Milz Werkzeuge DE
Guide · Basics

What is a Gripster? Design, function and use.

Gripster is the colloquial name for electric vacuum lifters. We explain the design, vacuum, pads and typical applications.

Contents

  1. The term
  2. How the vacuum is generated
  3. Why this is safer than using one hand
  4. Typical designs
  5. What to look for when buying

The term

Gripster is not a protected brand name but a generic term. It refers to portable devices that hold and lift flat materials using vacuum. In English they are called vacuum lifter, suction lifter or glass lifter. In German, the terms are Saugheber, Vakuumheber, Glasheber and Fliesenheber.

The term became known through the GRABO, a battery-powered hand suction lifter for construction sites. Today, many manufacturers and retailers simply call their electric suction lifters Gripster.

How the vacuum is generated

A suction lifter consists of a flexible rubber pad, a small pump, a handle and usually a control unit. You place the pad on a smooth surface, the pump draws the air out of the gap, and the outside air pressure presses the device against the slab.

The vacuum is given in millibars or as a proportion of normal pressure. The lower the pressure in the suction chamber, the more firmly the device adheres. A good pump maintains the value automatically, a display makes it visible.

Why this is safer than using one hand

A suction lifter distributes the holding force over a large area. This is precisely what protects tiles, hands and backs.

Anyone lifting a large 120 x 60 cm porcelain stoneware slab weighing 40 kg usually grips it at the edge. This is wobbly and strains wrists and back. A vacuum lifter grips the middle of the surface, where the force is transferred evenly.

With glass, a second point comes into play: a suction lifter leaves no scratches and no fingerprints on the visible surface.

Typical designs

  • Handheld: electric suction lifter with handle, usually 8 inch (around 200 mm) suction area.
  • Mini and narrow: small or oval suction surface for tight spots.
  • Manual: vacuum via hand pump or lever, without battery.
  • Vibration: suction lifter with vibrator for distributing the adhesive.
  • Set: two or more devices, often connected with a carrying handle.

    • What to look for when buying

    Rated load, suction surface, drive and display are the four key data points. The rated load should be well above the weight of the heaviest slab. The suction surface must match the size and shape of the slab. The drive determines comfort and maintenance, while the display determines safety.

    Our Milz-Eignungs-Score combines these points into a single number. How it is calculated is explained on the methodology page.

    This guide is editorial and general. For safety questions the manufacturer datasheet applies.