Tool to help carry plywood:
- Thread starter sp3851
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It's called a gorilla Gripper. You get them for about $50 from McFeely's, Amazon, and many other stores. The reviews are mixed; those that claim it didn't grip well say a newer model has come out but I don't know what is different in the new model.
Has any one here on the FOG used one?
Has any one here on the FOG used one?
Frank Pellow
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I have a Gorilla Gripper and it works well with 4x8 foot sheet goods. ;D But, because I am only 6 feet tall :
, it does not work well with 5x5 foot sheets.
, it does not work well with 5x5 foot sheets.Dave Ronyak
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Frank Pellow said:I have a Gorilla Gripper and it works well with 4x8 foot sheet goods. ;D But, because I am only 6 feet tall :
Frank,
Did your gripper come with a helper to demonstrate its ease of operation? Seriously, I am only 5'8" so even 4x8 sheets might be a problem for me. I would also think the arm motion required to pull the gripper/sheet up with your hand near your shoulder might create more strain than I want to put my arm/wrist/shoulder through. I am thinking especially about having to move a sheet beginning with it laying flat on a floor. I cannot imagine using it by myself for a full sheet of 3/4 MDF.
Dave R.
Dave Ronyak said:Frank Pellow said:I have a Gorilla Gripper and it works well with 4x8 foot sheet goods. ;D But, because I am only 6 feet tall :
Frank,
Did your gripper come with a helper to demonstrate its ease of operation? Seriously, I am only 5'8" so even 4x8 sheets might be a problem for me. I would also think the arm motion required to pull the gripper/sheet up with your hand near your shoulder might create more strain than I want to put my arm/wrist/shoulder through. I am thinking especially about having to move a sheet beginning with it laying flat on a floor. I cannot imagine using it by myself for a full sheet of 3/4 MDF.
Dave R.
Dave,
I've always looked up to tall guys like you! (Yes, I'm short. But I play a great game of curb handball!)
I have a Gorilla Gripper. It's great for some things like pulling panels or drywall from a stack. For lifting the buggers, it's NOT for the vertically challenged user. That good looking honey in the video is probably over six feet tall!
For moving panels around over fairly flat floor or ground, I found the Telpro Troll to be MUCH better. Even moving 4X8 sheets of 5/8" drywall with it is easy and no stress. Just lift up a corner, slide the troll to the center of the panel, and walk around. The handle is nice for lifting it 1/2" or so to swing it around a sharp corner. For most corners, just rock it slightly on to one wheel and turn! Great tool.
For stairs, the Troll and Gorilla Gripper is useless. This drywall carrier is much better:http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Panel...=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1203658489&sr=1-16.
Regards,
Dan.
p.s., I love that GG video!
Frank Pellow
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I would think that If I were four inches shorter, I would have had trouble using it. As the the 4x8 sheets of 3/4 inch MDF -yesterday, I moved four such sheets about 100 paces over a snowy icy pathway, including up a small two step set of stairs. I didn't feal any strain.Dave Ronyak said:Frank Pellow said:I have a Gorilla Gripper and it works well with 4x8 foot sheet goods. ;D But, because I am only 6 feet tall :
Frank,
Did your gripper come with a helper to demonstrate its ease of operation? Seriously, I am only 5'8" so even 4x8 sheets might be a problem for me. I would also think the arm motion required to pull the gripper/sheet up with your hand near your shoulder might create more strain than I want to put my arm/wrist/shoulder through. I am thinking especially about having to move a sheet beginning with it laying flat on a floor. I cannot imagine using it by myself for a full sheet of 3/4 MDF.
Dave R.
Dave Ronyak
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Frank,
I'm going to try to remember not to ever get you P#$$^& at me!! I have trouble dealing with 3/4 MDF sheets even at the lumber store, but I can handle the 3/5" birch ply Ok without and tools or help.
Dave R.
I'm going to try to remember not to ever get you P#$$^& at me!! I have trouble dealing with 3/4 MDF sheets even at the lumber store, but I can handle the 3/5" birch ply Ok without and tools or help.
Dave R.
Frank Pellow
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Don't worry Dave, I seldom get angry at anyone. And, I can't remember the last time that I resorted to violence.
I too, have struggled with 3/4 MDF in the past -but it is much easier to move using the Gorilla Gripper. I still don't like MDF, but now I can move it.
