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I’ve been using it all day and the battery was still full , so far so good 👍 👌 😌
One person found this helpful
Used to move 2 mirrors 7 ½ ‘x5’ each. Unbelievably secure grip! Indicator stayed at full charge during an hours move.
This is a very well made suction cup, that I was easily able to lift over 200 LBS of weight while using. This cup has multiple suction points, automatic shutoff of the pump, gauge, and strong metal frame. The pressure relief, on/off switch, are all easily located near the handle. The automatic vacuum is awesome, very quick to lock on and draw a strong suction. The unit takes four AA batteries, which I used rechargeable batteries, worked great. You can see in the photo, I was getting over .6 bar of suction. I would recommend this suction cup to anyone who needed one.
Hope this review helps you.
Has fantastic suction and is a much safer way to support and position glass items and drywall sheets. Easier on the back and fingers. Grips great. Easy to set the suction and has a comfortable grab handle. Perfect gift for the handyman in the family. Transports really well. Excellent durability. No hassle setup.
I unboxed this and attached it to the side of my safe. Pulled it around the shop. So, I got another one and attached foot holds with ropes to them. Now I’m climbing glass buildings like Spider-Man with them. You could probably pick up glass and tile with them, but I’d rather be Spider-Man, so that’s what I’m gonna do. In a world full of tile setters, be Spider-Man. Kirk out!
Used this product to help carry HVAC units while putting them in attics and loading them to and from the trailers. The unit gets to suction quickly and the electric pump feature makes it so easy for one handed operation. So far it has held on while carrying a few hundred pound unit with ease. Definitely recommend it
Works as advertised, hard to tell, but I am lifting a stove/oven combo in the pic. This thing is so cool, not just for glass, it works on metal and sheets of plywood too. Only have two small gripes, first is the controls are a little fiddlely, you hit the button to start the suction, it turns off automatically when it’s reached proper suction, the only thing you have to get use to is to turn it off before you release it, if you forget to turn it off and hit the release button it will start pumping up again, not a big deal just a small learning curve. The second gripe is it is battery powered and didn’t come with batteries. Again not a deal breaker but it would of been nice. I’m planning on ordering a second one so I have one for each hand. Awesome product.
This thing makes moving things so much easier! So many times if something just had a handle, it would be much easier. Well here it is! A handle that has super strong suction and will stick to many things and make them easier to move.ç
This is one of those tools that I would think, “that would be nice to have”–now it’s “how did I go so long without buying this?” This suction gripper is a must-have for people who need to move heavy objects with smooth surfaces–not just glass or large ceramic tiles! I found it incredibly useful for moving things like file cabinets–heavy as heck but without a place to grab onto!
The gripper is quick and easy to charge, comes in a nice molded vinyl carry case that snaps securely, with clear instructions. What’s not to like?
I am impressed with the engineering, and care that was put into this design. I own a construction company and I can think of several possibilities for the application of this product. I did try the cup out, and would feel very comfortable lifting heavy doors and windows. The built in gauge gives you confidence when handling delicate materials, and products.
This electric suction vacuum cup has impressive holding power. It is well made and all controls are easy to reach and use. It utilizes 4 AA batteries (not included) and comes in a robust protective case. So far I’ve tested this to carry glass and it does an excellent job. I plan on utilizing this mostly to install tile in showers but can be used in wide range of applications.
Exactly as shown in the picture. Made from really good material. Feels very sturdy and durable. Comes in handy for many DIY projects.
I am using this to lift and hold 26ga metal siding.
I am not using it to move them but to lift and hold them in place while they are screwed in.
I had a manual pump one but it only lasted a couple of weeks, I have been using this one daily for close to a month now.
I am glad I spent the extra money on this one.
5 STARS
It is not possible to overstate how much I love this item. I love everything about it. Given how long the batteries last, the choice of using AA batteries instead of a proprietary battery pack was hands down the right call. The fact that the device actively monitors the pressure while on will save money. If it didn’t and the device started to lose pressure for any reason, then you would drop your work piece and that could be both expensive and dangerous. According to the manual, this device under absolute perfect conditions has been tested at 440lbs but is only rated for 220lbs.
The thing that really makes me smile though is how compact the device is. I remember watching MythBusters as a kid. In one episode Adam Savage built a suction cup climbing rig to scale a building. It was big, heavy, complicated, and probably cost more than buying four of these. He would have killed for this product back then.
