How to Move an Old Claw Bathtub
If you've bought an old home with the intention of renovating it, you may notice that one or more bathrooms contain claw-foot bathtubs. These tubs get their name from their appearance; they sit just off the ground on four feet, which often are shaped like claws. Before you can install a new tub, you'll have to remove the heavy, awkward claw-foot tub with the help of some friends. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Recruit the help of at least three strong friends to help you move the tub. Ensure that each friend is healthy enough to carry 100 pounds on his own, and doesn't have neck or back problems.
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Slide a canvas carrying strap under the tub until it is centered. Position the strap directly on the inside of one set of the tub's legs, then repeat the process with another strap at the other end of the tub. Canvas carrying straps make lifting heavy objects less taxing on your back.
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Don a pair of work gloves to help protect your hands, then provide work gloves for each of your assistants. Stand around the tub so that one person is at each corner and has easy access to one end of either strap.
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Wrap the excess length of one end of the strap around your hand, and instruct your assistants to do the same. On a count of three, lift the tub together and begin walking with it. The benefit to the straps is that you can carry the tub just inches off the ground, rather than having to hoist it high enough to carry without bending.
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Tips & Warnings
Most claw-foot tubs aren't directly connected to the water taps, so you don't need to turn off the house's water. You will, however, have to disconnect the tub's drain spout with a pipe wrench.
Often made of cast iron, claw-foot tubs can weigh several hundred pounds.
Some straps feature loops at each end, which allow you to insert your forearm for added carrying ease.
Lower the tub to the floor together whenever one person needs a break from the weight.
References
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
