Occasionally we underestimate how heavy manhole covers are and the difficulty in opening them. They rattle when we drive over them, so they should be a snap to pop open, right? Wrong! Manhole covers are very heavy; most are constructed of cast iron. Removing one improperly can result in serious back and/or spine injury.
Having the right tool for the job is the key to completing this task safely. Using a manhole hook, often called a manhole key, to remove manhole covers is a great tool for safely opening the cover. Manhole keys come in a variety of sizes and styles. Make sure to use the correct manhole key for the manhole covers you have in your municipality. Another excellent multi-task tool is a pick (with a point on one end and a flat horizontal claw on the other end). A long heavy-duty flat screwdriver can be helpful too, or a hammer with an extra-long handle and a straight claw. Consider the types of manholes you have in your municipality. Some manhole covers don’t have the keyhole built into them - they have a grooved slot around the rim - a pick works best on these manhole covers.
Manhole covers are difficult to open on the best of days. Here is a tip to help get stubborn manholes popped. Occasionally, a manhole cover gets stuck in its ring. When this happens, we usually resort to the tools we have on hand to pry the cover open. Most often the “go-to” tool is the sledgehammer and when used, what follows is usually a lot of effort and lack of success. Far too often, the cover is broken after too many sledgehammer strikes, trying to avoid spending the time getting the backhoe to the job site. Breaking lids are not only costly but also dangerous. Joel Baker, Public Works Operator for the Town of Talala has a method that saves a lot of time and effort. He recommends ensuring the edge of the manhole cover is clear of dirt, debris, or other sediments that cause the manhole lid to bind in the hole making it more difficult to dislodge. Once the edge of the cover has been cleaned, Joel pours a liberal amount of water around the edge of the manhole cover. Allow the water a few minutes to work its way in to loosen debris between the ring and cover. Take your time, it’s better than beating the cover senseless with a sledgehammer and wearing yourself out. Now, once the water has had time to work, give the manhole cover a couple of shots with your sledgehammer and it should pop loose. If not, you can pour more water into the gap.
This technique works on most manholes lids and has saved many from being broken. There is no magic wand or silver bullet when it comes to stuck manhole lids. Occasionally, you will come across a stubborn lid that won’t budge no matter how hard you pry or how much water you pour. In these cases, it is better to use a backhoe or similar equipment to lift the cover
Manhole keys are the recommended tool for the job, but there are other methods to dislodge stuck lids. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when using tools not specifically designed to open manholes. Crowbars and screwdrivers are also effective at prying open a lid from its ring. However, neither the crowbar nor the screwdriver can actually lift the lid, they merely create a gap to wedge another tool, like the pick/key under to lift the lid. Avoid lifting the manhole lid with your hands if possible.
Regardless of which tool or method is employed to open manhole covers, safety should always be the top priority. Covers are rough, rusty, and sometimes have sharp edges. Be sure that you’re wearing heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from injury when lifting manholes covers. Pay close attention to keep your hands clear of pinch points. Also, make sure to straddle the manhole cover and lift with your back straight and your knees bent.