It might seem like allot of money to spend on a suction cup and if you’re not using one all the time it probably is. But if you use big suction cups like this allot then you will be happy to pay for how much pain it will save your fingers.
Pros:
1. Battery life very long
2. Easy to use
3. Works on any flat surface so it has so many other uses
4. Made by GRABO
5. Automatically reseals
Cons:
Surface has to be smooth, the professional Grabos I think allows a lot more give. Where if there are any ridge lines, it will not sanction. Though this is expected.
Overall:
Most people know the brand GRABO, so it was not sure why this device was also called OTTOVAC. Regradless it works great! I used this specifically to install 12×24 tiles and it would have been a PIT if I did not have this. Besides easily holding the tile and placing it on the thin set, it also allows you to “wiggle” the tile around to make sure you have full contact and coverage.
This thing sucks awesome! Definitely will attach and vacuum suck and seal on to flat smooth surface items like glass windows or body panels!
I have a few manual pump suction clamps but they don’t compare to this one.
Pos.
Powered by commonly available AA batteries.
Easy to use.
One button control.
Suction gauge.
When the pressure falls vacuum automatically compensates.
Vacuum is automatic one powered on.
Nice hard case.
Great holding power.
Metal construction.
Negs
No repair/ maintenance parts as with others I have.
This suction cup actually works well with sheet metal, but you have to make sure that the sheet is relatively flat when you are pulling the suction on it. If the suction does break loose, the pump automatically starts back up to achieve a suction back on the sheet. I have used this to move around 5′ x10′ x 16 gauge stainless steel sheets by myself and the cup locks on well and stays locked on while picking the sheet up vertically on its side. It will not pick the sheet up if it is laying flat, though you can lift one end up in order the get it up off of the sheet below it or to just help you stand it up on one edge. I use rechargeable batteries in mine and put them on charge after every use so I can’t say how long normal alkalines would last in this, but I really do like the auto pump on this suction cup.
I was skeptical, thinking the electric pump was gimmicky. But the cup appeared robustly constructed and Grabo’s electric vac cups are successful in their industrial line, so I ordered the Ottovac, which is in a more conventional form factor.
It is truly robustly constructed. I particularly like having a steel handle frame. While there are a number of plastic parts, including much of the pump itself and the pressure release, they are non-stressed parts. Weight bearing parts are stout and the weight ratings and limits reflect that.
My need is to assist in appliance and furniture moving, often simply to get items away from walls, over obstacles like rugs and sills, and to put them on dollies. Vac cups provide handles where you need them and, when the item is vac cup appropriate, MUCH faster and easier to use than just about any other method aside from an electric or hydraulic lift.
I tested the Grabo Ottovac on wood furniture, on glass, and on appliances. The furniture items were mostly clear wood finishes – poly, lacquer, etc. – with somewhat porous surfaces. The Ottovac did lose vacuum on these, but the pump kept the vacuum in the green zone, allowing me to use the cup with no issue. I wouldn’t carry something any distance this way, but for a quick lift, it’s terrific and something that’s often either not possible at all or dangerous with a manually-pumped vac cup. On the non-porous surfaces, the Ottovac works perfectly and holds vacuum like any good vac cup … but is easier to use.
A couple of small things: First, I do have to give a bit of a push on the cup when starting in order to get the vacuum to grab initially. Second, the release “button” is wonderfully easy to reach and use, but is almost TOO easy. An inadvertent release on a vac cup can be very dangerous. I wouldn’t mind having the release positioned down somewhat so as to make it less likely to hit it accidentally. Finally, the metal handle is smooth. It feels good but is slippery if your hands are wet or sweaty. Use gloves or tape-wrap the handle.
This is a very good product, well-made, and effective. A few tweaks and it would be perfect. As it is, it’s a substantial step up in usability from the value-priced cups on the market. You pay for that, but IMO it’s worth it.
This works well for picking up large, flat, smooth items. It is well made and easy to use. I just wonder if one could climb a building with several of these….
What do you get?
A battery operated vacuum suction cup with carrying case.
How does it work?
Release the battery compartment, slide out the battery holder, install four AA batteries. Slide the holder back in and you’re ready to go.
