Compiled by Ashley McGrew
Originally published 6/14/09
Originally published 6/14/09
These powerful commercial suction cups (Woods Powr-Grip model N5450) are an industry standard for lifting and positioning glass and plex vitrines. The image of the two pairs shown was sent in by LA Packing and Crating. They are shown as they should be - still in the cases they were purchased in. There is a kind of fanaticism on this point that in my view is well placed. It is not an uncommon policy to limit the contact of the suction cups surface to only whatever clean, flat surface they are being adhered to and then the original closed
case they came in. If for some reason they aren’t returned to their cases they should be left face up rather than be set down on another surface.
Why is this? Keeping the cup surface clean is the difference between an uneventful installation and potential disaster.
Kept clean, these cups can support up to 125 lbs. each and can be used in conjunction with a cable lift or forklift to place heavy vitrines or bonnets over objects.
On the other hand under less than ideal conditions and without proper maintenance you may be in for a disturbing experience. In my case at least the failure only occurred over a couple of toes instead of an actual object. I was relieved but the toes weren’t too happy about it. It did serve as a reminder of the very real need to adhere to consistent practices in the care and use of this tool.
With all that said unless you have total confidence about how the cups have been handled (at all times) it is considered good practice to have someone “spot” the bottom edge of a vitrine being lifted over an object. If there are only two of you use one clamp and one hand each to start the lift with the other hand placed under the rim for safety – a little more awkward than using two… but safer.
How It Works
case they came in. If for some reason they aren’t returned to their cases they should be left face up rather than be set down on another surface.
Why is this? Keeping the cup surface clean is the difference between an uneventful installation and potential disaster.
Kept clean, these cups can support up to 125 lbs. each and can be used in conjunction with a cable lift or forklift to place heavy vitrines or bonnets over objects.
On the other hand under less than ideal conditions and without proper maintenance you may be in for a disturbing experience. In my case at least the failure only occurred over a couple of toes instead of an actual object. I was relieved but the toes weren’t too happy about it. It did serve as a reminder of the very real need to adhere to consistent practices in the care and use of this tool.
With all that said unless you have total confidence about how the cups have been handled (at all times) it is considered good practice to have someone “spot” the bottom edge of a vitrine being lifted over an object. If there are only two of you use one clamp and one hand each to start the lift with the other hand placed under the rim for safety – a little more awkward than using two… but safer.
How It Works
Create suction by depressing plunger
Release suction by pressing the release valve
on the other end of the handle.
Plunger depressed and safe for use.
Cup attached but with red strip indicating inadequate vacuum pressure.
The hand with the cup starts the lift until the second hand can fill in and act as “insurance” on the lift.
Many thanks to Steve Spargur, Monica Creason, and Jimmy Isenson at L. A. Packing Crating and Transport Inc. for submitting this valuable tool.
It is the kind of equipment that pays for itself in terms of efficiency and safety very quickly and then many times over. These things are so powerful and versatile that once you get your hands on them, you will wonder how you ever worked without them.
As with all things in involved in the work we do, there are many details about these and other related tools that can make all of the difference in the ultimate desired outcome – objects protected.
For those of you whose experience and expertise can contribute to refining this discussion please send me your comments (and pictures – yes we love the pictures) to me at:
ashley@pacin.org
It is the kind of equipment that pays for itself in terms of efficiency and safety very quickly and then many times over. These things are so powerful and versatile that once you get your hands on them, you will wonder how you ever worked without them.
As with all things in involved in the work we do, there are many details about these and other related tools that can make all of the difference in the ultimate desired outcome – objects protected.
For those of you whose experience and expertise can contribute to refining this discussion please send me your comments (and pictures – yes we love the pictures) to me at:
ashley@pacin.org
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