Glass handling often requires a vacuum suction cup due to the challenges that come with lifting glass. Glazing can often be difficult to grip, heavy, fragile, and sharp which increases the risk of injury and glass breakage when moving. This makes it especially important for a glazier or a novice to invest in tools that facilitate safe glass handling.

Vacuum suction cups are commonly used in many glazing tasks no matter how big or small. This is due to their versatility in allowing you to easily lift loads and the ability to act as a handle you can use as leverage. These essential tools can be attached to larger glazing when lifting via crane to assist with accurately positioning glazing units. They are also helpful when you need to avoid leaving fingerprints on surfaces.

Understanding the Glass Type

Not all glass is consistent in shape, size, texture, etc, so it is important to consider these factors when selecting your vacuum suction cup. Glass can be used for all sorts of projects like glazing, artwork, walls, and more. However, in order to help our customers tackle the challenge of so many glass types we supply a range of vacuum suction cups that are suited to smooth, textured, and curved glass.

For example:

  • A curved suction cup like the N6000CS may be best used on installing spherical porthole windows or assisting with the positioning of curved glass on revolving doors.
  • For lifting a standard glazing unit or smooth, flat glass you may choose the Nemo Grabbo which is rechargeable and has a 170kg capacity.
  • With a product like the N4000TSC Textured Suction Cup you can safely lift obscure glass bathroom windows or shift decorative glass objects.

Glass Handling When Considering Weight and Dimensions

As architecture has become more creative and daring over the past century glazing has only become bigger and heavier. The glazing industry has been forced to adapt and grow with the demands of modern glazing. This means introducing tools that offer the safety and convenience needed for all sorts of projects. These changes have also prompted the introduction of stricter safety regulations – we talk about how to safely handle glass here.

If handling any sort of glass you should perform a risk assessment. This can mean performing an assessment yourself or having a qualified person assess the risks. You may need help accurately performing a risk assessment if it is a new type of load you are lifting or perhaps some factors have changed. For more guidance on manual handling click here.

Depending on the size and weight of your glass you may require more than one person to safely move it. Vacuum suction cups are excellent for assisting in the lifting of heavy glass as they provide grip on glass that is hard to handle. With the attachment of a vacuum suction cup glaziers are able to adapt their hold on the glass so it is safer and easier to move.

Attachments and Accessories

Selecting the correct additional tools alongside your vacuum cup is essential for achieving the safest glass handling. Vacuum suction cups provide a solution for a better grip, but sometimes extra tools may be needed. These tools can assist with increasing ergonomics as well as safety when lifting glass. Below are some of the additional tools you can use with your suction cup.

  • Erguo Handle – this handle attachment can be used with your Nemo Grabbo to lift glazing and other loads from the ground without needing to bend over. This decreases fatigue when handling multiple loads and doing repetitive movements.
  • Woods N4000 Deglazing Tool – this pry bar is combined with the Woods N4000 hand cup to assist in the safe lifting glass from a horizontal position.
  • Corner Protection Block 55mm – This attachment includes a suction cup so it can be stuck to the corner of your glass and protect it from bumps and scrapes.

Feel confident in your glazing

toolkit with GGR Glass’ range of products designed with glass professionals in mind. For assistance finding your perfect next addition to your kit contact our experts here.