Hand Truck Use At Home
When you are using a hand truck around your house you will want to make sure that the wheels are not leaving scuff marks. While in a warehouse this is of no concern in your house it is unbecoming to make and leave scuff marks. This is especially true if you are doing a job for somebody else. No one likes an unprofessional job.
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.
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.
Moving a heavy appliance through your house with a hand truck is quite a tedious job. However, it is easier to move an appliance with a hand truck than it is to tough it out and move the bulky machine yourself. Using a hand truck helps to prevent injury. You simply need to prepare your floor and your hand truck before you attempt to move a heavy item.
