DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter Review

DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter DCE592B

DEWALT sponsored us to review their new 20V MAX GRABO lifter. While this is a paid partnership, our reviews remain independent editorial integrity—if we like something, we’ll say so, and if we don’t, you’ll know. Simple as that!

The DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter is a robust suction tool designed for lifting heavy materials, making it indispensable for professionals and DIYers alike. With a horizontal lifting capacity of 265 lbs and a vertical capacity of 132 lbs, it can handle diverse materials efficiently.

Here’s How It Works:

1. Place the vacuum pad on a clean, flat surface (free of holes or cracks)
2. Press the green button to activate the vacuum pump.
3. The LED screen shows pressure levels, with a maximum of -12 PSI. Once max pressure is reached, the pump shuts off to conserve power.
4. A built-in sensor maintains suction, restarting the pump if pressure drops below -10.4 PSI. And at altitudes above 4,000 feet or with semi-porous materials, the pump may run continuously to maintain pressure.
5. To release the pump, press the green button to deactivate the pump. Then, engage the two-action release system by sliding the red button lever and then pressing it down.

DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter | Features:

• High Load Capacity: Lifts up to 265 lbs.
• Versatile Applications: Works on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces, including rough textures.
• Pressure Monitoring: Automatically maintains suction.
• Digital Display: Shows pressure levels in PSI or bar.
• Safety Alarms: Alerts for low suction, low battery, or power-off.

• Lift-Strap Hooks: Four hooks for added lifting configurations.
• Easy Maintenance: Removable, washable vacuum seal and replaceable dust filter.
• Sun Shade Accessory: Improves screen visibility outdoors.

Testing the DEWALT GRABO

We own three GRABO suction tools and use them regularly on remodeling projects. Testing the DEWALT version  was not a far reach for us since we were already familiar with the tool.

The main point I want to emphasize is that DEWALT improved safety on their suction tool, by including a 3-step suction release process to prevent accidental activation. Other tools have a 1-step process which could be a problem if that button were accidentally activated.

Performance by Material:

• Masonry: Effortlessly lifted granite and bluestone pavers, as long as surfaces were clean.
• Wood: Handled full plywood sheets with ease.
• PVC Sheet Stock: Simplified lifting heavy, floppy PVC sheets.
• Cabinets: Performed exceptionally, allowing precise lifting and placement.
• Appliances: Simplified moving and installation, providing secure grip/lift  points.
• Glass: We tested the Grabbo on single-pane, double-strength glass. While we were able to achieve a good seal and lift the pane, we unfortunately broke the glass during the lift. This may be due to the fragility of the material, so caution is advised when using the tool with glass.

DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter |Pros and Cons

Pros:

High lifting capacity for heavy materials.
Built-in safety alarms enhance control.
Portable and lightweight.
Ideal for various materials: stone, tile, plywood, HVAC appliances, and more.

Cons:

Battery and charger sold separately.
Struggles with some porous or fragile materials.

DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter | Maintenance

The foam rubber vacuum seal is easy to remove, clean, or replace. Dust filters can be swapped out using spare parts included with the tool.

Price: $249 (bare tool).

Conclusion:

The DEWALT 20V MAX GRABO Lifter is a versatile and reliable tool for lifting and moving heavy materials safely and efficiently. Its thoughtful design and advanced safety features make it a worthwhile investment for professionals and DIYers alike.

If your projects involve heavy lifting or delicate material handling, the DEWALT GRABO is a practical addition to your toolkit.

Dewalt 20V Grabo Suction Lifter | Video Review