My manhole cover won't lift

[Paul Haynes]

Hello, I have a problem trying to lift my manhole cover. I tried to prise it open with a pry bar and some screwdrivers, but it keeps slipping back down. Hence, the fence is in the way whilst trying to lift it out, which makes its a lot trickier!

Any solutions?
Thanks.

 

[flameport]

The proper tools, not screwdrivers:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/monument-tools-t-end-heavy-duty-lifting-keys/9854k

 

[Paul Haynes]

Thanks, the slots on my manhole cover are a little bit bigger but no worries!

 

[Burnerman]

Get the corner of a garden spade in there.....never fails!
John

 

[Paul Haynes]

I tried that before, but it didn't work. This manhole cover is a recessed one, and it's roughly 3 inches thick. I might invest buying some manhole keys to lift the thing up.

 

[Mikefromlondon]

Long crow bar and a wooden bit as a fulcrum, and engaging the one end into the keyhole and stepping on the other end of long crowbar would move any stuck manhole cover, however, may be worth wetting the edges with water to soften any dirt and grit that may have embedded into the gaps around the edges such as dirt and dust which kind of cements it in and makes it harder to move.

 

[Paul Haynes]

Last time I opened my manhole was 5 years ago. I used a a couple of pry bars to lift two 2 sides up, and then I slid another one underneath to stop it slipping back down. Then, I pulled it to one side and did what I needed to do with the drains.
I'm going to buy some manhole keys so I don't have to keep lifting it with prying bars.

 

[HERTS P&D]

See below:

http://www.pavingexpert.com/recess_stuckFAQ.htm

Andy

 

[Paul Haynes]

Good news! With a bit of luck I managed to open the manhole cover a few inches with some pliers and a spade!