When searching for a portable loading dock for your material handling application, what must-have qualities come to mind? Durability, safety, and reliability should be at the top of the list. Portable loading docks, also known as yard ramps, are crucial for loading and unloading heavy cargo and equipment, so they must be robust and dependable. […]
When it comes to ensuring the safety and accessibility of your home, every detail matters. One often overlooked aspect of your home is the patio door, which is often a sliding glass door. Sliding patio doors can be challenging for wheelchair users due to the sliding door tracks as well as the high threshold that […]
In the bustling world of construction sites, event venues, and industrial settings, the management of pipes, cables, and hoses can be a logistical and safety challenge. Ensuring the seamless flow of traffic while safeguarding both people and equipment is a multifaceted task that demands reliable solutions. In these situations, pipe and cable ramps are a […]
“What length ramp should I order for 3 stairs?” It’s the first question you should ask when purchasing a wheelchair ramp. But how exactly do you know which ramp or ramp length would be best for your stairs? Here’s how HandiRamp’s CEO and resident ramp expert, Thom, responded; “This is not a simple answer. Each […]
Threshold ramps play a crucial role in making your home accessible for you and/or your loved ones using mobility devices like wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. However, when it comes to selecting the right threshold ramp for your needs, how do you know which one is best for your home? With two popular options, rubber and […]
Efficiency is the name of the game in any industry that involves material handling. You need to make sure that your payloads and materials are transported quickly and safely. To promote ultimate efficiency, the use of a loading dock ramp is critical at locations that have a dock or need to frequently load/unload trailers. But […]
As the first snowflakes of winter begin to fall, they bring with them the promise of days filled with sledding, snowmen, and hot chocolate. However, the winter season also marks the beginning of hazardous weather conditions that can interfere with the safe usage of outdoor wheelchair ramps. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can make navigating […]
As your business evolves and warehouse operations expand, the need for effective material handling solutions becomes more critical than ever. Whether you’re aiming to streamline your workflow, enhance efficiency, or adapt to the ever-shifting demands of your industry, choosing the right yard ramp solution to support your loading and unloading operations is a pivotal step. […]
For centuries, the bond between humans and horses has been a source of wonder and admiration. Whether ridden for work, recreation, therapy, or sports, horses provide an avenue for connection and exploration. One often overlooked aspect of this relationship is the process of mounting the horse. While able-bodied & experienced riders don’t give mounting a […]
When you are enjoying time with friends and family, the festivities usually migrate around the house. Gorgeous weather can bring the group outdoors onto the patio or deck to continue forming core memories. However, this can be easier said than done for your loved ones who use electric wheelchairs or scooters. Your sliding patio door […]
While HandiRamp Cargo Van Ramps are designed to have a straightforward do-it-yourself installation, there may be situations where a little extra installation help would be worth a few hundred dollars investment. Luckily, HandiRamp offers installation services for our cargo van ramps. Below, we describe what the process entails and how you can schedule your cargo […]
Learn how to choose the right threshold ramp for your sliding glass or patio door.
