8 x 4 sheet lifter

[ondablade]

Just for info. I've been handling a lot of ply sheets lately while relaying out my shop, have a dodgy back, and got tired of staggering about tripping over things.

Some of you might be interested in this tool i've just bought - it grips the top edge of a sheet leaving a convenient lifting handle poking out at right angles. Which means you can lift while standing straight.

It's a bit pricey for what it is, and Rutlands of course have the already decent US price marked to take account of what shipping from the US will cost you. It turns out however that it's a reassuringly solidly made and well functioning piece of solid metal kit that looks like it should last well:

http://www.rutlands.co.uk/cgi-bin/psPro ... &submit=Go

A US source:

http://www.woodcraft.com/Catalog/Produc ... odid=25773

 

[Gary]

If you don't mind bending the knees.

 

[Max Power]

Anything that saves your back has got to be a good investment Ian

 

[RogerS]

If you don't mind bending the knees.

Which is the best way to lift the boards...ie using the strength in your legs.

Ian..I like your gadget but a tad expensive for me.

I had a thread on this a while back....https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums...rboard-etc-t39219.html?highlight=plasterboard with some low-cost options.

 

[t8hants]

I have been carrying sheet steels for years, all we use is a hook.

Get a piece of 8mm - 5/16th diameter rod, bend a small hook at the bottom, slip a bit of rubber hose over it if you are concerned it might damage the sheet. Work out the distance from your clenched hand to the ground with your arm hanging comfortably by your side, knock off 2" - 50mm and use that length from the hook to form a handle, triangular is nice, and there you are one sheet hook.

Most adults can tuck a four foot sheet under their arm, if you are carrying very heavy sheets make two and give one to your mate.

Gareth

 

[CNC Paul]

It's a bit pricey for what it is, and Rutlands of course have the already decent US price marked to take account of what shipping from the US will cost you. It turns out however that it's a reassuringly solidly made and well functioning piece of solid metal kit that looks like it should last well:

http://www.rutlands.co.uk/cgi-bin/psPro ... &submit=Go

Ian,

I agree, extremly well made, I got mine at the Ally Pally woodworking show for £20.00 a real bargain.

 

[woodbloke]

Good job you spelt 'sheet' correctly :wink: :lol: :lol: - Rob

 

[monkeybiter]

A couple of years ago I had a lot of MFC sheets at approx 6'x9' IIRC. The best method of moving around that I found was a loop of rope, hook it around the leading and trailing lower corners, keep both centre pieces in your hand nearest the board, then stabilise on the top edge with the other hand. It's as easy as carrying a suitcase.

 

[Carlow52]

In fairness if you look at the video here:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2021217 ... eos#videos
it shows it to be a very versatile piece of kit.

When he brings the sheet up the ladder I lost count of how many of our H&S rules he broke

 

[Benchwayze]

I just cramp two 9" G-cramps at a convenient distance apart, lift the sheet clear of the floor, and then 'walk-on'!

Sometimes I use the 'G' of the cramp, sometimes the thread. Depends how I feel. I don't have any of those 'squeeze-cramps', but they would make the job even easier!

You can never have too many cramps, because you never run out of uses for them!

PS... Looking at that video, that is a great specialised tool. It's shown me I can possibly get away with using just one cramp! Takes a few seconds longer but the principle is the same.

John

:wink:

 

[matt]

I just use a double hook and a length of rope.

 

[wizer]

How on EARTH can Rutlands be charging £65 for that gorilla gripper? Especially when it's $50 in the states? It's a good product, but £65 is shocking.

The home made 'hook' with the additional addon of wheels is about the best solution for woodworkers. Obviously the wheels depend on how far you have to move the sheets.

If you are cutting the sheets on a TS or table, then you need a system to get it up there too.

 

[Tom K]

Careful boys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwC7zJrzSw8

 

[Toscageoff]

Greetings

I find an 18" bungee cord with the hooks on the end works brilliantly.

Cost about £2 in a car accessory shop

 

[Bkn]

Used the length of rope loop hooked round the corners of the sheet method today to lift an 18mm piece of MDF. Made it so much easier to lift, even when facing 25mph winds

Thanks to whoever mentioned that method wherever I saw it first

 

[Oryxdesign]

How on EARTH can Rutlands be charging £65 for that gorilla gripper? Especially when it's $50 in the states? It's a good product, but £65 is shocking.

The home made 'hook' with the additional addon of wheels is about the best solution for woodworkers. Obviously the wheels depend on how far you have to move the sheets.

If you are cutting the sheets on a TS or table, then you need a system to get it up there too.

$35 in the States on Amazon

 

[Lons]

How on EARTH can Rutlands be charging £65 for that gorilla gripper? Especially when it's $50 in the states? It's a good product, but £65 is shocking.

The home made 'hook' with the additional addon of wheels is about the best solution for woodworkers. Obviously the wheels depend on how far you have to move the sheets.

If you are cutting the sheets on a TS or table, then you need a system to get it up there too.

$35 in the States on Amazon

Bloody rip off Britain, that's why LOVE the utube video though :lol:

 

[studders]

How on EARTH can Rutlands be charging £65 for that gorilla gripper?

$35 in the States on Amazon

Bloody rip off Britain, that's why LOVE the utube video though :lol:

If they sold it for a more sensible price, £20 ish, they would likely sell a lot more of them, increasing their overall profit. At that price I think few would be daft enough to buy it from them.

 

[monkeybiter]

Used the length of rope loop hooked round the corners of the sheet method today to lift an 18mm piece of MDF. Made it so much easier to lift, even when facing 25mph winds

Thanks to whoever mentioned that method wherever I saw it first

If that was me then you're welcome.

 

[bugbear]

If you don't mind bending the knees.

Which is the best way to lift the boards...ie using the strength in your legs.

Ian..I like your gadget but a tad expensive for me.

I had a thread on this a while back....https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums...rboard-etc-t39219.html?highlight=plasterboard with some low-cost options.

The ones that put the handle mid-board look a lot more comfortable to use than the gripper thing putting the handle at the top.

And they're much cheaper.

BugBear