of these openings.
2. Preparing for the Move
You can do several things to get ready for the move. Here are some tips for preparing for the move:
Empty the Contents of the Safe
As a first step, you should empty the safe before attempting to move it. It will lower the safe’s weight and make it easier to relocate. During the move, remove all firearms, ammo, and other valuables from the safe and store them in a secure area.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment
Get everything you'll need to move your safe safely. Equipment like a hand truck or dolly, moving straps, furniture padding, and moving blankets.
Depending on the safe, you may also require a socket set or an adjustable wrench to take the safe door off or disassemble the parts. Ensure that you have all the necessary tools before beginning the move.
Enlist the Help of Several Strong and Experienced Individuals
Moving a firearm safe safely requires more than one person. Get a few strong, knowledgeable people with experience lifting heavy objects to help you. Get everyone on board with the plan and inform them of their duties. A well-coordinated team is crucial for a successful move.
Protect the Firearm Safe During the Move
Wrapping the safe with moving blankets or furniture pads will protect it during relocation. It will reduce the risk of the safe doors opening. Also, protect against nicks, dents, and other moving-related damage.
Secure the safe to the dolly or hand truck with moving straps or bungee cords, and check the safe's balance and stability before moving it.
3. Moving the Firearm Safe
Carrying a heavy gun safely from one place to another is complex and potentially risky. Here are some tips on how to move your firearm safe safely and efficiently to the gun room:
Use the Proper Tools to Move the Safe Down the Stairs
Using the proper tools is crucial to bring the safe down the stairs. You can lower the safe down the stairs with the help of a dolly, winch, pulley, or come-along. Before using, verify that the equipment is up to the task and has the appropriate load rating for the safe.
Ensure That Each Person Positions Themselves Correctly and Is Ready to Move the Safe
Check that everyone is in position and ready to move the safe before you get started. Everyone involved in the move must know what each should be doing and why. Everyone involved in the movement must be on the same page and aware of any risks or obstacles that could delay the process.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques to Avoid Injury
Each person should lift the safe carefully with their legs and a straight back. Consider a moving dolly or a hand truck if the safe is heavy to move properly by hand.
FAQs
Can I Put a Gun Safe in My Basement?
Yes, you can put a firearm safe in the gun safe room basement floor. Usually, this is one of the ideal places for gun safe storage because you can secure them to the concrete floor, protecting it from theft and unauthorized family members to gain access.
Can You Put a Gun Safe in a Wet Basement?
No, you cannot put a safe in a wet vault room basement. Putting safes in wet gun rooms is not advisable because they will rust or corrode. It’s essential to keep the gun safe room dry all year long. Also, getting a safe with a steel door is best for fire protection and against water and moisture damage.
Is It Okay to Put a Gun Safe in the Garage?
Yes, you can put a firearm safe in the garage or mechanical room. However, it would help if you put safety features in gun safe rooms, such as a secure door to prevent unauthorized people gaining access. Plus, control the humidity and temperature to avoid rust and corrosion.
Can You Move a Gun Safe With an Appliance Dolly?
Yes, you can move a gun safe with an appliance dolly. An appliance dolly can be a good option if the safe is not too heavy and is sturdy enough to support the weight. However, it's important to remember that firearm safes are often bulky, so it's crucial to take precautions to prevent damage to the safe, the dolly, and yourself.
How to Move a Firearm Safe Down Stairs
Moving a firearm safe into the basement may appear impossible, but it's possible with the proper planning, equipment, and know-how. Lifting a safe can be dangerous, so it's essential to put safety first, get help from people who know what they're doing, and learn the right way. It is possible to relocate your firearm safe to the basement gun room by following the recommended instructions.