Push the suction cup against a flat surface, press the green button and you’ll hear the vacuum pump start. There’s a suction guage that SHOULD start to move when the pump starts. IF it doesn’t, the cup is not properly sealed against the surface. Once the guage reaches the green “zone” and maintains it for 3 seconds the pump will automatically turn off. If the tool begins to lose it’s suction the pump will turn back on and attempt to restore the vacuum into the green zone.
Once you’re done. Simply push the green button a second time to turn off power to the pump. If you hit the vacuum release collar before you do this the pump will kick on and try to restore the vacuum. Not a huge deal, just push the button. But why make the pump work any longer than it has to.
You’ll notice that there are multiple filter holes in the suction cup, most of these tools only have one. I’m going to assume one goes to vacuum guage and one goes to a vacuum sensor. Just a guess. In the manual there are rudimentaty instructions on how to change the white vacuum filter. Basically “remove fitler with the tip of a screw driver. Then push the replacement filter into the bottom plate and secure it” One of those “it sounds simple enough until you have to do it” instructions
It somes with a nice cushioned carrying case to ptotect it. But doesn;t come with batteries. I took batteries that worked in my TV remotes, but they must have been close to depleted because the pump sounded like it was laboring. Put four fresh batteries in and it worked like a champ. So if you use this a lot you might want to invest in some rechargeable batteries.. The manual also suggests you remove the batteries when not in use.
It’ll grip glass, drywall, tile etc ANYTHING WITH A SMOOTH surface. You might dream about going all Mission Impossible with these and start climbing buidings. Obviously I’m not the first one to think that, since there’s a very specific warning in the manual about NOT doing so. (I still think it would be cool) Under IDEAL LAB CONDITIONS it’s rated at 440lbs. Under WORKING CONDITIONS it’s rated at half that or 220lbs. So I hope you’re not too heavy.
The benefit of this tool over others. NO pumping, there a guage to let you know the vacuum is holding and it automatically restores the vacuum should it begin to fail.
The ultimate question: Is it a good value at $150? If you just need it occasionally perhaps a PAIR of another brand for $60 will work for you. If you need this for your livelihood, it might be worth it. I’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Perfect
es ist leicht, leicht zu händeln und verspricht was es sagt bin sehr zufrieden
I purchased this to help me lift and carry computer rack enclosure walls. Each weigh about 68 pounds and measure 40″ W x 75″ H x .5″ thick. I had two concerns when purchasing this. Would GRABO warp the wall? Would it hold without slipping? GRABO did not warp the wall and held on tight without slippage. I can trust this unit for my work. I like that it will automatically trigger the vacuum pump when the suction decreases. It happened while carrying a wall. It did not slip before or during the pumping. I plan on using this for glass chair mats, as well.
What a great invention for lifting things. Advancing arthritis makes me appreciate any tool that makes lifting things easier. Get one or two of these if you “need a lift” in your day.
This Garbo work very good, it helps me to Handle big tiles 24x 48 very easy.
Muy buena herramienta, batería de buen rendimiento!!
Seriously. If you’re doing flagstone and you don’t have this tool, you don’t know what you’re missing. Really shines after you puzzle-in all your rocks and have to lift each one out to level individually. No easier way. Grab the handle and lift it out without disturbing anything around it including existing sand base. Set it back in with stability and precision. Way better tool than I though it would be. Worth every penny.
As advertised
This is a very good product. But it only works on larger pavers and it works excellent on travertine. I wish it was a little smaller so it could get the regular size pavers too. Overall very satisfied.
Let me start by saying, if you can see this being useful, stop right here and just order it! I chose the older analog display model , well cuz I’m cheap… and this works just as well only cheaper!! Hands down best investment ever. So useful , picks up heavy natural slate material no problem , even the ones with natural uneven surfaces, unless it’s way uneven, but for the most part I’m completely blown away with how absolutely useful this thing is !!!
Use for picking up granite… I hung on the wall from it.. I’m 185 easy detach which I like…
I was able to try one of these out from a coworker last Friday. What a device! An elegant and convenient tool. I look forward to ordering my own. It is a great improvement from my home brew vacuum fixture. With some selective attachments I see great potential in not just lifting and holding panels, but also for holding fixtures as I drill or do router template work. This will be like a mag drill for non-magnetic materials. I have always liked the venturi vacuum generators for the shop and the woods grip for everyrhing else. This truly is the best of both. As long as the batteries charge faster than they are depleted in the tool I will be set.