What is Aging-in-Place? Aging-in-place refers to staying in one’s own home and community as they age. As our loved ones get older, they become more prone to slips and falls that could lead to life-altering health conditions. The problem many seniors face is that while their homes served them well in their younger years, they […]
You’ve invested a lot into your business, so your heavy equipment needs to be transported safely and efficiently. Your customers are counting on you to get the job done, and you need a solution that will help you more easily move your equipment without damage. Cargo van ramps are more than capable of securely transporting motorized and […]
What is a Mobile Yard Ramp? A mobile yard ramp is used in the absence of a permanent dock ramp. It can be moved anywhere in a shipping and receiving yard to give forklift access to a shipping container or semi-trailer at a loading dock level. One of the main uses of a mobile yard […]
For someone in a wheelchair, finding the best way into and out of a home can be a daunting process. When you’re fully ambulatory, you don’t think of a step or two as much of a challenge. When you’re in a wheelchair or use a scooter, the front steps to your home can seem insurmountable. […]
When my grandfather was nearing the end of his life, he had to use a wheelchair most of the time. The nursing home he was living in was equipped with ramps, but when it came time for visits home, we had to find a safe entry and exit pathway into our home. These trips were […]
Of all the things that people miss during the season of COVID-19, dining at a favorite restaurant is likely to be at the top. Who doesn’t miss a great burger, a perfectly cooked omelet, or a great craft cocktail? In this brave new world, restaurant dining has effectively become outdoor dining, and leave it to […]
View the PetStep Dog Ramp For Pools At PetStep.com While we are known for our accessibility and material handling ramps, HandiRamp also manufactures ramps for your furrier family members. If your dog loves the water as much as you do, then a ramp to help them access the water is an absolute must! But, where to […]
If you own a box truck, cargo van, or pickup truck you’re probably someone who hauls equipment and heavy loads for both business and pleasure. While it’s possible to grab two or three helpers and muscle just about anything into the bed of a pickup or back of a van, a folding ramp can make […]
Lou Manfredini features a number of home improvement products on his segment on WGN9, “Mr. Fix It.” This Valentine’s Day, HandiTreads had the honor of being shown as a great way to keep you and your loved ones safe. “You will no longer fall on your rear end. This is one of the best safety […]
The 2019 National Hardware Show was a blast! Handi Ramp owner and Stop the Slip author, Thom Disch got the chance to sit down with the Carey Brothers for a great guest interview. The Carey Brothers’ On The House programs provide valuable home building and renovation advice, drawn from their 70+ years of combined experience […]
June 29, 2018-“Mr. Fix It” Lou Manfredini talked about a HandiRamp product called People Treads during his WGN HomeSmarts segment, watch the clip below! People Treads are a great non-slip solution for slick floors in the home where people or pets could use a little extra traction to help prevent slips and falls in […]
So you have a semi truck trailer or shipping container you need to unload, but there is no loading dock built where you are. You may have a forklift, hand truck, pallet jack, drum jack or drum dolly to move the contents. You want to get the contents off the truck or container safely and […]
In Ridgefield, Connecticut residents were furious to find that the wheelchair ramp at their local CVS Pharmacy has been removed and replaced with stairs. Wheelchair and stroller users now must use the far side of the store to gain access. People are outraged and encouraging the ramp to be put back where it originally was […]
To commemorate National Safety Month in June, Handi-Ramp recently launched their Residential Safety Hub, a new and simple way to find solutions to protect unsafe areas in and outside of your home. Ensuring that our homes are safe is a top priority for nearly everyone, from installing smoke detectors or guard railings, to security systems. […]
Homeowners insurance is necessary to have and is required by most mortgage lenders until you’ve paid your mortgage in full. It can be costly if you’re not careful, but it is possible to get the coverage you need at a price you can live with. Here are five tips for reducing the cost of your […]
That’s why Handi-Ramp has our Sidewalk Repair Kit. An inexpensive, quick, easy to install alternative to having a construction company come out and create a mess. Just measure the area you’d like to cover and give us a call. 847-680-7700. Oh yeah. Check out the video too. It’ll give you an idea of how installation […]
Last year we were asked to create a structure for Battery Park in New York. Our guys traveled from our home base in Chicago out to the Big Apple for a few days to install the custom ramp. Since this ramp is ADA Compliant, now everyone has a chance to check out the historic area. Not […]
One of our customers recently sent us some fun pictures. They were visiting Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor Michigan and noticed a familiar sight guarding an entrance. A dozen or so of our black powder coated HandiTreads! The Zingerman’s empire started from from these humble beginnings in 1982. Since then they’ve sprouted into a bakery, […]
