What’s Worth Having in the Van
Good glass handling safety starts with choosing the right equipment for the job: suction pads suited to the surface, cups in good condition, and a vacuum lifter when the load requires one.
Here are some essentials worth keeping in the van, along with suitable options from the GGR Glass range.
Pump-Action Hand Cups
For day-to-day glazing, a quality pump-action suction cup is a reliable workhorse. The Wood’s Powr-Grip N4000 is our bestseller, with an 8-inch (204 mm) pad, 57 kg rated capacity and a check valve designed to retain the remaining vacuum while you re-pump. The Wood’s Powr-Grip N4950 offers an option for heavier units.
Worth remembering: rated capacity assumes a clean, smooth, non-porous surface in the stated orientation. Anything else and you're working below the figure on the box. Compare models across our vacuum pump suction cups.
Pads for Curved, Textured and Coated Surfaces
Using the wrong pad for a surface can compromise the seal and lead to loss of vacuum or movement. Match the pad to the material:
• Curved glass: the Woods Powr-Grip N6000 and the wider curved suction cups range.
• Textured glass, IMPs and cladding: textured suction cups such as the N4000TSC.
• Coated or high-spec finishes: the N4000LM Low Marking to keep pad marks off the job.
Battery Cups for High-Volume Work
For repetitive lifts or longer holds, battery-powered suction cups reduce the need for manual pumping. The GRABO Pro Brushless and OTTOVAC are popular options for installers. Keep a charged spare battery on hand to avoid unnecessary downtime.
When to Use a Below-the-Hook Vacuum Lifter
When a glass unit is beyond a safe manual team lift, or needs to be installed at height, a suitable below-the-hook glass vacuum lifter may be required. Lifting operations using cranes or hoists are subject to LOLER requirements, including appropriate planning and thorough examination of lifting equipment and accessories, such as webbing slings, at the required intervals.
From the van to the installation point, suitable glass transport equipment and carrying straps can help keep units secure and reduce awkward manual handling.
Pre-Lift Checks Worth Enforcing
These straightforward checks are essential before every lift:
1. Pad condition. Check for cuts, hardening, wear, damage or contamination. Damaged pads or pads affected by unsuitable cleaning products may compromise the seal or contribute to slippage. Replace worn pads using our spare parts and accessories range.
2. Red line. If it shows on the plunger, re-pump or set the load down. Don't push on.
3. Surface condition. Apply suction cups to a clean, dry surface. Although a small amount of water can improve the seal and does not usually cause slippage by itself, water can be drawn into the pump and reduce the available vacuum volume. Avoid residues from petroleum-based cleaners, solvents or polishes, which can cause undue creep or slippage. Always follow the cup manufacturer’s cleaning guidance.
4. Load. Check the total weight of the glass against the manufacturer’s rated capacity for the surface and lifting orientation.
5. Cup count and placement. Position cups to distribute the load evenly and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on the number and placement of cups. Do not rely on an assumed safety margin.
FAQs
Why does my suction cup keep creeping or slipping? Possible causes include a damaged or contaminated pad, residues left by unsuitable cleaning products such as petroleum-based cleaners, solvents or polishes, or a pad that is not suited to a curved or textured surface. Moisture alone does not usually cause slippage, but cups should still be applied to dry surfaces to prevent water entering the pump. Check the pad, surface and manufacturer’s instructions before lifting.
Can I use a standard flat pad on textured glass? Not reliably. Use a dedicated textured pad rated for that surface.
How much can a hand cup lift? Our range runs from under 50kg to over 100kg, with premium models rated up to 170kg. Always work to the manufacturer's rating for your surface and orientation.
Kit Out Your Team
We stock Woods Powr-Grip, Oktopus and Grabo, with next-day UK delivery on orders placed by 2pm. Equipping a team? Hand cup bulk discounts give you 10% off 10 or more.