Undeniably the best suction cup system out there in the market. I’m a contractor and we lift heavy things all the time and with this being able to suction to a wide variety of surfaces makes it the best tool on the field.
This thing is great. I use it to handle 4×12′ sheets of .063 aluminum.
Once you use one you’ll never go back
This product makes tiling so much easier. No more dropped broken tiles!!!!
Worked like advertised. No better recommendation than that. Was laying 2×2 concrete pavers apx 200 lbs per. Laid them at 4-5 rate of speed from doing by hand. Hooked carry chains where straps went to make much easier. Worth every penny
This is the real deal! It can lift, hold & place uneven surfaced slate tiles, I’m impressed!! You’ll blow out your back before this baby fails. And what’s included: 1 unit, 2 batteries (so 1 can recharge), 2 gaskets, 1 110v charger, 1 hardcase.
OMG!!! Thank You!
From lifting sheets of glass shower panes to lifting 2’ x 4’ large format tiles.
From awkward to simple!
Thank You!!!!
While researching bluestone patio construction, mentioned was made of the Grabo. Naturally I had to have a closer look. It is an impressive design, well thought out, even down to the carrying case. It works extremely well. If you have a need for this kind of functionality, it is a superb tool.
I work mostly alone, this is an investment. Not a neat toy. The Grabbo saves your hands, your wrists, your arms. they make working faster and safer. 3/4 in OSB to metal frames of washers and dryers. This is going to be one of the greatest products of decade.
It will lift 2’ x 4’ tiles With ease
We intall tiles and this works great for the large format tiles.
Thank you 😊
I will buy another one
I have a bluestone patio set in stone dust that time to time needs to be reset due to settling. It is a snap to pick up a piece of bluestone with one of these. They never failed. I ordered a second one because I have a few very large bluestones that make it too hard to lift with just one.
Worth every cent. I have two year old Travertine Pavers that had some normal settling. I tried several things to lift them, but to no avail. This tool allows surgical removal of single tiles and easy, precise drop in as you put them back, all without damage to original pavers.
This thing is great for handling sheet goods though, unsurprisingly, doesn’t work with porous material like MDF. It works great on wallboard and plywood but anything that air can go *though* can’t be lifted.
This model runs constantly so even with the most non-porous material, like glass, the pump continues to run. The pump on the “Pro” version only runs when the vacuum is low. Which to buy is up to the user. Both are good.
This product works as advertised. I used it on a 24″x48″ porcelain tile floor job. It never lost suction and was a great asset for installing these large tiles while working alone. The unit was advertised as having 2 batteries and only came with one. The vendor was very prompt and proactive in getting an extra battery to me. Great product and fantastic customer service, I highly recommend both!
Bought the Grabo about a year ago after seeing it on a couple different Youtube channels. Worked exactly as described and perfectly for moving large flat stuff easily. Drywall, wood doors, sheet metal, plastic, FRP panels, Plywood, etc. etc. etc..
One day recently it stopped working. Opened it up looking for loose connections or bent battery terminals, no such luck. Went to their website and filled out the contact form for information on repair/warranty. Couple days later got an email from Fedex saying I had a shipment coming and another email from their customer service that they were shipping me a replacement for free. Should have it in a few days. Not many places have that level of support anymore. I won’t hesitate to recommend Grabo’s to all the tradesmen and women I know. I’ll be buying another as well for my workshop once it is completed.
One person found this helpful
I used it to set tile. Works great especially if you have to remove a tile you just set
My son was ecstatic to open this gift on Christmas. It will help him so much with installing drywall on a project he has going in his garage.
Awesome
Makes laying pavers much easier. I tried it on bluestone, concrete pavers and plywood. Doesn’t work on cinder block.
Awesome tool.
I’ve already put it to work, hard, laying bluestone. Amazing tool!!! A complete game-changer for setting un-even stone.
Perfect
Powerful
This little machine is very powerful. Great for carrying large sheet goods or tiles.
