Have you ever tried to pick up a very big or heavy thing? Like a large piece of wood, a big tile, or a heavy glass? It is very hard work. Sometimes, your back starts to hurt. Many times, you need another person to help. I know this problem myself.
Then, I heard about the DeWalt Grabo Lifter. People said it is a tool that uses strong air suction. It can help you lift many heavy items easily. I was curious, so I decided to test it. I wanted to see if this tool really works like people say.
In this DeWalt Grabo Lifter review, I will tell you everything. I will share what I learned from using it. I will explain its good parts and some not-so-good parts. My goal is to help you decide if this tool is the right one for your work. This review is for people who like to do things themselves, for people who build, or anyone who moves big materials.
Quick Summary: DeWalt Grabo Lifter
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)
- Best For: Professionals, serious DIY people, and those who often lift heavy or awkward things, like big tiles, glass, plywood, or concrete.
- What’s Great: It makes your body less tired, makes work safer by preventing drops, works on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces (even some rough ones), uses DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, and has smart safety features like auto-pump and a low suction alarm.
- What’s Not: It has a high price to start, might not hold well on very soft or very airy materials, battery life can be short for very heavy, continuous work (you might need an extra battery), and the seal needs to be changed sometimes.
- Buy If: You often handle heavy, big, or delicate materials and want to save your back, make work safer, and work faster, especially if you already have DeWalt 20V MAX tools.
- Avoid If: Your lifting needs are small, you mostly lift very light things, or you have a very tight budget for tools.
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The prices for the DeWalt Grabo Lifter and other tools mentioned in this review can change over time. We try our best to write the correct prices at the time we write this blog post. But shops can change prices anytime. Sales and offers also come and go. So, please always check the newest price on the seller’s website before you buy. We are not responsible if the price is different when you check it.
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DeWalt Grabo Lifter Price & Where to Buy
The DeWalt Grabo Lifter is not a cheap tool. It costs some money. It is an investment. Its price can be different in different shops or online. For example, you can buy it as a ‘bare tool’ (only the tool, no battery or charger). Or, you can buy it as a ‘kit’ which comes with a battery and charger. The price will be different for these two options. Here is the product so you can check it easily.
- High load capacity – lift heavy materials with a lift-load capacity of up to 265 lbs. Max
- Versatile performance – work with a wide range of both non and semi-porous materials including rough textured surfaces.
- Built-in pressure sensor – confidently take on applications with the built-in pressure sensor that automatically engages…
You can also find this tool at big hardware shops. It’s easy to find and buy online. Please remember, prices can change quickly. So, always check the newest price on the seller’s website before you buy. If you buy from the links on our website, Smart AI Gears gets a small commission. This helps our blog. But you do not pay any extra money.
Features: What This Tool Does
The DeWalt Grabo Lifter is a cordless tool. It works with a strong vacuum. This vacuum helps it hold onto surfaces tightly.
This tool can lift many heavy items. For example, it can lift up to 265 pounds (about 120 kg) if you lift it straight across. If you lift it straight up, it can hold about 132 pounds (about 60 kg). This is very strong.
It can stick to many kinds of materials. You can use it on smooth things like glass and tiles. It also works on big pieces of wood, like plywood, metal, fiber board, and drywall. Even rough materials like concrete blocks or some stone can be lifted.
The DeWalt Grabo Lifter uses a DeWalt 20V MAX battery. If you already have other DeWalt tools, you can use your old batteries. This is very good because you do not need new batteries or chargers.
It has good safety parts. There is a screen that shows how strong the suction is. This screen can show readings in bar or PSI, and it has a green bar that shows suction strength.
The tool usually works at about -12 PSI. If the suction gets a little low, the tool will make a sound. It will also pump more air by itself to make the grip strong again. This makes lifting safer.
The tool is easy to hold. It has a good handle that fits your hand. It is not too heavy to carry. You can also change the rubber seal that makes the suction. This seal can get old. Extra filters and a bag often come with the tool.
Good and Not So Good Points of DeWalt Grabo Lifter
Every tool has things it does well and things it does not do so well. Let’s see for the DeWalt Grabo Lifter.
Pros (Good Points)
- Less Tired Body: This tool helps your body. You will feel less tired because you do not lift heavy things by hand. Your back will also hurt less.
- Safer Work: It makes your work safer. You are less likely to drop heavy or costly materials.
- Works on Many Items: This tool can hold many different kinds of materials. So, you can use it for many different jobs.
- One Person Can Do Work: Many jobs that needed two people, now one person can do them alone. This saves time.
- Uses Your Batteries: If you already have DeWalt 20V MAX tools, this lifter uses the same batteries. This is very convenient.
- Easy to Use: It is simple to turn on and use. The suction works fast when you need it.
Cons (Not So Good Points)
- Costs Money: This tool is not cheap. If you only lift small things, it might be too much money for you.
- Not For Everything: It works on many surfaces. But for very soft things or very airy things, it might not hold well.
- Battery Time: You need to charge the battery. For very long work days, you might need an extra battery.
- Needs Small Care: The rubber seal can get old. You need to check it and change it sometimes.
- Maybe Too Big: If you only lift light things, this strong tool might be bigger than what you need.
Other Tools You Can Use (Alternatives)
If the DeWalt Grabo Lifter is not for you, there are some other tools.
- Old Style Suction Cups: These are not very expensive. You push them on and close a handle. They work good for smooth glass or very smooth tiles. But they cannot hold rough surfaces. And you have to use your own strength.
- Original Grabo Lifter: The DeWalt Grabo is like the first Grabo tool. The original Grabo also has strong suction. It can do many jobs. The biggest difference is the battery. The original Grabo has its own battery. If you do not use DeWalt batteries, the original Grabo might be good.
