Are Suction Cups Equipped with Lifting Handles?

Suction cups come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as with and without handles. Nobler Glass offers a variety of tools for glazing and other glass work. This includes hand cups and suction cups with various handles to help you maneuver glass safely.

1. What is a suction cup?

When handling glass on the job site, a suction cup is a must-have tool that improves safety and reduces the risk of breakage. They typically have a circular suction pad and a strong handle. Attaching the cup to a surface (typically flat and smooth) provides extra grip and control when moving a load with these tools.

A suction cup attaches to a load by sucking the air out of the cup. Because there is less air pressure inside the sealed cup, the outside air pushes (or seals) it against the surface. Nobler Glass offers suction cups with load capacities ranging from 1.8kg to 80kg. Alternatively, a hand cup has a capacity of up to 170kg.

2. Do Suction Cups Come With Handles?

Almost all suction cups for glazing use have handles as if the purpose is to assist you in lifting an object. Without handles, the user will struggle to maintain a secure grip on the load. However, many suction cups designed for specific applications lack handles. Suction mounts, for example, have no handle and are used to hold devices in place.

Suction cups with handles are available in the options listed below. Each of the following has different handle types and gripping abilities.

2.1 The FingerGrab

This suction cup is the smallest in our line and can lift to 1.8kg. Despite its small size, it can lift large amounts of glazing, tiles, and acrylic. The ring handle on this FingerGrab allows the user to easily loop their finger through the ring. The user can easily manipulate the load into place while using the rest of their fingers and full wrist motility.

The cup is extremely portable, weighing only 10g and measuring 57mm in diameter. A must-have for any glazier, you can easily slip it into your toolbox and use it whenever you need it. This tool can be used in conjunction with a glass vacuum lifter to help move larger glazing into place or simply to avoid fingerprints on smaller glazing.

2.2 MorkGrab

MorkGrab, a four-finger handle suction cup, can lift to 5.4kg. Molded to comfortably support all four fingers, you can form a firm grip on the handle to lift loads safely. The cup is made of sturdy rubber and has a strong hold on smooth, flat surfaces, making it ideal for lifting glass, mirrors, marble, and other items.

The connected easy-release tabs make it simple to remove the MorkGrab from any surface without leaving a mark. The lightweight and flexible design also makes it simple to apply to your chosen object.

2.3 G-Man 15.8kg

The curved handle on the G-Man 15.8kg provides leverage over the load of the glass for easy manipulation. To activate the suction, the user can smoothly press the cup onto their glass using the metal handle. Once attached to the load, you can simply lift it with one hand using the handle as support.

To release the vacuum, there is an ergonomic lever beneath the handle that your fingers can easily reach when handling materials. With a single push of the lever, you can secure your glazing without leaving any marks on the surface.

2.4 D-Cup Lifter 34kg

This suction cup pair adds extra security to your lift in the unlikely event that one of the cups fails. When lifting and turning glazing, the strong metal handle construction provides firm control. While using the D-Cup, the finger-operated suction release bar is easily accessible. You can reduce all contact with the glass and loads you're lifting by using this simple mechanism.

The double rubber cups form a tight seal, allowing for a generous 34kg maximum capacity. The 127mm cup diameter provides ample coverage over the load's surface area, fully supporting it.

2.5 Nobler3 Suction Cup

The triangular shape of these cups provides three points of support for your loads. The ergonomic hollowed handle allows for easy side carrying of loads, making it easier to manipulate and lift loads.

With a maximum capacity of 80kg, you can lift a variety of heavy objects such as glass, tiles, and kitchen countertops. Each cup's flippable switch locks in the vacuum for a continuous hold on loads. After you've set your load down, you can release the vacuum by flipping the switches back up.

3. An Overview of Glass Lifting Techniques

It is critical to always lift glass correctly when working with it. Many accidents can occur as a result of poor glass handling and lifting techniques. Taking the necessary precautions to ensure that you are lifting your glass in the safest manner possible can reduce the risk of injury, damage costs, and time wasted.

These issues can be avoided by using appropriate lifting tools in conjunction with proper lifting techniques. Choosing the best tools for you makes lifting glass much easier because it provides extra grip.

3.1 Glass Lifting Methods

There are specific procedures and techniques for safely lifting glass in the glazing industry. Glass handling techniques can include everything from how you hold it to what you use to hold it. For example, when holding a load close to the body at waist height, men should not lift more than 25kg. However, there are no hard and fast rules because most manual handling injuries are caused by poor technique. Instead, you and your employer should conduct a risk assessment for manual handling.

3.2 Proper Posture

Lifting with one's back is a common mistake when picking up something heavy. You should always use your legs to pick something up whenever possible. This can be accomplished by squatting and gripping the load. Ascertain that the load is as close to you as possible. Maintain a straight back and a firm grip on the load. Then, using your legs, lift it.

However, with glass, it may be difficult to find a secure grip. Because of the smooth, flat surface and thin, sharp edges, it may be difficult to lift safely. This is why many glaziers have a variety of suction and press-on vacuum cups on hand. These cups can be thought of as glazing handles that can be attached.

Using a tool like an N4950 Hand Held Suction Cup, you can achieve a more ideal glass lifting stance. This type of cup is easily applied to the glass with one hand. The suction is activated by a simple thumb pump mechanism. The sturdy handle can then be used to lift to 57kg.

3.3 Keep the Glass by Your Side

While it may feel easier to hold your glass in front of or above you at times, it is extremely dangerous. If you place your glass in these positions, the shards are more likely to land on you if it breaks. Holding it incorrectly can also impair your vision, causing you to collide with objects.

To reduce the chances of injury and damage to the glass, keep it by your side at all times. You can use an accessory like these Polyester Carrying Straps to help you carry glazing by your side. These straps are designed to carry loads of up to one tonne and provide additional support when carrying glass. The reinforced rubber handles provide a secure grip, and the resting pad is thick and resistant to abrasion.

3.4 Two's Company

Lifting heavy or awkward glass can be dangerous, especially when done alone. If you believe you will struggle with a load, especially in incline lifts, you should always request assistance. An extra set of hands can alleviate physical strain and reduce the risk of injury.

Vacuum cups and incline carrying straps are examples of tools. These Incline Carrying Straps differ from standard carrying straps in that the ratchet strap system cradles the load's bottom corners. This prevents the glass from slipping out of the straps as you climb the incline.

3.5 Don’t Rush

Many workers may prefer to take shortcuts when handling glass to complete the job faster. However, not taking your time or doing things incorrectly results in mistakes that can delay the job by days or even weeks. These errors can also result in life-altering injuries. Related product: X Type Electrical Glass Lifter Sucker.

Instead of rushing, properly assess each load you transport and plan a safe route. Take care to identify any potential roadblocks. You should use something like the Nemo Grabo Vacuum Cup. This suction cup is battery-powered and has a continuous operating time of 1.5 hours. The battery vacuum and 170kg lifting capacity allow you to move glazing around the site at your own pace.