Using this on the job site to move granite slabs for install of kitchen. Project manager showed up and was super impressed. This item can save a lot of broken toes
The media could not be loaded. This gadgets does what the cheap $10 suction cups from the local hardware store cannot do. It lifts pavers that are not perfectly smooth. I am not sure if it lifts the kind of pavers that look like giant vitamin tablets (with lots of little holes/cracks). It does lift my 18 inch pavers from Home Depot that weight about 40 pounds each. The paver tiles are not perfectly smooth like marble. They have a texture, but they are not the large pores like on the cheaper pavers that are commonly sold in the hardware stores. Thank goodness I did not have to buy a suction gadget that requires an air compressor. This helps a lot because when I was dropping the paver tiles by hand they would disturb the flattened sand bed. Even if I dropped the paver just about 1 inch from the ground, the sand would be disturbed, and I would have pavers that were a little uneven. I would have to pull them up and fix the sand. With this gadget, I will not have to do that. I can lay the paver tiles with very good control and not disturb the level sand. I LOVE this thing.
Really impressed. seen them else where but cant be beaten on quality and price!
Needed for a site project, was highly recommeded.
Did the job just great
Really good, great lifter. Works well easy to move around. Would Highly recommend to anyone
Bought as a one off purchase after seeing the reviews, Good price works well and was actually impressed at the quality
Good item. Needed to lift some bathroom tiles. Did the job. Happy with the product.
Having needed something as an all rounder lifter rather than material specific this worked great. Really good item lifts well. Not worried that lifter will just drop feels really secure.
Impressed with this lifter. Really works well. Easy to work and pleasantly surprised with how well it does.
Fantastic service by dortech friendly and helpful, just ordered second grabo.
Great product and does what it says on the tin
The build of this product feels really good. It’s made of glass fiber reinforced PA6 nylon like high quality power tools. Saves time and makes it easier to lift counter tops and large tiles. It’s great to not have to worry about how dusty the surface is.. this think grabs on to anything
Great service and speedy delivery
Wow what a tool. Used it to pull tiles off of a wall after cutting the grout joints.
Lifted sand stone no problem.
Great bit of kit
Superb piece of kit
Really good bit of kit (so far)
Wow. Simce my good mate told me about this I bought two for recent 60m2 porecelain patio job what a life saver. Must have
Exactly what was needed for the job
very universal product
I tried to show others how great this machine was on brand new flakeboard and plywood, Not So Much; Tried several times and Nope! I tied several areas and gave them plenty of time to draw vacuum…
Amazing tool. I see the activation button is redesigned. In my experience, it started to malfunction around the 6 month mark. If died with the vacuum motor shortly after. It was used in pretty demanding conditions and its last day had some exposure to rain involved.
Incredible suction. I use it to lift bluestone on my patio to fix sinking sections.
Perfect
Great tool
I’ve already put it to work, hard, laying bluestone. Amazing tool!!! A complete game-changer for setting un-even stone.
Using this on the job site to move granite slabs for install of kitchen. Project manager showed up and was super impressed. This item can save a lot of broken toes
This little machine is very powerful. Great for carrying large sheet goods or tiles.
This gadgets does what the cheap $10 suction cups from the local hardware store cannot do. It lifts pavers that are not perfectly smooth. I am not sure if it lifts the kind of pavers that look like giant vitamin tablets (with lots of little holes/cracks). It does lift my 18 inch pavers from Home Depot that weight about 40 pounds each. The paver tiles are not perfectly smooth like marble. They have a texture, but they are not the large pores like on the cheaper pavers that are commonly sold in the hardware stores. Thank goodness I did not have to buy a suction gadget that requires an air compressor. This helps a lot because when I was dropping the paver tiles by hand they would disturb the flattened sand bed. Even if I dropped the paver just about 1 inch from the ground, the sand would be disturbed, and I would have pavers that were a little uneven. I would have to pull them up and fix the sand. With this gadget, I will not have to do that. I can lay the paver tiles with very good control and not disturb the level sand. I LOVE this thing.
I use it in my remodel company for everything
I am a Union Carpenter and used the Electric Vacuum Suction Cup Lifter (the product) for moving and installing wood wall panels, metal service chase covers, sink knee panels, metal & wood cabinets, counter tops and solids sinks. The product was an instant second hand/handle for moving and installing. It reduced time and effort to get the job done and was more secure than the manual suction cups we have used in the past.