As we dive headfirst into this year’s holiday season, it is important to keep your houseguests’ comfort in mind. There are several ways in which you might accommodate your visitors. You might clean the house before Thanksgiving or Christmas or set up an elaborate holiday display in your front lawn. You are going to want […]
The other night I was helping my grandmother down our back deck steps after a dinner at our house. We got to the top of the steps – I was supporting her left side with my arm – and she froze. It was dark outside and the steps were barely illuminated by the light coming […]
Handi-Ramp is proud to announce that their line of non-slip treads – Handi-Treads – is now featured at a local Ace Hardware Store in Libertyville, Illinois. The treads have experienced a great deal of growth in recent years and Handi-Ramp management decided it was time to expand the retail offerings of their product. Ace is […]
Let’s face it; we all know art can become very expensive with collectors paying millions for one-of-a-kind pieces. You could paint yourself, but who wants paint splattered in their home or garage? No, what you should do is head over to www.handiramp.com where over 55 art scenes can be purchased for less than $100, and […]
Imagine your family owning a pontoon boat ramp and launching it off the South Carolina coast for the past decade, making memories and sharing laughs. Recently your beautiful Golden Retriever has fallen ill and can no longer run, jump, or chase after squirrels, his favorite activity. After a brief discussion with the family, it was […]
If you’re the proud owner of a Chevrolet Corvette, Lamborghini, Ferrari, or even a camper, then you know scratching the underside of the body is a big ‘no no’ when entering your driveway from the street. Millions of homes in the United States have what’s called a “rolled curb” as opposed to a “standard curb”. […]
As our nation makes its way thru Spring and into Summer, now is the ideal time to safeguard your patio for backyard barbecues and get-togethers with the family. For some elderly parents or senior family members, climbing the stairs of a raised deck or navigating an uneven sidewalk is often difficult and even hazardous. It […]
Can you remember 10, 20, 30, or 40 years ago when you walked across the stage full of school administrators, shook a variety of hand’s, and accepted your diploma? I can remember having butterflies in my stomach before my graduation and thinking to myself “don’t trip”. With recent technological advances and the help of companies […]
With warmer than average temperatures slated to cover much of the contiguous United States Thursday, its hard to think about nothing else except enjoying the weather. This is the time of year landscapers, roofers, and other contractors wait for after a harsh winter. But before any appointments are scheduled and work begins, equipment must be […]
If you are looking for a high-quality pet ramp to help your dog access your pool, car, or furniture, visit our official website at PetStep.com! Our pet ramps are durable and lightweight, and feature an exclusive non-slip rubberized surface that provides traction in any weather condition. You’ll also find helpful information on how to use and […]
How much do you know about the U.S. Pulp and Paper industry? My guess is very little. Did you know between 1990 and 2002, the U.S consume rate jumped from 84 million tons to over 97 million tons? Early last week we received a call from a top manufacturer of the paper industry looking to […]
In early 2014, Handi-Ramp received a call from a homeowner requesting a ramp, double bar handrails, some threshold ramps, and grab bars to be installed for the homeowner’s 80-year-old-mother. The home, which was purchased just a month prior, did not meet the homeowner’s safety requirements. To make the mother’s daily routine easier, the Handi-Ramp crew […]
More and more people require medical assistance than ever before. Fortunately, the internet has provided us a means to connect with those who can help. So, what happens when the above is mixed together? Crowd funding. What is Crowd funding? It’s a collective effort of individuals who network and pool their money via the internet […]
In the latter weeks of December 2013, Handi-Ramp sent off a shipment of non slip tread kits to an Amazon Canada fulfillment center with the goal of selling said tread kits to the citizens of Canada, saving them on the high cost of shipping and transit time. When Amazon first offered their Prime service at […]
When Handi-Ramp first opened its doors back in 1958, its’ goal was to connect those in need to easily affordable custom accessibility options. This has since grown to offer additional ramp’s in a variety of both portable and permanent options, in addition to safety products. Recently, in efforts to continue developing both their accessibility and […]
What if your family was faced with the reality of moving your grandmother into your home for round the clock care for her safety? Would your home be suited for this kind of commitment? The two most dangerous rooms in your home are the bedroom and bathroom. Did you know every year about 235,000 people […]
