Once Back-Aching Materials Are Easier to Carry with DeWalt’s 20V Max GRABO Lifter
When was the last time you had to carry material awkwardly while your lower back screamed for relief? For me, plywood is the most common culprit, but that could be a thing of the past thanks to the DeWalt 20V Max GRABO Lifter.
DeWalt GRABO Lifter Basics
The GRABO Lifter is designed to help you carry materials, and this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a handle as an accessory. The Ladder Grabber was one of the first ones that got my attention. The simple addition of a handle greatly improved my hand comfort while carrying ladders.
While that accessory was purely mechanical, the DeWalt GRABO Lifter is a 20V Max battery-powered vacuum handle attachment.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen a vacuum help with heavy lifting, either. Festool created the Vac-Sys vacuum vice for holding sheet goods and lumber, which was very helpful for sanding. Unlike that system, which is useful for working on material, DeWalt’s solution helps you move materials around more easily, giving it a much wider appeal for contractors and tradesmen.
It has strong suction for a tool that’s not much larger than a mid-torque impact wrench. Each one can hold up to 132 pounds of material vertically, and when lifting material in a horizontal position, that jumps to 265 pounds of holding force.
While you might scoff at lifting a sheet of plywood or glass panel horizontally, DeWalt was thinking outside the box a bit. The GRABO Lifter has four metal rings near the corners to add a lifting strap, letting jobsite equipment take over the task.
By using more than one GRABO, you can lift with two hands, use multiple people, or balance the load when you’re lifting with straps. You also multiply your lifting capacity since the weight is shared across the units.
What You Can Lift
What you can lift depends on the material. There’s a sensor that detects the vacuum pressure and allows the tool to actively adjust, so both solid and semi-porous materials can work. Here’s a quick list:
- Glass panels
- Tile
- Plywood
- Lumber
- Drywall
- Concrete
- Granite and other natural stones
The big thing to remember is that since the tool uses a vacuum for its strength, you need a large enough flat area for the GRABO Lifter to create a good seal. If it can and you’re within the weight limits, you’re good to go.
Controls
The controls are straightforward with one button to engage the vacuum and a second to release it. The release button includes a safety you have to engage first, making it a two-stage operation.
A color LED screen lets you quickly check your pressure status and load capacity, and it’s bright enough to see in direct sunlight.
Additional Highlights
- Audible alarm when the battery is nearing the end of its charge
- Replaceable foam-rubber vacuum seal
- Seal cover included to prevent damage during storage and transportation
- Sunshade included
DeWalt 20V Max GRABO Lifter Price
The bare tool (DCE592B) runs $249, and the kit (DCE592D1) is $349 with a 2.0Ah battery.
The tool also includes three replacement dust filters, a seal cover, and a sunshade. Replacement seals are $39.99.
Look for this handy accessory to launch in December 2024.