It would be an added feature of the product to have a vacuum gauge. Such a gauge would let me know when the product was losing suction. I could turn it back on before I lose the hold and potentially damage finished product. I did not purchase the case but would recommend that to anyone that purchases. A case would insure longevity and performance of the tool. If possible, it should be included in the purchase price.
Overall a superior product on the market. I feel this product is a huge asset to my trade. I am looking forward to finding more uses and advantages of the product.
Order came quick. Packing was great. The product so far so good. Using it for tile and random stuff, I don’t know how it can keep suction but it does. Some surface won’t hold suction but it takes awhile to lose suction. If kept on, it will hold suction.
Amazing tool! Super fun to use makes jobs more enjoyable. Would recommend to most trades. I think this product will be a huge benefit to those who have to lift awkward materials.
We have used the grabo for numerous types of material wood, tile, laminate it works fantastic better than I anticipated
Great product bought 2 buying 2more 😆
Battery life could be longer.
ideal for lifting sandstone slabs
A súper tool !! It’s a most have !!!<
I’m a licensed glass contractor in Los Angeles and I’m so happy I found this product. Can lift virtually anything with it and the quality of the product is very nice. Doesn’t feel light and cheap. Highly recommend this product for many different trades.
We used these for 1/2″ plate steel counter top installation. Good investment.
This thing is awesome. Makes holding onto sharp and delicate edges so much easier. Sometimes things are just hard to find a place grab. Now i can just stick the grabo to it and hold on.
it worked fine. have not got to use it much. hoping to use it more in the coming months
We laminate textured fused glass and have always needed a suction cup to grab the undulated surfaces. This product is the answer for these situations. Now we can grab rough surfaces with ease. This is a great tool to have around the shop. We will be buying more.
Granite fabricator, totally love this suction cups, worth every penny.
Works great on smooth granite or concrete
This is a truly fantastic product. I haven’t yet put it to a real test but I have been grabbing onto all sorts of surfaces and the grip is just amazing.
The Nemo Grabo is fantastic. You would not believe the power and ease of use. It adheres to almost any surface within seconds and enables you to powerfully lift and move almost anything. It can perform all sorts of task and it’s even fun to use!
Works great on smooth granite or concrete
I have had this for several months and find it very useful. It works on a variety of materials and maks handling heavy object much easier. Would definitely recommend.
Work perfect for any cabinet furniture or plywood drywall
We received our Grabo yesterday and all our carpenters are very exited, we have only used it a few times to lift big picture windows and it works amazing. I can see us purchasing more it will save a lot of sore backs and speed up loading and unloading.
I have been in the glass business for 3 generations and I will use this for many things! It makes lifting glass and metal a no worry option in it letting go! Very useful and time saving. Great for fabrication of glass panels.
This thing is awesome. Received it the next day after I ordered it. Used it the minute I got it to just try it & it worked on glass & drywall . Took it to work the next day & used it on OSB plywood, Zip system plywood & framing lumber & had no problem with any of them . Can’t wait to use this awesome tool on more , love this tool .
The sponge seal makes them grab surfaces that aren’t perfectly flat.
Works as described . Strong don’t test on dry wall if you are over a screw patch it will pull the patch off the wall. Bad idea to test on living room wall. Haven’t been able to get then to slide off load very safe to use.
We ordered this for the stone countertop industry, for production and installation.. we used it for the first time yesterday, and holy wow, we will he ordering 6-8 more! Unbelievable grip, took and install down from usual 45 min, to close to 20…! Fantastic product! Looking forward to more!
Product performs as advertised, we have not found a material that the Grabo has had issues with. you can tell quality materials are used in this product, we will using this the Grabo moving forward on all projects.
This tool worked great, better than expected! On smooth to semi-smooth surfaces it has long-lasting holding power even after the pump is turned off. We used it on an acid-etched concrete panel and it carried the 120-lb panel with ease with the pump running continuously (which should be expected on this type of surface). They’re fairly light weight and ergonomic, which beats the heck out of air cups with hoses and compressors attached.
The suction power of this thing is unbelievable…I tried all the round suction cups with the little thumb pumps…could not pick up my concrete pavers, not even close…I have very rough concrete pavers, they weigh 100lbs each and it has no problem, they are 24”x24”X2” thick solid concrete…even the ones with lots of air pocket holes in the tops it locks on and don’t let go, I will literally stick to anything remotely flat…I even hung from a sheet of plywood…no joke.
