I always strap the bottom of the piano to the tilter. It is when you return the piano to the upright position that is most hazardous. A ratchet strap is best but have used skid straps. I only had to screw up once my first time requiring some lid refinishing to start using a strap. As far as the floor and tilter wheels some heavy cardboard would probably suffice. I seem to also recall that that placing short 2X4 blocks inside the rear casters will prevent the tendency of the bottom of the upright from kicking out from the tilter prongs when returning to vertical position. Then lifting and removing the 2X4 blocks. Perhaps someone could elaborate on using the 2X4 blocks.
Original Message:
Sent: 12-24-2025 08:05
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Protecting floors when tilting heavy upright
Tim,
I will second Paul's comments.
It happened to me many moons ago. I was fairly green and did not yet appreciate the importance of securing the thing to the tilter (I will add that the clamps provided with the tilter were poorly designed and DID NOT WORK as intended...therefore I figured I could "do it").
It was a true behemoth of an upright as you described. All went well with tipping it on it's back (I was encouraged). Things didn't go so well on the return trip to an upright position. It was so heavy that I couldn't get enough momentum going to follow through once the rear casters touched the floor. As soon as they did, the piano started sliding off and I had about half a second to just get out of the way as it came crashing down, and the tilter got spit out from underneath and went flying across the room! Now the piano was flat on it's back on the floor and the tilter was mildly damaged (but not beyond repair).
Fortunately I was in my shop doing this, not in a client's home. The potential for damage and injury was significant, but fortunately I escaped without anything serious except a lesson learned.
Later, with a welder friend, we analyzed the supplied clamps and figured out what needed to be done to actually make them work, and they have since been used many times without incident. This is one of those foldable, collapsible models from APSCO at the time. Every time I use it I am reminded of that incident about 45 years ago.
As far as floor protection goes, if you can get plywood underneath it (1/4" maybe?)...good. Otherwise I have just used moving pads to protect the floor (hopefully its not a gorgeously finished floor but just average). Another useful tip is to use "Magic Sliders" (or equivalent) to get it out far enough to get it into position for tilting.
Peter Grey Piano Doctor
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 12-24-2025 00:13
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Protecting floors when tilting heavy upright
I would put some plywood on the floor before moving anything. Even under the tilter.
Be sure to tie the back of the piano to the tilter. If you don't, the tilter could slip out from under the piano and crash. Especially when you begin to tilt the piano, the wheels on the piano will scoot before the lip of the tilter has a firm grip on the bottom of the piano. You don't want such a huge heavy piano falling on you, putting holes in a wall or marring the floor. Some tilters have a spike on the ends where it goes under the back of the piano to prevent this. Best to at least tie the back posts of the piano (at least 2) to the tilter frame. Closer to the bottom of the piano is a better place to tie. I have a length of webbing material attached to my tilter so I don't forget it. Knock on wood, I've not had a problem.. yet.. If you have a helper, even better. You can't be too careful. Also, be sure to leave enough room when you're tilting the piano. It's easy to forget to leave room for yourself. If you have any doubts, call a mover. Good luck.
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Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.com
pavadasa@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 12-23-2025 13:36
From: Tim Foster
Subject: Protecting floors when tilting heavy upright
Hello, I have a job in early January where I will be tilting a behemoth upright with a tilter. Is there anything I should put on the hardwood floor under the tilter wheels to protect the floor? Recommendations?
Thanks!
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Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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