Does Gecko really work?

[fifo28]

I picked up 2 Gecko's and used them to hold down a rail.  I was using my router and the whole thing moved.  Both Gecko's let go.  I was routing laminated mdf.  I then started messing with them to see if I just did something wrong, but within a few minutes they seemed to no longer hold.  I purchased them to use them to hold the rail (as I was doing) but also to help move plywood easier.  Do they work on plywood?  Any ideas why they let go on a laminated surface?

Thanks

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The Gecko will not work on a porous material, like plywood. By laminated, do you mean with melamine or with a porous wood? We have one in the training center attached to a door. I can suspend my full weight (170 lbs) from it.

 

[fifo28]

It was a plastic laminated top.  I thought for sure it would have held there.  So I cannot use it for plywood etc, correct?

What is the door made of that you can hand on it?  I just want to get a better understanding of what I can use it on.  Sheetrock is guess is out as well.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The rule of thumb is that the surface cannot be porous. The gecko is just a couple of big suction cups. The door had a sealed finish.

It would not work on sheetrock or ply.

It would work on solid surface, glass, melamine, etc.

Maybe you should check out the Gorilla Gripper if you're wanting to carry sheet goods. It's a great product.

 

[fifo28]

Got it - thanks

 

[Laminator]

It takes a VERY small amount of dust to make the suction seal leak and then turn loose.  I use the kind of suction cups glass workers use on melamine and plastic laminate all the time.  I always wipe the cup and the surface with my bare hand until I know it is clean and this eliminates most problems.  Hope this helps!