Ordered this last week after doing a glass install job. Did a bunch or research on different options. This seemed like the most advanced option. I of course was a little sceptical that it would work as good as it was shown. I opened it up and went into an apartment I’m renoing currently. Stuck it to the side of the fridge and was easily able to lift one side with no issues. I have shown it to a fellow tradesman who is thinking of purchasing a set or two for his quartz business he was so impressed with a couple minutes of operation time. I even tried to pick up our one home-made air scrubber. It weighs around 85lbs. The top is rough plywood and was covered in dust. After the machine sucked itself down it was no problem to pick up. After a quick blowdown we managed to pick it up without the motor on.(this being despite the manufacturer instructions to keep motor going on porous materials) just to see if it could live upto the hype. Very impressed and will recommend to anyone I can.
Had borrowed one from a friend last winter and it worked well. I bought my own for a specific project I was doing. This tool works excellent. I laid a 175 sq.ft. stone floor (about 50 – 24″”x24″”x1 1/4″” stones and cuts) The stones weigh about 50 lbs and have a rough thermal finish. The Grabo lifted with no problem. I was showing it to a carpenter and even on a plywood wall I could not pull it off . Highly recommend this tool.
Also only used half the battery life over the two days of setting stone.
“my nemo grabo came today, Inhave been very excited to try this tool out I work as a union carpenter so there are many different applications of work I could use this for, from drywall, lumber even exterior building panels. I also have a side handyman business where I take just about any type of work and the Nemo os gonna be right there with my helping move furniture and appliances to tile and door glass panes. The tool came securly tucked into cutout styro foam with a battery charger, 2 batteries, a replacement air filter and base foam sealing pad. Bith batteries were only partially charged so I gave each one about an hour in the charger as the company suggest, there is a red and green light in the charger base letting you know when you ready to go.
Once all charged up It was about 8pm and I didn’t feel like running into the cold outside to try out the Nemo Grabo. So I improvised and stuck the Grabo on my kitchen wall with is textured hit the button to vaccum which is extremely quick and then grabbed with both hands and lifted my legs of the ground. The Grabo did not move at all even with all 230lbs of me hanging off it. This was a great first impression of the tool in use. It could not be any easier to use vaccum button release air button and a power on and off. As of this review Im going to suggest you buy this, even my wife was impressed and and asked if she could use it when needed. I highly recommend the tool.
Use for picking up granite… I hung on the wall from it.. I’m 185 easy detach which I like…
I was able to try one of these out from a coworker last Friday. What a device! An elegant and convenient tool. I look forward to ordering my own. It is a great improvement from my home brew vacuum fixture. With some selective attachments I see great potential in not just lifting and holding panels, but also for holding fixtures as I drill or do router template work. This will be like a mag drill for non-magnetic materials. I have always liked the venturi vacuum generators for the shop and the woods grip for everyrhing else. This truly is the best of both. As long as the batteries charge faster than they are depleted in the tool I will be set.
Once you use one you’ll never go back
OMG!!! Thank You!
From lifting sheets of glass shower panes to lifting 2’ x 4’ large format tiles.
From awkward to simple!
Thank You!!!!
This product makes tiling so much easier. No more dropped broken tiles!!!!
This thing is great. I use it to handle 4×12′ sheets of .063 aluminum.
I’m revising my previous review and apologize for the 1 star rating. I initially had a difficult time getting it to work properly and was frustrated with it when I wrote the review. I got it to work and I’m pleased! It’s a well made tool and I’m glad I made the purchase. Although, I wish it were a bit lighter and it wasn’t necessary to remove the battery to charge. Perhaps that’s a waterproofing issue. Minor though.
What a great invention for lifting things. Advancing arthritis makes me appreciate any tool that makes lifting things easier. Get one or two of these if you “need a lift” in your day.
The only things I’ve been unable to grip with mine are objects in which either:
A. …the surface is SO covered with particulate matter (e.g. covered in sand, dust, powder/flour, etc.) that the device is unable to form a seal, or…
B. …something whose surface is not only irregular, but is also too porous to draw a vacuum against (roll of carpet, pile of pumice stone, a screen door, etc.), or…
C. …something whose surface isn’t capable of supporting itself under any circumstances anyway (a pool of water, a pile of gravel, etc.)
