Gear

Installed a few new tricky horse stall mats(need to re-tape still) and want to s

romanzo71Aug 17, 5:25 AM

I've got a decent amount of experience with these suckers now, after multiple moves and then installing a few more to tie the space up, I wanted to pass on some tips/tricks I've picked up that have been super helpful for me. For moving these heavy awkward bastards I found using ratchet straps and rolling them up makes moving them a breeze. Especially if you have two people. But I moved three down to the basement by either holding by them at the ends or bear hugging them. To ratchet them I basically I chuck one hook under the mat, go to the opposite side and roll until the hook is exposed, hook it up to the ratchet and crank away. I used two towards each end of the mat. For cutting I used a lenox gold blade with a utility knife. Fresh blade helps immensely. I measured and marked with a silver sharpie, then did first cut as just a light cut to get it started, I took my 48" level and stuck it under the mat where the cut is to raise it up and open up the cut up, from there I just kept making passes with the utility knife until I was through, usually like 3-4 cuts or so. You could use a 2x4 for this or anything that raises the mat up a bit to open the cut. For smell I always get them home, plop em in the driveway, and then scrub down a couple times with simple green and then I just let them sit in the direct sun for a couple days to off gas a bit more. They still will have some smell, no way around it, but this seems to make it bearable. You could probably let them bake in the sun for longer if they still really stink but as a busy Dad I don't got time for that so a couple days does it. That's about all I got, hope this information helps other who go this route. Feel free to hit me up with any questions!

