Is this a one-person removal?

[tulsagraphics]

Hi all!

If you've seen my previous posts, you probably know that all the big sign shops around my town are gone (retired, etc). I'm the only one around wiling to do installs, but my experience is very limited with these types of installations.

This is a sign installed by one of those shops. (customer going out of business and wants this sign removed.) I don't have a bucket truck (outside of a $350/day NiftyLift rental)

Can something like this be removed by one person? Based on my extrapolation from Google Maps, this sign appears to be about 11 or 12ft wide. I don't think it can be done by one person, but before I decline this job (or refer to an out-of-town sign shop with a $1.5k trip fee)... I just wanted to make sure I'm not taking easy money off the table.
It's located in a downtown (historical) district, so getting permission from the City to even reach the sign is a PITA. (right of way planning, etc)

- Any guesstimates as to what a sign like this might weigh? 100lbs?

 

[MikePro]

oof. whatever weight it is, your reaching over an awning.
i could take it down easily if they're replacing sidewalk tile anyways

edited to add: worst case, just bring two ladders and figure out the extra hand part locally. at that scale, its not much weight but it is LONG and you have to shoulder it while removing hardware.
worst-worse case: you can't find someone to help you, then just disassemble it one letter at a time and the raceway bolted to the wall is only like ~50lbs.

 

[weyandsign]

Probably like 75 pounds, 12 feet long.

 

[JBurton]

Looks like two raceways, external lights, one man and a truck would make quick work of it. It looks like 4" raceway, which is like 3lbs/ft, letters are maybe 1lb each here, so even with a ladder, it's doable.
The real problem is reaching over that awning. Any chance they want you to remove it as well?

 

[Gino]

To be honest, I'd need to know how far out the awning goes, before answering. With a bucket, no sweat. Just don't see how a ladder with a pertruding awning will work. Even with your rental cost, you'd still be below an outtatowner.

 

[tulsagraphics]

Looks like two raceways, external lights, one man and a truck would make quick work of it. It looks like 4" raceway, which is like 3lbs/ft, letters are maybe 1lb each here, so even with a ladder, it's doable.
The real problem is reaching over that awning. Any chance they want you to remove it as well?

Good call it just might be. I'll check.

 

[Gino]

After looking at it again, it appears like there might be a ledge up there, you can stand on. Is that a possibility ??

 

[Gene@mpls]

You realize the customer pays for the rental, right? At 1500 just to drive to your town it sounds cheap. And yes you can mark up the rental.

 

[tulsagraphics]

You realize the customer pays for the rental, right? At 1500 just to drive to your town it sounds cheap. And yes you can mark up the rental.

Of course, but only if I can successfully do the job. If I get up there to work on it only to realize I can't do it -- for "whatever" reason -- that's my own fault.

 

[JBurton]

Of course, but only if I can successfully do the job. If I get up there to work on it only to realize I can't do it -- for "whatever" reason -- that's my own fault.

If that's your concern, I'd say you are more than good to go solo.

 

[tulsagraphics]

We have actual photos and measurements now.

Yep, 2 raceways, and small ledge to rest them on.

Awning depth = 51”
Bottom of the letters are 30” above the awning.

With the open style platform of a NiftyLift I should be able to access those bottom screws easily then just rest everything on the ledge before bringing each section down.

This just got a lot easier.

 

[netsol]

After looking at it again, it appears like there might be a ledge up there, you can stand on. Is that a possibility ??

the customer either pays for the rental or DECLINES and goes with someone else

why not rent a piece of scaffolding? (or buy one on craigslist and stick it behind the garage?)

 

[netsol]

or cut the damned thing into convenient bite sized chunks with the angle grinder.
buy 3 orange cones at home depot and let the pieces fall where they may

 

[JBurton]

Oof, they are wired, and haphazardly at that. Make sure the circuit is dead before you get into the raceway. Not sure how to terminate that wiring other than shoving it back through the wall or mounting a junction box.
Did Gino really suggest standing on a ledge? I mean, seeing it from the side, it's a healthy ledge, but please don't do that.
If you find yourself getting stuff like this more often, I'd look into buying a brand new nifty lift like tex did. It's gotta be a good deal more reliable and cheaper than a bucket truck, and not as janky as all the rentals that have been put through the wringer by 12 different crews.

 

[Gino]

Yes, I suggested standing on a ledge, if it was a possibility. It appeared to be a foot to 1.5 foot to stand on. If all you're doing is removing a few lags in a wall and dropping the unit with a rope down the side, I see nothing wrong with that. However, codes and/or insurance might see it differently.

