SFA

Anybody willing to share some ideas for pulling the fridge out, and subsequent scratching of hardwood floors.

We've had "issues" with cardboard, 1/4" luan, vinyl template, customer rugs ... What's the magic solution. Does formica or wilsonart laminate have a chance of surviving the pressure?

If in doubt, don't do it. Advise customer they must empty contents or have someone else move it. I have had this discussion with customers at template time, I advise them they must move it out prior to install and so far no issue. The area we tend to forget about is moving the stove, it wants to scratch everything.

Use those plastic slides. You can click them together to make them longer.

The flooring installer mechanics have an air bag type thing that they clip a compressor to their belts and slide the bag under the appliance. here is a link http://www.airsled.com/appliance.htm I am sure there are other similar systems too.

Get some scrap carpet.....Put the carpet upside down, tilt the fridge back and get it under the front wheels. slide it back, then tilt fridge more til carpet is against back wheels, pull all the way to front.....Then jimmy onto carpet...Now you can push it in any direction no problem....Use thick plush carpet.

Just like putting speaker carpet on your router. The same principle is in play.

Formica and other laminates will hold up under a light load but can tear or smash into razor sharp pieces under heavy appliance levelers. Probably not a good idea under a stainless double wide.

Get an airsled. It will pay for its self . The fist Floor you dent.Will cost you more then the airsled.

Anyone know what the air sleds cost?

pkomorowski wrote:Anyone know what the air sleds cost?

Between $550 - $700.
A tile guy I know has one and loves it.

Just found this company that sells it for $399...

http://www.installertools.com/cgi-bin/I ... o=NAT-1050

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC942wZ0 ... re=related

Moving the appliances is the responsibility of the customer and we tell them right up front. My guys are not allowed to move appliances unless they are asked to do so by the customer. At that point, the customer assumes the liability. We put this in our contract.

That being said, we've still had to repair a couple of floors.

This doesn't help with the appliance moving but I always cover as much of the floor as I can with the interlocking play mats - It has helped me to never replace or repair anyones floor so far. I keep a big stack of the mats in the install trailer at all times. Plus it helps with your back and leg fatigue when doing long repairs or seams.

topshop wrote:This doesn't help with the appliance moving but I always cover as much of the floor as I can with the interlocking play mats - It has helped me to never replace or repair anyones floor so far. I keep a big stack of the mats in the install trailer at all times. Plus it helps with your back and leg fatigue when doing long repairs or seams.

That's a really good idea. Protection from tool boxes, dropped tools, scuffs, drag marks, wear and tear... and easier to stand on.

I used to hang plastic in the doorways and/or use a window fan to create negative pressure in the install area to corral dust and fumes too.

It also helps some if one of the tards carrying stone decides he cannot carry his end anymore. and puts it down. Of course that is what you have on steel toes for.

I have laid many a countertop down on my steel toes.

Same here, except no steel. We all do what we have to in order to get the job done. Mr Fabricator Guy, this BUD is for you.

topshop wrote:It also helps some if one of the tards carrying stone decides he cannot carry his end anymore. and puts it down. Of course that is what you have on steel toes for.

We require Rock Blocks on all islands. I don't care how strong you are. The Rock Blocks protect floors and backs - it's always nice to know if you have to put it down you can do it easily.

Peter, you are correct. We use these on all big stuff, because you never know when it may be needed to set down. There are some many great material handling devices that were not around 10 years ago. The Omin Cubed carts, the rails, blocks, lifters, etc; they all make material handling easier and safer.

Carmine Pantano wrote:Just found this company that sells it for $399...

http://www.installertools.com/cgi-bin/I ... o=NAT-1050

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC942wZ0 ... re=related

That looks like a great solution. Has anyone considered offering this as an extra charge service? I think $20+/- extra to have appliances removed and put back in would pay for the unit quickly.