Bank Door Removal in North York — Vault Door Removed in One Shift

Location: North York (near Weston Rd & Little Ave), Toronto
Client: Investor / new owner of a commercial unit
Scope: Bank vault door removal + hinge/protrusion prep for finishing
Crew: 3 people
Duration: 1 shift
Methods: Controlled disassembly + cutting/welding + rigging/lifting for safe load-out

Project overview

A new investor purchased a ~2,000 sq ft commercial unit with an old bank vault in the middle of the space. To make the unit lease-ready, the first step was clear: remove the bank vault door.

The owner considered removing the entire vault, but decided to leave that scope for a future tenant. Our task for this phase was Bank Door Removal—safely, quickly, and without turning the unit into a demolition zone.

The challenges

A bank vault door is not “just a door.” This one was massive—estimated at ~2–3 tons—with heavy locking components and serious steel mass.

Key constraints:

• Weight and balance risk — uncontrolled movement can damage floors/walls and injure workers.
• Confined commercial space — removal had to fit the unit’s access conditions and staging area.
• Finish readiness — hinges and protrusions had to be cut back and prepped for the next phase of fit-out.

Our work

The client did their part first—the site was prepared, access was clear, and the space was ready when we arrived. That readiness is what allows a heavy removal to stay on schedule.

Our sequence:

1. Pre-lift planning – confirmed removal path, staging zone, and safe working envelope.
2. Partial disassembly – reduced complexity and controlled the door’s movement before the lift.
3. Controlled cutting/welding work – separated key components and prepared the door for safe release.
4. Hinge removal and protrusion prep – hinges were cut and remaining steel areas were prepared to be finished cleanly.
5. Rigging + lifting removal – used purpose-selected lifting/mechanical equipment for this door type to control tilt, rotation, and load-out.
6. Load-out + disposal – door was removed from the unit and sent for proper disposal/recycling handling.

Result

• Bank Door Removal completed in one shift
• 3-person crew, controlled execution
• Door removed, hinges/protrusions cut back for the next finishing stage
• Owner left with a clearer space to market/lease, without dragging demolition into the tenant phase

Notes for owners & PMs planning vault work

If you’re dealing with a vault door (or a full vault), success comes down to three things:

• Access and staging: clear path, clear floor, and a defined load-out plan.
• Controlled release: disassemble and cut with intent—don’t “fight the weight.”
• Rigging discipline: the door must stay controlled at every second of movement.