When using a Hand truck in your house, you have to take precautions that one does not have to be concerned with when using a hand truck in a warehouse. Scuff marks which are a non-issue in the warehouse become an issue at home, especially if you are doing a job for somebody else. We always want to avoid the possible complaints.
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.
Even if you have an expensive appliance truck or hand truck care must still be taken not to damage the surrounding areas. If a sharp object gets stuck in the wheel you can damage an expensive floor unknowingly which can make for a very irate wife or customer! Not really sure which one is worse, but lets try to prevent this by lining the floor with cardboard!
It might sound a bit cumbersome and take extra time to lay down the cardboard but it is well worth it! You can also use a drop cloth which won’t slip away as easily as cardboard but because it is not as thik it doesn’t offer the same degree of protection. Also if using a cloth make sure someone holds it out taut or else you will just get all tied up in it.
Now don’t just say forget the whole hand truck think, I will just move mu appliances and furniture by hand. That can cause a lot more damage than using a hand truck. WE are talking about damaging your back and stressing your muscles. So just stick to that hand truck and follow the ideas here and you will be glad you did!!
A great choice would be a 49″ 600 lb. aluminum hand truck which will give you the height you need and the more than average weight capacity. Some might prefer a tall aluminum high back hand truck
Filed under Healthy Advice by Peter Horing