28 replies

the_explode_man·Aug 20, 2:32 AM
I did mine without tape and kind of prefer them that way. I feel like I'd be OCD as soon as the tape starts curling up or moving and I'd always be retaping them.
romanzo71_2·Aug 20, 5:40 AM
A bit of a double edge sword for me on that one as the uneven gaps kinda drove me nuts before they were taped, plus all the dirt and debris that accumulated in the cracks. Hoping this new 4 inch tape I got holds up well and doesn't curl up anytime soon but time will tell...
gigglemanesq·Aug 20, 9:14 AM
Solid tips! I just moved mine inside yesterday. Had them sitting outside for just shy of a month and did the same simple green mopping. Don't forget to flip and do the underside! As of this morning, I can't smell them at all. For cutting, I will add one other tip. I used the same method, using a carpet blade (double sided razor blade with rounded corners in a handle). I had to cut a very small section off the corner, so folding was not easy, and I had trouble getting the blade down all the way. So, I used a curved lineman's blade to finish the cut - went through it very easily. For moving, if you have a dolly/handtruck, these things stay upright even with just a single ratchet strap 6 inches from one end. I just rolled, lifted a touch, tucked the strap under, and ratcheted tight. Stood it on end and used my Gorilla dolly to move them. Incredibly easy.
gigglemanesq_2·Aug 20, 11:32 AM
Also, I posted this in the free talk thread - transition strip that I got. Worked very well. https://a.co/d/0grOdNaA
the_explode_man_2·Aug 20, 6:32 PM
Completely fair take. Mine don't shift too bad, but there is a gap and every now and again I'll kick them back into place. There doesn't seem to be too much dirt accumulation between mine - 4 months deep so we'll see how that holds up. I'm basically trading curling tape for having to reposition them every once in a while, but I don't mind that so much. Eventually I want to expand my workout footprint area and I'll likely go with some gym rolls or something. For now, stall mats do the trick!
the_explode_man_3·Aug 21, 5:44 AM
Also, great little space you have! You absolutely nailed the fundamentals.
gigglemanesq_3·Aug 21, 5:57 AM
Dude, that drove me insane yesterday - some of mine had upwards of a quarter inch size discrepancy, and I out down eight. I had to tape for my sanity. I used black Gorilla tape - had good results with that in other contexts, so we'll see.
brundylop·Aug 21, 6:30 AM
Someone on the subreddit recommended dipping the razor blade in soapy water to cut the mats easier, after elevating them so their own weight helps tension
romanzo71_3·Aug 21, 6:40 AM
Thank you! It covers most bases, next up will be (most likely ironmaster) adjustable dumbbells. I've been getting by without dumbbells for a couple years now but I do really miss them lol
die5el23·Aug 21, 6:53 AM
What’s the soapy water do?
romanzo71_4·Aug 21, 9:29 AM
Shoot now that you say that I remember reading that on here before too. I was up at 5am to work on this before kids woke up and I had to go to work so that one slipped my mind. I'd be curious to try but likely wont need to cut anymore anytime soon. I think I read others suggest WD40 to lubricate as well.
the_explode_man_4·Aug 21, 9:40 AM
I maybe fluked out, but the tops of mine are all flush. If I had the discrepancy, I'd definitely be taping.
boring_blood9371·Aug 22, 5:59 AM
Is the tape mainly just for looks? I installed mine last week but didn't tape them yet. I'm worried the tape will eventually come off and leave residue, wondering if it's even worth it
the_explode_man_5·Aug 22, 6:06 AM
I have a 5-50 rack and then some dumbbell handles that I can put plates on. Since you have bumpers, this wouldn't really work for you. I am actually wanting to get the 55-100 and will likely do that. My primary stuff is barbell work, but just being able to walk up and pick up the dumbbells is nice without any adjusting. Down the line, I might get the Eisenlinks for stuff over 100 lbs... Pardon the ramble. I would have a look at the Eisenlinks as they're very similar to the Ironmaster. In fact, previews of Home Gym Con are showing a bunch of companies with dumbbells like the Eisenlink/Ironmasters, but the Eisenlinks will still likely be the cheapest and are reviewed very well.
gigglemanesq_4·Aug 22, 10:57 PM
Oh, the tops are level - I meant the outer dimensions. So when you're laying them next to each other, the corners don't all meet up to form a perfect square, and there is some slight variation in size along the edge that leaves gaps of varying sizes. I took this last night (ignore my foot) - you can see the corners up top. This is with the mats pressed firmly against the walls on two sides. https://preview.redd.it/3fxj37jb6lgh1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1be5f282bdf89e90f6e0f0baafa06db0e1136748
italianplumb3r·Aug 23, 12:17 AM
I haven’t taped mine. Been down since January and they don’t move at all. I’m thinking for looks
imperfectdrug·Aug 23, 12:28 AM
It acts as a sort of cutting lubricant so the rubber doesn’t grip the blade so much. I just soaked a rag in soapy water and would squeeze some into the crevice after making a single pass with light pressure. Subsequent passes would glide smoothly. Absolutely elevate one edge as OP mentioned to keep that cleavage line open without having to force it.
die5el23_2·Aug 23, 12:36 AM
That makes a ton of sense. LUBE IT UP
crayonupmynose·Aug 23, 12:44 AM
You can use truss plates (used to cheaply connect roof lumber) and put them underneath with the points sticking up into the rubber to connect them permanently without anything visible from the top. Mine are 2x4 inch size and reach only half way through the 3/4 inch mats, so they're a great fit.
wixthedog·Aug 23, 3:04 AM
That’ll clean it up nicely!
mraargh·Aug 23, 3:16 AM
If you end up with some slight movement And small gaps, I have use black caulk to fill it in. I think it looks better than tape.
gigglemanesq_5·Aug 23, 3:49 AM
And stick it in the cleavage.
snoocomics9954·Aug 25, 12:20 PM
Screaming for Vengeance!
romanzo71_5·Aug 25, 2:14 PM
Hell yeah brother \m/
thoang77·Aug 27, 8:21 PM
Looks, movement, prevent dust from falling between/underneath. If it comes off, just cover any residue with new tape?
imperfectdrug_2·Aug 29, 12:52 PM
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
doihaveherpaderp·Aug 30, 4:36 AM
I didn’t tape mine and have the crack to allow humidity to escape from the slab
the_explode_man_6·Aug 30, 4:59 AM
Good call!

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