I too, have struggled with 3/4 MDF in the past -but it is much easier to move using the Gorilla Gripper. I still don't like MDF, but now I can move it.
Dave Ronyak
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Thanks, Frank. Actually, I think I have figured out how and why 3/4" MDF sheets are not a problem for you . The answer was there all along in your Avatar - your little helper!
Dave R.
Dave R.
Tim Sproul
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I'm only 5'6". I don't have problems with 4x8 sheets and the Gorilla gripper. It is much easier than body alone....albeit you are still needing the strength to lift 75 - 100 pounds.
Michael Kellough
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The Gorilla gripper is great for manhandling sheets but I don't like it for carring heavy sheets very far. I prefer to carry sheets using an ordinary drywall sheet carrier. I came to that conclusion after moving a bunch of 1" MDF that wouldn't fit into the channel of my drywall sheet carrier and I had to use the Gorilla. I don't think my shoulder evolved to carry really heavy stuff with my arm cranked in like that. But the Gorilla is great for lighter sheets. In the video the guy is shown taking pieces of softwood ply roof sheathing up a ladder and it seems nearly perfect for that job.
I get best use from my Gorilla (since I'm not a roofer) getting a stack of stuff in position to carry with the drywall carrier. The Gorilla makes it easy to grab a sheet of horizontally stacked 3/4" MDF and tilt it up into vertical position on blocks so that the drywall carrier can slip under and I can carry the panel in the more comfortable extended arm position.
I get best use from my Gorilla (since I'm not a roofer) getting a stack of stuff in position to carry with the drywall carrier. The Gorilla makes it easy to grab a sheet of horizontally stacked 3/4" MDF and tilt it up into vertical position on blocks so that the drywall carrier can slip under and I can carry the panel in the more comfortable extended arm position.
i love the one that i have. i am 6.4 and it a great deal easier to use it rather than with out it. i went to where they make it (it is about 34 min from me) they were nice and the tool worked well there as well as at my place. it does take a little practice to get it down but it is not hard. as mentioned you still need to bring enough beef to the barbecue to get it done but i love it.
Qwas said:
I just got one a few weeks ago, and I like it a lot. The Gorilla is really great for pulling sheets off a stack and placing them on a cart.
I also have a "hook" type carrier that goes under the panel, I've had it for years, and I'll still use that for carrying longer distances.
John
A no tech plywood carrier can be made from a piece of line 8.5 to 9 feet long. Put a bowline or eye splice in both ends and hook the resultant loops on the bottom corners of a sheet. Grab the line in the middle with one hand and steady the top of the sheet with the other.
My husband Walter invented and has patented a new tool (handle) for lifting and carrying plywood, drywall and other flat sheets.
It doesn't have limitations like the Gorilla Gripper (works for any size sheet and does not matter how tall or short you are) -- nor is it made of cheap plastic like the Stanley tool. We are now getting quotes for manufacturing. I will post a few pictures of the tool in the next day or so. I will be handling the advertising and marketing for the product and would like your feedback. I'm building the website now. We will be able to take orders shortly.
The tool is made of highly durable, steel tubing, has a comfortable grip and has a protective covering at the base so not to damage drywall when carrying. I'd like to hear your comments.
It doesn't have limitations like the Gorilla Gripper (works for any size sheet and does not matter how tall or short you are) -- nor is it made of cheap plastic like the Stanley tool. We are now getting quotes for manufacturing. I will post a few pictures of the tool in the next day or so. I will be handling the advertising and marketing for the product and would like your feedback. I'm building the website now. We will be able to take orders shortly.
The tool is made of highly durable, steel tubing, has a comfortable grip and has a protective covering at the base so not to damage drywall when carrying. I'd like to hear your comments.
Welcome Kelly,
We're certainly open to invention here, but your note belongs in the Sales Zone along with other dealers.
I've sent a notice to the Admin, not to complain, but so that he can set you up with the right kind of membership here.
Please post photos, we'd like to see the tool!
Ned
We're certainly open to invention here, but your note belongs in the Sales Zone along with other dealers.
I've sent a notice to the Admin, not to complain, but so that he can set you up with the right kind of membership here.
Please post photos, we'd like to see the tool!
Ned