Now, can you explain how scaffolding will work if you're 51" away from the wall ?? Are you gonna take an orangutan along ??

Like I said earlier, the rental of the unit would be the best arrangement.

As for having or not having a disconnect, that shouldn't present any problems. Can't tell ya how many units we've taken down 'live' over the years.

 

[tulsagraphics]

Yes, I suggested standing on a ledge, if it was a possibility. It appeared to be a foot to 1.5 foot to stand on. If all you're doing is removing a few lags in a wall and dropping the unit with a rope down the side, I see nothing wrong with that. However, codes and/or insurance might see it differently.

Now, can you explain how scaffolding will work if you're 51" away from the wall ?? Are you gonna take an orangutan along ??

Like I said earlier, the rental of the unit would be the best arrangement.

As for having or not having a disconnect, that shouldn't present any problems. Can't tell ya how many units we've taken down 'live' over the years.

Thanks Gino!

 

[tulsagraphics]

Oof, they are wired, and haphazardly at that. Make sure the circuit is dead before you get into the raceway. Not sure how to terminate that wiring other than shoving it back through the wall or mounting a junction box.
Did Gino really suggest standing on a ledge? I mean, seeing it from the side, it's a healthy ledge, but please don't do that.
If you find yourself getting stuff like this more often, I'd look into buying a brand new nifty lift like tex did. It's gotta be a good deal more reliable and cheaper than a bucket truck, and not as janky as all the rentals that have been put through the wringer by 12 different crews.

Yeah, it's amazing how high the prices are on "decent" used bucket trucks. Even harder to find some with open basket style platforms. I'd love to have a NiftyLift, a drivable one in particular. I've got my feelers out there for one. Guaranteed I could keep one very busy since there aren't any "big" sign shops around (within 60-70 miles anyway). I'm getting at least 15 calls per month for jobs that require a lift -- it just sort of takes me out of my comfort zone a bit since I'm having to get familiar with so many things I previously farmed out to a local installer (sign shop owner who passed away several years back in a plane crash). We had a great thing going for many years. I made all his sign faces, and he did all my installs. :s

 

[JBurton]

Can't tell ya how many units we've taken down 'live' over the years.

Yeah, but I can't tell ya how many live disconnects tulsa has done! My advice was coming from a 'if you've never done this' point more than a here's the quick and dirty approach. Finding the right breaker is almost always the most time consuming task, and shorting it out is a viable, though dangerous, option. I prefer to get a wago on the hot end and not worry about it any longer.

"decent" used bucket trucks

They pretty much don't sell a truck unless it's become too big of a money pit to maintain. And since the truck runs the boom, a flat tire will tie you up to miss a job. I have 2 I bought new in 15 and 17, and they are constantly in the shop lately.

 

[netsol]

Yeah, it's amazing how high the prices are on "decent" used bucket trucks. Even harder to find some with open basket style platforms. I'd love to have a NiftyLift, a drivable one in particular. I've got my feelers out there for one. Guaranteed I could keep one very busy since there aren't any "big" sign shops around (within 60-70 miles anyway). I'm getting at least 15 calls per month for jobs that require a lift -- it just sort of takes me out of my comfort zone a bit since I'm having to get familiar with so many things I previously farmed out to a local installer (sign shop owner who passed away several years back in a plane crash). We had a great thing going for many years. I made all his sign faces, and he did all my installs. :s

i got my bucket truck the same way as my printers in "manufacturer says it can't be fixed" condition from an electrician in parsippany
paid $2200 & killed the better part of 4 sundays getting it in working condition. (i am notoriously cheap, but fairly good at troubleshooting)
i only use it 8-10 times a year but, i have a tree service guy and 2 electricians who borrow it from time to time

 

[tulsagraphics]

Yeah, but I can't tell ya how many live disconnects tulsa has done! My advice was coming from a 'if you've never done this' point more than a here's the quick and dirty approach. Finding the right breaker is almost always the most time consuming task, and shorting it out is a viable, though dangerous, option. I prefer to get a wago on the hot end and not worry about it any longer.

They pretty much don't sell a truck unless it's become too big of a money pit to maintain. And since the truck runs the boom, a flat tire will tie you up to miss a job. I have 2 I bought new in 15 and 17, and they are constantly in the shop lately.

I’ve never taken down an electric sign. Really haven’t done many removals in general. Most of my experience on buildings is limited to installs of Alumalite, banners, face replacements, occasional stud mount acrylic, and rarely some lighting repairs). I’d definitely cut power and use a test pen though since I’m allergic to getting zapped. lol