…and you know what? That’s all TOTALLY FAIR.
One doesn’t pick up one of mankind’s most effective electromagnets and then grouse about it “”not working on non-metallic items””, or one of the world’s most-powerful acids, only to whine about it being “”unable to dissolve glass,”” either (or, at least, not without getting promptly lumped into the category of “”humans I hate on principle””).
I CAN lift plywood, drywall/sheetrock/gypsum board/hardiback, tile, granite, marble, glass, metal of any sort, appliances, floor tools, cabinets, furniture… and gods only know what else I’ve yet to discover and/or simply haven’t thought to experiment with yet! Yanno the old saw about “”it’s not heavy, it’s just awkward!””? It’s genuinely shocking how true that actually is. We were able to move a California King mattress wrapped in plastic with NO problems. It was EASY with something to actually get a positive grip on.
Hell: I was able to stick ONE of them to a finished ceiling, HANG PULLEYS from its integrated mounting brackets, and use IT, in turn, to HOIST A 90lb dust collector EIGHT FEET UP A WALL, then REST IT ATOP A SECOND ONE stuck to a bloody FINISHED INTERIOR WALL, tie off the rope, and leave it there – supported only by their respective suctions – until I had time to climb a ladder and lag bolt it in – OVERHEAD, AND BY MYSELF.
Izzy Swan – genius inventor and all-around roaring badass – has done some really, REALLY cool brainstorming videos surrounding the use of them, too (I’m not affiliated in any way, just trés impressed):
youtu.be/dNxj8_S4inQ
youtu.be/sYwtIWYpPvQ?t=12
So has Andrew Klein (equally-genius, equally-badass-of-the-roaring-variety):
youtu.be/V4P-MRnRROE
Yes: they’re expensive. But, I assure you: you’ll be stunned how many applications around the shop you’re likely to find.
One person found this helpful
The Grabo is a work-enabler. It lets you lift heavy things and will help hold large or heavy or awkward objects
Excellent helper
Be patient as you learn to implement these into your normal routines.
This product REALLY sucks! LOL
I have been using it to lift plywood panels, which at age 72 is not easy for me. The GRABO is a tremendous help. I was working with a sheet of 3/8 Doug/fir AC plywood, and it grabbed onto the A side, pulled the vacuum and would then shut off, restarting in about 45 seconds, when it had lost a certain amount of vacuum. After cutting the plywood down to 43×76, I grabbed the C side to carry it out and place it on rafters. The GRABO grabbed on fine but ran continuously. It never slipped. I also intend this for use with a small vacuum bag, and a Festool type board holder for sanding and routing.
Worked like advertised. No better recommendation than that. Was laying 2×2 concrete pavers apx 200 lbs per. Laid them at 4-5 rate of speed from doing by hand. Hooked carry chains where straps went to make much easier. Worth every penny
I work mostly alone, this is an investment. Not a neat toy. The Grabbo saves your hands, your wrists, your arms. they make working faster and safer. 3/4 in OSB to metal frames of washers and dryers. This is going to be one of the greatest products of decade.
I have a bluestone patio set in stone dust that time to time needs to be reset due to settling. It is a snap to pick up a piece of bluestone with one of these. They never failed. I ordered a second one because I have a few very large bluestones that make it too hard to lift with just one.
While researching bluestone patio construction, mentioned was made of the Grabo. Naturally I had to have a closer look. It is an impressive design, well thought out, even down to the carrying case. It works extremely well. If you have a need for this kind of functionality, it is a superb tool.
Lewis Burgwald –
We intall tiles and this works great for the large format tiles.
Review source: Amazon
K. Williams –
This thing is great for handling sheet goods though, unsurprisingly, doesn’t work with porous material like MDF. It works great on wallboard and plywood but anything that air can go *though* can’t be lifted.
This model runs constantly so even with the most non-porous material, like glass, the pump continues to run. The pump on the “Pro” version only runs when the vacuum is low. Which to buy is up to the user. Both are good.
Review source: Amazon
Do•• ••B. –
Using this on the job site to move granite slabs for install of kitchen. Project manager showed up and was super impressed. This item can save a lot of broken toes
Review Source: ubuy.hu
darrell parks –
We have used the grabo for numerous types of material wood, tile, laminate it works fantastic better than I anticipated
Review source: Amazon