Imagine having to keep your family safe from slips and falls on a ramp or deck during British Columbia’s coldest winters on record. Tough job, right? Not for this family. In the midst of expanding their existing deck to accommodate their aging mother, a cost-effective solution was presented to the family by the contractor to […]
We’ve all heard a story at one point or another about a retired married couple taking a cross country trip in their RV because, hey, it was on their bucket list. What’s often not disclosed, and unique about this story, is that the couple wanted to take along the husband’s aging mother. The couple decided […]
Imagine you work two jobs seven days a week and come home each night to your three children – one of whom is paralyzed from the shoulders down after a horrible hit and run accident a few years prior. He’s been in an out of hospitals more times than she can remember and requires constant […]
When middle school students return to their classroom this Tuesday following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Day, something will be a bit different. When exiting the school there was a step down as you walked out the door. This is not a typical exit situation where an exit landing is usually level with the surface […]
After months of preparation and planning, non slip treads by Handi-Ramp are now officially available thru Amazon’s FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) Canada program. What does that mean? For those current and potential customers located in Canada you no longer have to pay excessive shipping and handling fees to receive your product, or will you need […]
As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, some 40 million or more Americans will hit the road over the course of this week. Remember last year when Chicago and St. Louis was hit with heavy fog the day before Thanksgiving? This year seems to echo the same theme with Winter Storm Boreas bearing down on the eastern seaboard, […]
Each year around the first week of November, PATH Int’l (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and EAAT (equine-assisted activities and therapies) hosts a conference and annual meeting to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs and build participant skills. This year, the event was held in Orlando FL and featured 19 […]
Today, millions of Americans will take a moment or two to thank our armed forces for their service and sacrifice. Did you know Veterans Day was created by President Wilson in 1919 to honor those who served (should not be confused with Memorial Day which celebrates those in the armed forces who have died). Since […]
Forklifts or powered industrial trucks are such an integral tool to warehouses that they’re almost like the air workers breathe – taken for granted. A forklift is a powerful tool that allows a single person to lift and move large heavy loads, such as a yard ramp. But there are risks with a forklift. According […]
Let’s face it – you’re sad the pontoon boat your family owns must be stored away. It’s the time of year where no one will take a ride on the lake no matter what they are bribed with, all due to cold temperatures. On a positive note, this IS the time of year when boat […]
When considering the purchase of a horse mounting ramp there are several safety considerations that should be taken into account. PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) has a few specifications for safety while the ramp is in use. In this article we review how the three safety criteria apply to Handi-Ramp horse mounting […]
Not long ago I took a call from a family who recently moved out of a 3 bedroom apartment and into a more spacious 4 bedroom home, bringing them closer to their retired, aging parents who themselves live in a small 2 bedroom home. The move allowed them to more freely navigate around the house […]
Now that much of the country is officially in the fall season, three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday) hundreds if not thousands of baby boomers put down their flowering pots and knitting in favor of the local American Legion Hall hosting their weekly bingo session. Many of these Hall’s mentioned above play host […]
What if you and your wife recently purchased a home – it’s a gorgeous 2 story red-brick home, and although there is no interior work to be done, the exterior is another story. The grass looks burnt with random patches, the deck in the backyard is unfinished (only way on or off is the porch […]
If you’ve read the most recent OSHA’s (Occupational Safety and Heath Administration) top 10 citations for the 2012 calendar year (seen on OSHA’s website), fall protection tops the list. Not only that, but fall protection also topped the list for being assessed the highest penalties for the same time frame (October 1st 2011 – September […]
What is a Crossover Ramp? A crossover ramp is one that allows both small and larger type vehicles to cross over a cable, wire or hose that is obstructing the path of that vehicle. In some cases this same crossover ramp may also be called a ‘fracking ramp’ (named after the industry it serves), while […]
It is nearing fall again. It’s time for leaves to fall, and all kinds of critters to wander about their fall activities finding food, shelter and a place to hibernate for the winter. A window well could be a nice place for those animals to hang out for the cold winter months. Even in […]