- Manual Grippers: For big boards like drywall or plywood, there are special clamps. These do not use suction. They are good for specific flat materials. But they are not as flexible as a vacuum lifter.
Which alternative is best depends on how much money you want to spend. Also, think about what materials you lift most often.
My Real-Life Experience with DeWalt Grabo Lifter
When I first opened the box for the DeWalt Grabo Lifter, it felt very strong. It felt like a tool that is made for serious work. The battery went in very easy. It was ready to use fast.
Real Jobs
I used it on different materials in my workshop. I wanted to see how it works in real jobs.
- Big Wood and Drywall: This tool was very helpful here. I could pick up a big 4×8 feet sheet of plywood by myself. No more struggling. It held on very tight. I felt safe carrying it. For drywall, it changed how I work. Before, two people were needed. Now, I could do it alone.
- Big Tiles: I have some big tiles. The Grabo held them perfectly. It worked on the smooth front side and also on the slightly rough back side. This made putting them in place very easy.
- Concrete Blocks: I even tried it on some rough concrete blocks. The Grabo’s special soft seal gripped them well. I was surprised how strong it held, even with some bumps on the surface. And on very smooth surfaces, the Grabo’s pump will turn on and off by itself. This saves battery. But on rough things like concrete blocks or drywall, the pump might run all the time to keep the strong suction. This is normal for these kinds of materials.
- Use Tool Belt Strap: The handles have a special part where you can tie a tool belt strap. This is very good! If you carry a heavy thing for a long time, you can put the weight on your shoulder. Your arm will not get tired so fast.
Result
The battery lasted long enough for my jobs. I used it on and off for several hours. For a whole day of very heavy lifting, you might need one more battery. But for most of my work, one battery was enough.
Using the tool is simple. You just push the green button to turn on the suction. The screen shows you the suction number clearly. If the suction gets a little low, it starts pumping air again by itself. This safety part is very good.
Small Tips From My Use:
- Clean the Surface: Always clean the surface you want to lift. Dust or small dirt can make the suction weaker.
- Check the Seal: Before you do a big job, look at the rubber seal. If it looks old or dirty, clean it. If it is broken, change it. This keeps the suction strong.
- Use Two For Very Big Things: For very long or very wide items, or extremely heavy ones, using two Grabo lifters can give you more control. This is also safer.
- Listen to the Beep: If the tool makes a beeping sound, it means suction is low. Put the material down safely. Then check why. Do not try to lift if the suction is not strong.
Comparison Table: DeWalt Grabo Lifter and Other Tools
(Please note: Prices and exact features for other tools can be different. This table is to help you compare.)
| Feature | DeWalt Grabo Lifter | Original Grabo Lifter | Basic Manual Suction Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | (Price can be high) | (Price can be high) | (Price is low) |
| Max Lift (Across) | 265 lbs (120 kg) | 265 lbs (120 kg) | 100-200 lbs (45-90 kg) (different sizes) |
| Max Lift (Up) | 132 lbs (60 kg) | 132 lbs (60 kg) | 50-100 lbs (22-45 kg) (different sizes) |
| Battery Type | DeWalt 20V MAX (You can swap) | Inside the tool (Needs its own charger) | No battery (You use your hand) |
| Works on Surface | Smooth, rough, some airy materials | Smooth, rough, some airy materials | Only smooth, no air going through |
| Special Parts | Screen, auto-pump, safety beeps | Pressure gauge, auto-pump | Simple lever |
| Best For | Pro people, big DIY jobs, many material types | Pro people, big DIY jobs, many material types | Small jobs, smooth glass, low money |
Common Questions About DeWalt Grabo Lifter
Here are some questions people often ask about the DeWalt Grabo Lifter:
- Is the DeWalt Grabo Lifter safe in water? No, it is not designed to be used underwater or in heavy rain. However, it can work on wet surfaces as well. It is best to use it in conditions where it is not fully submerged in water.
- How often do I need to change the seal? DeWalt sifarish karta hai ke outer seal ko har saal badla jaye. Aur vacuum filters ko har 1-2 saal mein badalne ki sifarish ki jati hai. Lekin, agar aap zyada istemal karte hain ya seal mein koi damage dekhte hain, to ise jaldi bhi badal sakte hain.
- Can it lift materials with holes (porous)? It can lift some rough or lightly airy materials. Like some kinds of wood or concrete. But it might not hold very long or very strong like on smooth, no-hole surfaces. Very airy materials (like some soft wood) may not work well.
- What is the difference between DeWalt Grabo and the original Grabo? The main difference is the battery. DeWalt Grabo uses DeWalt 20V MAX batteries. The first Grabo has its own battery inside. Both work almost the same for suction.
- Is it worth the money if I use it sometimes? If you only use it for very small, light jobs, maybe it is too much money. But if you often lift heavy or difficult materials, even just sometimes, it can save your body and time. So, it might still be worth the money.
Conclusion
After I used the DeWalt Grabo Lifter, I can say it is a very strong and very helpful tool. It does what it says: it lifts heavy and hard-to-hold materials easily. It saves your back from pain and makes your work safer.
This tool is very good for professional people who work with big tiles, glass, stone, or heavy boards. It is also good for serious DIY people who do big home projects. If you are tired of carrying heavy things, the Grabo Lifter can make your work life much better.
But, if you only lift very light things, or if you have a very small budget, a simpler, cheaper tool might be enough. But for strong grip, working on many surfaces, and truly saving your back, the DeWalt Grabo Lifter is an excellent choice. It really helps you feel sure about your decision.