How to pack - a primer

. . . well here's my 2 bits.Sorry if it's overboard, but I'm a little fanatical about my packaging. I've never had an item I packaged damaged in transit. Of the several items I've purchased which arrived damaged, I would bet they would not have been damaged if the practices described below were used, and it would have been so much easier for the seller and me.

Always, always, always:

> Wrap the item in a plastic bag or plastic wrap first. This prevents dirt, and the packaging material from scratching, or working its way inside the unit.
> support structural members of the unit with appropriate sturdy packing material. For example, an amplifier or preamp should be supported by the corners, and bottom feet on the chassis using styro block, or folded up cardboard (not peanuts).
> Add styro block bracing around knobs, and other protruding items (ie binding posts, switches, etc) so they cannot be broken off by the packaging.
> Disassemble parts where appropriate - Don't ship a heavy amp inside its wooden case. The case will break. Remove Tubes and package separately. Remove TT platters, dust covers, tonearms, etc and give them their own box.
> pack this well supported item inside a sturdy box such that it cannot move around inside. A large heavy item needs a large sturdy box. Double wall for heavy amps is just required.
> Speakers must be well supported with package material distributing the load across as much surface as possible. Make sure the drivers cannot be mashed if the package shifts.
> Double Box always. Pack the boxed-up item inside another box with appropriate cushioning. Peanuts are fine for this purpose, but horrible for supporting the item inside the inner box. Wadded paper is good too as long as it's packed tight. You need cushion - plenty of it to absorb the shock of the drop from the truck. The inner box will support the item and prevent dents, scratches, breakage.
> Make sure the outer box is packed tight also, such that the inner box cannot shift or settle.

btw - all of the above can be done very cheaply using recycled boxes, packing material, and with the purchase of a little styro insulation board from home depot, and cheap boxes from the packing store if you don't have access to old boxes.

The problem with peanuts is that they are loose and there is a smaller dense object amongst them. The object (amp, pre, cdp, whatever) will shift and work its way through the peanuts. the idea of using a cardboard floor btwn the peanuts and the inner box is a great idea. And as far as the standard, a 6-10' drop is uncommon, if something falls off a conveyor. 4' drop is typical. And while I would not tape something to a wood surface, what would you rather have, a bit of gummy residue on the plinth, or a box of TT crumbs?

Newsprint works better than peanuts sometimes as it does not shift as much

Double boxing is absolutely a must.

I like wrapping the piece in bubble wrap thoroughly then using peanuts. Uhaul sells boxes for 5 bucks that are heavy duty and sized for electronics. You can't really overpack. A friend who worked for Fedex told me that all packages should be able to sustain a 10 foot drop without damage.

Putting something in a box surrouded by foam peanuts is actually a good plan IF YOU USE A BIG ENOUGH BOX, so there is plenty of space and foam surrounding the gear.

Unfortunitely, most people use a box barely larger than the gear itself and don't add enough peanuts. Then they secure the box with only one piece of tape over the lid.

I think that's real professional to wrap a box of cables and cords to the plinth with tape. The tape is affixed right on top of the wood surface. A real class act !!!!!!