Range Anti-Tip Device Bracket

One of the most common recommendations to show up in a home inspection report, is the absence of an easily installed safety device called the anti-tip device bracket.  This metal clip should be installed at the time the range is installed in a home.  All new ranges come with this device with all the parts necessary and instructions on how to install in properly.

This safety device, when installed properly, will prevent the range from tilting forward should the range door be open and something heavy be placed in front of the unit, either on the door or on a cooking rack.  There are lots of scenarios in which this disaster could take place.  One of the most common would be pulling a large and heavy meal forward on the rack, such as a holiday turkey.  This added weight could cause the range to tip forward, all happening very fast, endangering anyone in the immediate area. Other scenarios include a child crawling onto an opened door or an elderly person falling forward while trying to lift a cooked dish.

As home inspectors, we call out deficiencies like this all the time, not because we enjoy calling out problems, but because we know the importance of these safety features.  So, if this deficiency shows up at your home inspection, be sure that you get the repair done before putting your kitchen into service.  You can find the part at most any hardware store.  The device can be installed using a screw driver or cordless drill, items often found in the most basic tool kits.