replying to Shelagh V Roberts, Sidpickle wrote:
nospam wrote:

Hi,
I need to lift the block paved manhole cover for the first time.
(1) It is nicely bedded in sand, just like the block paving.
(2) It looks remarkably heavy anyway.
Thjere are two plasitc lift up handles, which have circular holes in them
which look as thought you could put a circular bar through both, or attach
some kind of lifter.
I have Googled manhole cover lifters, which seem to be at least �38 a
day to
hire.
Is there a simple, cheap, non-backsmashing way to lift these beasts?
TIA
Dave R
[Who would be in deep sh*t if he could just lift the da*n cover]


For covers with the T bars. Two strips of wood, one under either side of
the T bar handles for the full length, sticking out each end by about
100mm. Strap them together with a couple of cable ties Wood must be 20mm
thick for strength. If you can get 20mm box section steel so much the
better. Get garden spade under one end of the two bits, resting it on
another piece of wood to provide a fulcrum and lever the spade so that the
cover rises by about 20mm. Now put a piece of wood under the two strips
that stick out to act as a packing piece. Remove the spade and go to the
other end and do the same. Carry on lifting and packing about 20mm a time
at each end until the cover is clear of the ground. Needless to say the
fulcrum will have to get bigger on each lift. If you are really keen,
also buy some appliance movers that you can put under fridges and washing
machines. These are not too expensive and can be placed under the two
strips of wood/metal supporting the cover once it has been lifted and the
cover lowered onto them so that it can be slid away from the opening.
Some packing will be required between the appliance movers and the strips
supporting the cover. Replacing the cover is the same process of lifting
and lowering at each end by about 20mm increments.

Keep finger clear at all times.

If the cover is stuck before you start, lift one of the T bars and slip a
garden fork underneath. Rest the fork on a fulcrum (bit of wood or brick)
and lever down to break the seal. Do the same the other end. Have a good
clean up around the cover before you start.


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