Stairs as Art Have you ever thought that a set of stairs could be a work of art? Well they can be, especially if they represent music and culture at a nightclub or restaurant. One of our customers who is a mosaic artist called us about a recent project that they are working on. It […]
This past weekend I went to see a musical in my home town in southern Illinois. The building it was held in was built recently, and it was my first time seeing this new community theater. The main entrance was placed on the southwest street corner with a few stairs leading up to the lobby […]
Oftentimes when a customer calls me asking for helping selecting a ramp we are able to find an entire ecosystem of solutions for their home. Maybe they need a ramp for the garage entryway and forgot about the side door threshold. Or maybe they needed bathroom grab bars and forgot about the driveway slope. Take […]
Suppose you just purchased a new lease on a commercial building in the heart of Charleston SC. The equipment has been purchased and moved in and you’re about ready to open for business when a thunderstorm forms one night in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast. The next morning you arrive only to find […]
As we leave the warmer summer months behind and enter the cooler, latter part of the year, we know one thing: football season is upon us. It is easy to get carried away (especially during high school and college games) when your team is playing at home against a top rank opponent. Quite often with […]
Many companies lack a loading dock for offloading freight from the back of a truck into the dock. Finding a solution that solves this particular problem has become a common issue when we hear from customers needing this product. Portable yard ramps are the solution to the problem of not having a loading dock. Recently, a […]
If you have not yet visited Ramps.org you are in for a real treat. Ramps.org is an educational website where you can learn more about the rise and run of a ramp, ADA guidelines, ramp materials, portable ramps, ramps for vehicles and much more.This highly popular informational website is supported by Handi-Ramp. One of the […]
What are the top four choices you must make when buying a dockboard or plate? Price, dimension, capacity, and safety. Many customers choose these dock products based on price alone, but that is like buying a pair of shoes even if they don’t fit you. Price alone is not and should not be the ultimate […]
Want to learn all you can about Yard Ramps before you make the decision to buy a yard ramp? Handi-Ramp has all of the yard ramp knowledge you are looking for in one place: the yard ramp knowledge base section. You’ll find the yard ramp knowledge base section at the bottom of each page in […]
Oil, natural gas and other fuels all come from the ground. As a result, they must be extracted using various means. Although I’m not a petroleum engineer, I must admit that the science behind it is fascinating. In visiting a fracking extraction facility recently, I was really able to get a handle on how the […]
It never ceases to amaze me the various applications Handi-Ramp carries for their products. Just the other day I got a call from an Embassy in Washington D.C who was looking for parking lot post protectors. Fifty of them! For those of you not familiar with post protectors, they are a protective device that is […]
When people purchase Handi-Treads more often than not the treads will be mounted to an outdoor area, such as stairs, a walkway, a ramp etc. As it is, many do not think of the indoor benefits a tread might have to other stairs or walkways. Just recently, we had a customer purchase some of our […]
Lack of Curb Ramps Threatens Safety If you had the chance to save a life (or two) and save thousands of dollars in the process, would you do it? What if I told you dozens of small towns and cities across the United States are and have been facing the rising problem of inaccessible curbsides […]
How to Keep Up with the Summer Demand for Beverages It was another summer day at Handi-Ramp, in a summer of unpredictable temperatures, when the phone rang. I could hear the raspy and dry voice from the other end. It was a potential customer calling us from a beverage distribution center in Tennessee. With temps […]
In the world of ramps we often think of capacity as being a top-three most important aspect for a ramp selection. Luckily, in the case of a PetSTEP ramp, one size fits all. Any breed you can think of will work with a PetSTEP ramp from the smallest teacup Pomeranian to the largest St. Bernard. […]
After weeks of conducting your research, going for a test drive, and speaking with service professionals, you finally made a decision regarding a new eco-friendly vehicle. Money is discussed and agreed upon, papers are signed, and the keys are handed over. You’re done, right? Not if the vehicle you just bought is unequipped for accessibility […]
This weekend’s festivities in the city of Chicago will put a strain on the cities resources to keep everyone safe – this includes a police force, garbage and other trash disposal, and an increase of Metra, taxi, and “L” riders. Originally created in 1991 and lasting for 6 years before a revival in 2003, Lollapalooza […]
When you look at a yard ramp from the side, you notice its design and structure is similar to a bridge. One end of the yard ramp rests on the floor of a semi truck trailer while the opposite end sits on the ground, forming a bridge between the two uneven height surfaces. Materials Bridges, like […]
