Moving large sheets of glass

[scrup]

What is the best way to move big sheets of glass? I am going to be deconstructing and moving a 400 gallon 10' long tank into my basement, and am not entirely sure if I should rent a large truck to move it or if it is safe using my friends pickup. It is 3/4" glass if that matters. Each sheet will weight about 250lb.

Also, should it lay flat or stand up on end?

 

[tpeters]

I've never done it with sheets quite that large, but at a previous job I had we would load the sheets onto an A frame in a trailer. keeps them standing on end and gives you something to strap them to to keep them from bouncing around. It also keeps the sheets from bending and cracking/shattering. I hope that explanation was clear. let me know if you have any questions.

 

[karak]

I'd use an aframe, with supports every 3 feet. Also a good idea to put foam along the supports. Strap em in properly so they cannot move.

Thats how we sent out individual sheets when i worked in a glass factory..

 

[Pharaoh]

When I moved the 540 (in pieces), we just padded the floor of the track and then layered glass and foam in an alternating fashion. Just make sure that you have support under every bit of the glass. If the truck bed isn't long enough, I recommend getting a trailer. Oh and lay the glass flat unless you want to build a rack for specifically holding the glass.

 

[scrup]

What angle are did you use for A-frame? Would a 45 be ok or would you suggest something like 30 or 15?

The truck isn't long enough so I will be renting something for this. Its non tempered and I am not feeling brave enough to let it overhang. I can just see us hitting a railroad track and the top 2' shearing off.

Thanks!

 

[scrup]

In theory if I am making an A frame, couldn't I just use the pickup truck then? As long as the frame supported the entire sheet, I doubt a few 2x4's or a 4x4 would have problems if it were sticking out 2 feet. As long as the other 8' are on the back of the truck, it shouldn't pivot or fall. And I am thinking I will have contact points every 2 feet on the A frame. You think that will be enough?

Is this making any sense?

 

[Oughtsix]

I have never moved glass that large but I have moved sheets of granite that large and an A frame is the proper tool for the job. The A frame I built had rather steep sides, much steeper than 45 degrees and closer to 15 than 30 degrees. Glass is very strong when it is standing on its side.

I would use a 10 foot 2x4 as a bottom shelf then screw a 10 foot 2x6 to the side of the 2x4 making a 2 inch x 8 inch "L". I would use this as the bottom of your A frame. This 10 foot long "L" should be plenty strong enough to support the glass the 2 feet it extends past the end of your pickup.

You want your A frame to be flat so you don't put the glass under tension. Some padding will help flatten out the A frame a bit.

 

[chefjamesscott]

dude do it the easy way hire a glass company to come move it for you.

They have the proper truck and are insured win win.

my thoughts are in the long run it is worth the cost to have professionals move it.

 

[Pharaoh]

You can use the truck and move them laying flat, just make a supports for the entire tank that stretches past the bed. You could use a few 2x4s for this.

 

[tpeters]

You can use the truck and move them laying flat, just make a supports for the entire tank that stretches past the bed. You could use a few 2x4s for this.

Not that I don't trust your word as I see you are very experienced, but have you actually done this? The only problem I could see with this is the 2x4s could potentially flex still hanging over the bed causing stress on the glass. Just a thought.

I think Chef James got it right though. If you don't have all the resources already, it may be at least looking into having someone do it for you. If you were considering renting a trailer either way, at least compare the costs of doing it yourself and having someone do it. Weigh the pros and cons and make a decision based on those.