I would like to invent a way for me to move large heavy objects (couch, pinball machine, furniture, etc.) up and down stairs in my house by myself without putting my health at risk. I'm looking for ideas. This does not need to be a fast method (could involve lengthy setup for each use). I just want to be able to do it by myself and to not damage the item being moved. My motivation is to save my back from injury and be independent from having to wait for a friend/family to help, but I only need to do this a few times per year. I am aware of solutions such as a hand dolly for stairs, or even motorized dollies but those are not necessarily big enough to move something like a large couch. And the motorized ones are way to expensive (and big to put in storage) for what I need this for.
Moving Heavy Objects Up and Down Stairs (by myself)
- Thread starter zero21983
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I asked ChatGPT to rewrite my idea to see if that will prevent the forum from blocking it:
Currently, I have been contemplating a sled system for transporting objects up and down stairs. The concept involves utilizing a nylon strap incorporated into a ratchet system. This system would be securely mounted to the door frame at the top of the stairs. The objective is to smoothly ratchet the object along the stairs while ensuring it slides on a protective surface to prevent any scratches. However, upon further consideration, I have identified a couple of issues with this approach. Firstly, the strap might shift across the object as it is extended or retracted. Secondly, there is the challenge of determining a suitable method for attaching the system to the door frame.
Currently, I have been contemplating a sled system for transporting objects up and down stairs. The concept involves utilizing a nylon strap incorporated into a ratchet system. This system would be securely mounted to the door frame at the top of the stairs. The objective is to smoothly ratchet the object along the stairs while ensuring it slides on a protective surface to prevent any scratches. However, upon further consideration, I have identified a couple of issues with this approach. Firstly, the strap might shift across the object as it is extended or retracted. Secondly, there is the challenge of determining a suitable method for attaching the system to the door frame.
Electric winch, attached far enough away and high enough up to keep a straight light of pull as you crest the landing. That should handle the load, without putting you in harm's way. Never know when a pusher robot will try to protect you from the terrible secret of space.
In most of the circumstances I am imagining I think I can handle powering the solution myself (with enough levers, pulleys, etc.). So with your idea the real question in my mind is how to attach the winch to the doorframe, how to configure the straps, and how to protect the stairs. Even with my general idea I'm still stuggling to identify what materials I would use to resolve some of those questions.
My first bit of advice is the same as found in the Danley speaker manual about flying speakers: "if you have to ask about how to do rigging, don't do it. Go to rigging school."
That said:
Mount the winch to the wall across from the top of the stairs.
Or rent one of those motorized stair climbing platforms with the flappy tank treads. (I've used one and they're awesome. Especially if you have a heavy load when the center of gravity goes from angled to flat when reaching a landing).
Or mount linear motion rails (even unistrut) to the ceiling and use a come along (or winch) to pull up whatever you sling.
That said:
Mount the winch to the wall across from the top of the stairs.
Or rent one of those motorized stair climbing platforms with the flappy tank treads. (I've used one and they're awesome. Especially if you have a heavy load when the center of gravity goes from angled to flat when reaching a landing).
Or mount linear motion rails (even unistrut) to the ceiling and use a come along (or winch) to pull up whatever you sling.
Hmm, I did not expect ideas like that! I probably should have specified that I'm looking for a solution that once used can be put away without any trace left behind (so no permanent mounting points). Any maybe there is no good, and safe, solution. I just figured that it is not rocket science. I can basically move the item myself weight-wise, I just need an extra pair of "hands" because it is too large/awkward to hold by one person. But thanks for the ideas so far. 
Well, it can be rocket science. Those Estes model rocket engines aren't usually used indoors...
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If there's a solid and sturdy railing, maybe a slide that fits on it, set up to be strapped to the object in question? That should help stabilize it, and if there's railings on both sides, so much the better.
If you can handle the weight, it sounds like an appliance dolly is what you are looking for. Built in strap for securing the item, and integrated mechanism for going up and down stairs. Something like this.Hmm, I did not expect ideas like that! I probably should have specified that I'm looking for a solution that once used can be put away without any trace left behind (so no permanent mounting points). Any maybe there is no good, and safe, solution. I just figured that it is not rocket science. I can basically move the item myself weight-wise, I just need an extra pair of "hands" because it is too large/awkward to hold by one person. But thanks for the ideas so far.
I probably should just get something like that which would handle most things. Probably not something as long as a couch, but at least it would keep the solution to something simple and safe.
A proper, heavy duty appliance dolly is remarkably effective compared to a hand truck or trying to push/pull.
And if you're moving heavier things it can be worth it to simply rent a stair climber dolly for the rest. https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment-rental/forklifts/1-500-lb-motorized-stair-climber/0440098/. A bit of planning and one of these can help you move things you can't with just an appliance dolly.
With that said - by the time you're moving this much weight, you probably want someone else around just in case something goes wrong.