With most of the country in the prime of 2013’s summer, many people flock to pools, lakes, and coastlines to keep cool. Sadly, many are unable to bring their pets along to enjoy the same freshness due to an injury or age. Why deny them the enjoyment of a cool dip in the water? Dogs […]
As we age, it often becomes necessary to use medication. The same is true for our dogs who suffer a wide range of health problems as they age. Giving medication to your pup, particularly in pill form, can sometimes be a challenge so let’s take a look at a few different approaches you can try. […]
The image of accessibility is undergoing a remodeling. Starting in New York and moving to other areas of the country, Chicago is one of the hotbeds of change. Self Image is Everything How we think about ourselves is everything. Image is everything. And the idea that being in a wheelchair is inherently an inactive state […]
Whether through age, illness, or disability, becoming reliant on a wheelchair paves the way for considerable changes to your way of life. The same four walls you’ve live in all your life can become a prison. Something as simple as getting from your driveway to your front door can become a challenge if you’re in […]
Now that winter has finally departed for most of the United States, families and individuals alike look to put down their phones, shut off their laptops, and enjoy the warmer temps heading their way. Many families, when considering a travel destination, take accessibility into consideration when travelling with a family member that requires a wheelchair. […]
According to the 2010 census, nearly 57 million people in the United States have a disability. That’s 19 percent of the population! This means more likely than not, you know someone who has a disability. So how do you prepare your home if you invite that person over for dinner, a movie marathon, or game […]
Safety is paramount in any workplace, but especially in warehouses and workshops, where staff deal with sharp tools and heavy equipment on a daily basis. Here are some good tips for creating a safe work space. Store your tools safely Leaving tools lying around your workshop is a sure-fire way to get someone injured. Make […]
In the last twenty years or so, hundreds of product has been invented with the intention of not only earning a large profit, but changing the way of life. Take for example the launching of the World Wide Web (1990), Apple’s iPod (2001) and later the iPhone (2007, and the first hybrid vehicle (Toyota Insight […]
When choosing to have a permanent ramp installed at your home or business, there are two main options for the ramp’s material: wood and aluminum. Despite wood ramps being less expensive than those made from aluminum, the durability, practicality, and simplicity of an aluminum ramp make it well worth the extra cost. Wood Ramp vs. […]
Safety around the home is something all homeowners should be aware of, and any steps that can be taken to improve safety are almost certainly good steps to take. Of course, most homeowners must also be concerned with the expense of any such improvements, so it is wise to look for ways to upgrade […]
Paying it forward by building wheelchair ramps in the community Paying it forward is a big thing these days. Giving back to the community is something that is becoming very important in the learning process at all educational levels. We see this with building ramps for the disabled in communities all over the country. High […]
Suppose it is Thursday night. It’s your weekly bowling night with the guys at the local lanes. The weather outside is low 30’s with a chance for snow around the second game. That’s ok, you say. You’ll take your smoke break after the first game is completed and take a little more time than normal. […]
Slipping is one of the biggest – and costliest – reasons for employee absence, not to mention subsequent compensation claims. Sliding across the floor might seem like one of the least serious accidents, but it can result in some nasty strains, fractures and even concussions. As an employer, with a duty of care and safety […]
It takes all kinds of modifications to make a home accessible for someone who physically challenged: portable wheelchair ramps, grab bars, handrails and more. However, the changes you make should not end with safety features. Security is also a major issue. The changes that make a home more accessible can also be a signal to […]
In part 1 of our oil field services blog, we introduced how a product is born and the steps needed to be taken before it becomes a reality. In part 2, we will discuss the drastic need for such large capacity ramps as it pertains to not only the oil field industry, but construction sites […]
This past weekend I visited a former professor at my alma mater college in the Midwest. As I drove through the outskirts of campus, the hilly sections brought back memories when my classmates and I, weather permitting, sat one those hills and studied. Now years later I see many sections of the campus newly remodeled. […]
What is the best option for stair repair? Pour new concrete or repair stairs with HandiTreads? Have you recently made a decision to repair your stairs? Have they been deteriorating or deemed unsafe by a family member or neighbor? What if you had concrete stairs that were structurally sound, but the surface was pitted with […]
