A panel gripper is an engineering control that can help reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) from stooping and stressful hand and wrist activities.  It is a tool used to carry various building materials, including plywood, particle board, sheet metal, ducts, glass, and granite. The device is made of aluminum and has a comfort grip handle. Two metal plates with rubber grip pads tighten around the desired material to ease lifting tasks.

Dr. Gold & Co. KG Carrymate®

The Carrymate® Transport Grips comes in three sizes with clamp spans ranging from 0 to 6-¼ inches thick and can lift up to 220 pounds per grip (figure 1). The clamping system self-adjusts to the width of the material and securely holds it in place without damaging its surface (figure 2). All parts of the Carrymate® Transport Grips that touch the load are covered with a special coating so that even the most polished materials will not be scratched. Carrymate® also has T-GRIPS (figure 3) which enable four users to carry heavy loads (figure 4), allowing for a more even weight distribution with two operators per grip. The self-adjusting clamps are available in three sizes for different material widths and each set of grips can hold up to 440lbs. Both models are sold in pairs.

Figure 1. CARRYMATE XL model. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Gold & Co. KG)

Figure 2. CARRYMATE Transport Grips carrying a solar photovoltaic panel. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Gold & Co. KG)

Figure 3. CARRYMATE T-GRIPS 160. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Gold & Co. KG)

Figure 4. CARRYMATE T-GRIPS carrying a slab of granite. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Gold & Co. KG)

Gorilla Gripper®

The Gorilla Gripper® can be used on building material from 3/8 to 1-1/8 inches thick. The metal plates are placed on opposite sides of the material, and a worker can then lift up on the handle to tighten the grip. The material can then be easily lifted and carried to the desired location.

(Photo courtesy of Gorilla Gripper)

Using the Gorilla Gripper® may increase productivity due to decreased worker fatigue and time spent on lifting tasks.

The Gorilla Gripper® changes the mechanics of carrying building materials. The tool may help a worker maneuver in tight spaces, maintain an unobstructed view, and reduce the risk of sustaining cuts from sharp edges.

Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC – Eastern Washington University

• Drywall, Glass & Floor Coverings
  • Move and install drywall or panels
    • Lifting and Carrying (Manual materials Handling)