With that said - by the time you're moving this much weight, you probably want someone else around just in case something goes wrong.
For moving something like a couch up and down stairs, I can't think of anything that beats two pairs of hands. It's not just weight - it's about being able to manipulate a bulky object at will. For example, unless you have unusually broad stairs and door at the top, the couch will probably need to go up rotated 90deg on its back. But at the top, it may need to be tilted to get the arm through the doorway, same for the other end. If you have it securely rigged with straps and a lift system, that may not be doable.
Also, how big are the landings at the top and bottom? The couch may need to go vertical to turn into a hallway, etc. Does the doorway at the top have a door, or is it just an opening? If you are planning on building this yourself, what are you comfortable fabricating with?
I think your best, fastest, cheapest lift system would be to bribe people with beer.
Also, how big are the landings at the top and bottom? The couch may need to go vertical to turn into a hallway, etc. Does the doorway at the top have a door, or is it just an opening? If you are planning on building this yourself, what are you comfortable fabricating with?
Disclaimer: this does not constitute actual advice. Do not sue me for injury or liability. On the other hand, if you make this, get discovered as an inventor, and build a business empire based on this, please feel free to share credit with me.
I have a vague idea for building an H-frame with 1.5" square steel tube. Two vertical legs would sit just outside the doorframe at the top, and a crosspiece would attach the two near the top of the door. The crosspiece would be welded on the sides of the uprights opposite the stairway, so it could clear any door trim. An eyebolt on the crosspiece could hold a pulley or come-along. The uprights could screwed to the wall temporarily for safety, but the load would be carried by the steel pressed against the wall, and the floor on either side of the door. So you're also going to want to fit some wood feet or something to avoid damaging the floor.
The real trick will be rigging it. If you pull from the front of the couch, you will have difficulty when the front reaches the top of the stairs. If you rig something so that your winch rope goes to the bottom end, your couch is going to get wedged sideways. Maybe rig to pull from the bottom, with the rope running through a pulley on the crosspiece, then back down to a pulley rigged near the front of the couch, then to you? That would still have an awkward transition at the top though. (shrug)
I have a vague idea for building an H-frame with 1.5" square steel tube. Two vertical legs would sit just outside the doorframe at the top, and a crosspiece would attach the two near the top of the door. The crosspiece would be welded on the sides of the uprights opposite the stairway, so it could clear any door trim. An eyebolt on the crosspiece could hold a pulley or come-along. The uprights could screwed to the wall temporarily for safety, but the load would be carried by the steel pressed against the wall, and the floor on either side of the door. So you're also going to want to fit some wood feet or something to avoid damaging the floor.
The real trick will be rigging it. If you pull from the front of the couch, you will have difficulty when the front reaches the top of the stairs. If you rig something so that your winch rope goes to the bottom end, your couch is going to get wedged sideways. Maybe rig to pull from the bottom, with the rope running through a pulley on the crosspiece, then back down to a pulley rigged near the front of the couch, then to you? That would still have an awkward transition at the top though. (shrug)
I think your best, fastest, cheapest lift system would be to bribe people with beer.
Ah yes, beer, pizza, or BBQ Burgers. This is how the modern world raisesI think your best, fastest, cheapest lift system would be to bribe people with beer.
I would probably make a ramp over the stairs so that you don't have bumps to navigate. Then the question is "Do you weigh more than it does?".
Not being one to take risks; I'd probably PULL rather than PUSH.
I'd lay a standard dolly flat -- with a rope from the dolly's handle to a pulley located more than "thing-length" beyond the top of the ramp. Then set the thing down so the lip of the dolly keeps it from sliding down. And winch the dolly up the ramp.
Not being one to take risks; I'd probably PULL rather than PUSH.
I'd lay a standard dolly flat -- with a rope from the dolly's handle to a pulley located more than "thing-length" beyond the top of the ramp. Then set the thing down so the lip of the dolly keeps it from sliding down. And winch the dolly up the ramp.
PoppyPrints is on point. Pulling is smooth, more precisely controlled and safer than pushing.
I use a 12v Harbor Freight winch as a tugger powered off my Clore JNC 600 jump start pack to drag machinery and other heavy objects. Much love for snatch blocks too. If I had to deal with stairs I'd cut plywood sections to fit with blocks beneath as stops against the steps, and cut handholds or drill holes for rope handles so I could carry sections easily. Turning stairs into a ramp makes dragging most dollies commercial or self-built easy.
I easily move many heavy items (machine tools, engines, steel, inoperative motorbikes) despite being crippled by chronic pain. Treat the challenge as a game rather than a source of frustration. If my upstairs landing lacked good anchor points I'd fab an attractive, discreet anchor point with a recessed steel D-ring to eliminate tripping hazards. That can be next to a wall on the upstairs landing to keep it out of the way while ensuring the anchors holding it to the floor are loaded in shear.
