A suction lifter grips glass by pushing the air out from under its rubber pad. On a clean, flat surface the grip is very strong. Nearly every case of a lifter letting go comes down to a dirty surface, a worn pad, or a load above the rating.
Choosing the number of cups
| Lifter | Horizontal load | Vertical load | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic, 1 cup | 40 kg | 30 kg | Mirrors, small panes, occasional use |
| Aluminium, 2 cups | 90 kg | 75 kg | Windows, display cases, glass tables |
| Aluminium, 3 cups | 145 kg | 130 kg | Glass doors, partitions, large panes |
The horizontal rating applies when lifting glass that is lying flat, pulling straight up. The vertical rating applies when the glass stands upright and the lifter holds its weight along the surface. Upright is harder on the pad, so the number is lower.
Treat the rating as a limit, not a target. For large panes, use two or more lifters and two people.
Step by step
- Clean the glass where the pad will sit, removing dust, water and grease. Wipe the pad too.
- Place the lifter square to the glass, with the whole pad touching.
- Press or pull the lever until it locks. The air is pushed out and the pad seals.
- Test first: slide the glass a little side to side, or lift it a few centimetres. The lifter must not move.
- Lift slowly by the handle, keeping the glass close to your body.
- Once the glass is in place, release the lever. Never pry the pad off.
Which surfaces work
- Good: clear glass, tinted glass, mirrors, smooth tiles and polished granite, acrylic.
- Not suitable: patterned glass, frosted (sandblasted) glass, ribbed glass and porous surfaces.
- Never use a lifter on cracked glass. The pull can make the crack run.
Mistakes that make the lifter let go
- Sticking it to dusty or wet glass.
- A pad that is hard, torn or dirty.
- Placing the lifter at an angle so part of the pad is not sealed.
- Leaving it attached without checking. Re-check the grip if it holds glass for more than a few minutes.
- Working in direct hot sun, which softens the rubber and weakens the seal.
Looking after it
- Wipe the pad after use and fit its cover.
- Store it in the shade, away from oil and solvents.
- Do not store it with the lever locked.
- Replace it once the pad cracks or will no longer seal.
Glass workshops and contractors buying several units can ask for bulk pricing on WhatsApp.