I have one of these and don't use it often (due to heaps of other heavier duty gear) but the Maasdam Rope Winch is a nifty tool and using rope rather than cable makes it home interior friendly. No electricity required of course.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrVTxhxaei0
If you have to move something downstairs to get rid of it remember it may be more convenient to disassemble first then carry the parts down or toss them out a window. I had a worn power recliner to move and blew it apart quickly using my cordless impact. Bonus, the powered base looked interesting so I mounted a car seat to it which is now my computer chair (and has both sets of adjustments). That will never be hard to move because I fabbed a castered dolly to fit the base.
This is really basic rigging so reading rigging manuals may help. I like this one: https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/MCRP 3-17.7J With Ch. 1 z.pdf
The more ya do the gooder ya get. Discovering this stuff BEFORE trashing my back would have been even better.
If you've uses for it a proper U-haul ramp (they turn up fairly often on Facebook Marketplace and at truck salvage yards) is wonderful. The end you pull out of the truck has eyelets to grab and while heavy I love the things. (I own two so I can winch a motorcyle up one while standing beside it on the other.) I keep an eye peeled for handicap ramps, deck plates etc too.
I use a 12v Harbor Freight winch as a tugger powered off my Clore JNC 600 jump start pack to drag machinery and other heavy objects. Much love for snatch blocks too. If I had to deal with stairs I'd cut plywood sections to fit with blocks beneath as stops against the steps, and cut handholds or drill holes for rope handles so I could carry sections easily. Turning stairs into a ramp makes dragging most dollies commercial or self-built easy.
I easily move many heavy items (machine tools, engines, steel, inoperative motorbikes) despite being crippled by chronic pain. Treat the challenge as a game rather than a source of frustration. If my upstairs landing lacked good anchor points I'd fab an attractive, discreet anchor point with a recessed steel D-ring to eliminate tripping hazards. That can be next to a wall on the upstairs landing to keep it out of the way while ensuring the anchors holding it to the floor are loaded in shear.
I have one of these and don't use it often (due to heaps of other heavier duty gear) but the Maasdam Rope Winch is a nifty tool and using rope rather than cable makes it home interior friendly. No electricity required of course.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrVTxhxaei0
If you have to move something downstairs to get rid of it remember it may be more convenient to disassemble first then carry the parts down or toss them out a window. I had a worn power recliner to move and blew it apart quickly using my cordless impact. Bonus, the powered base looked interesting so I mounted a car seat to it which is now my computer chair (and has both sets of adjustments). That will never be hard to move because I fabbed a castered dolly to fit the base.
I've used a piece of pipe with towel wrapped ends as a pull point. It's an old trick to span doorways but if you want to clear a door which obstructs a pipe you could use a piece of wide thick flat bar instead and bolt a shackle to that. Your local steel supplier will have a better selection than most chain stores. You can use a snatch block with a somewhat distant "anchor of convenience" by running a cargo strap (I like the adjustable length) from anchor to the snatch block so your pull rope is optimally routed.
This is really basic rigging so reading rigging manuals may help. I like this one: https://www.marines.mil/portals/1/MCRP 3-17.7J With Ch. 1 z.pdf
The more ya do the gooder ya get. Discovering this stuff BEFORE trashing my back would have been even better.
If you've uses for it a proper U-haul ramp (they turn up fairly often on Facebook Marketplace and at truck salvage yards) is wonderful. The end you pull out of the truck has eyelets to grab and while heavy I love the things. (I own two so I can winch a motorcyle up one while standing beside it on the other.) I keep an eye peeled for handicap ramps, deck plates etc too.
Manual pull carts or pulleys can be helpful for residential use, I reckon. Anything beyond that tends to be for commercial purposes and can get pricey.
I got a block and tackle setup from Amazon for under $50, with a 'rated' lifting capacity of several thousand pounds. I don't believe that for a minute, but it worked quite well to put new AC units on my RV (~100 lbs) and to lift a fridge up a very steep and narrow staircase. Hardest part is you need an appropriate anchor point.
Just make sure the beer is dispensed after the work is done. Don't want to risk people stumbling around with heavy objects.
That's why I lurk Fecesbook Marketplace (dummy account of course), auctions and estate sales. My appliance hand truck was free thanks to slight rust and a stuck wheel. My common hand trucks work nicely with motorcycle tiedown straps to secure loads. My shipping container shops get "U-boat" dollies with the center axle bolts and wheels removed so I can push them sideways. I collect and mod wider industrial carts (the sort businesses have fabbed locally from standard steel shapes) too so all my "shelves" below head height are on wheels. (Above head height they're hung from the walls.) I have a couple of patient lifts (commonly known as Hoyer lifts but there are several brands) which make delightful indoor hoists thanks to non-marring casters. Used with strap or rope they'll raise the end of a heavy couch etc for dolly placement. Motorcyclists self included often use patient lifts, and they're handy for raising riding mowers for maintenance.
Had I done this stuff forty years ago I'd still have a back, but better late than never.