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What is the best way to clean my vacuum cup?
Should I fix my old cup or buy a new one?
What is the capacity of my cup?
How long should my cup hold?
Which is better, the Metal Handle or the ABS Handle hand cup?
Why doesn't my cup work at high elevations?
I've lost my instructions; can I get another copy?
Is my Powr-Grip vacuum cup still covered under warranty?
Where can I find definitions for the terminology used by Powr-Grip?
Why was I charged a handling fee on my invoice?
What sort of precautions should be observed when using my vacuum attaching tools and equipment?

What is the best way to clean my vacuum cup?
Regularly clean the face of the vacuum cup's rubber vacuum pad to remove oil, dust and any other contaminates. Use a cleaner that has been tested and proven not to damage rubber or leave a surface film that could interfere with the cup's slip resistance. Soapy water or other mild cleansers are normally acceptable. Do not use solvents, petroleum-based products (including kerosene, gasoline and diesel fuel) or any harsh chemicals for cleaning. Do not use rubber cleaners or conditioners intended for cleaning tires or vinyl surfaces, because those products can leave a hazardous film on vacuum pads which significantly reduces their lifting capacity. The use of any unapproved cleaning agent is prohibited because it could damage the pad and/or create a hazard to the user or others. Use a clean sponge or lint-free cloth to apply the cleaning agent. Wipe all residue from the vacuum pad and allow it to dry completely prior to using the vacuum cup.

Should I fix my old cup or buy a new one?
One of Wood's Powr-Grip's unique advantages is our Exchange Program. We accumulate cups sent in for exchange and remanufacture them. This gives us the ability to recondition them at the best possible price while at the same time conserving our country's natural resources. Another aspect of the Exchange Program is that we maintain a stock of rebuilt cups. This means that when your cup comes in for exchange, a rebuilt cup is already available. In most cases the exchange cup is sent back to you the same day that we receive your old cup. Several of our distributors also stock rebuilt cups. Your local distributor may be able provide same-day or one-day turn-around as well, so don't be afraid to ask. Click on this link for more information about Wood's Powr-Grip Vacuum Cup Exchange and Repair.

What is the capacity of my cup?
Capacity is a little tricky because it depends not only on the size of the cup but also on the condition of the cup and the attaching surface, as well. We manufacture various sizes and styles of cups, each with a different capacity rating. The maximum capacity of your cup is recorded in the instructions you received with it. In addition, for standard cup capacities, you can look under the Hand Cup section of your industry on our homepage or find instructions for your cup under Product Info Downloads. Loads heavier than the capacity of a single cup can be lifted by using multiple cups.

How long should my cup hold?
Many factors affect the length of time that a vacuum cup remains attached, including the overall condition of the cup, the elevation at which the cup is used, the porosity of the attaching surface, and the cleanliness of the vacuum pad and the attaching surface. Under controlled conditions, the red-line vacuum indicator on Powr-Grip vacuum cups is expected to remain hidden for two hours. Select the following link to learn more about how Powr-Grip vacuum cups work. To obtain troubleshooting information about your cup, click on the following link for Product Info Downloads.

Which is better, the Metal Handle or the ABS Handle hand cup?
This is often a matter of personal preference; however, there are some differences that may influence your choice. The ABS cup is lighter and costs less than the metal cup. ABS is a polycarbonate plastic which is strong enough for all normal applications, but metal handle cups are generally thought to hold up better under rigorous use. The ABS cups are more resistant to rust problems in areas with very high moisture levels, but are vulnerable to attack by various chemicals, including many solvents. Metal handle cups are eligible for our Exchange Program, whereas ABS cups generally must be repaired by replacing parts, which can be less convenient or more costly in the long run. The best approach is to consider the characteristics of plastic and of metal, and to evaluate them against your intended use. If you have concerns about which cup is better for your particular application, please feel free to contact us.

Why doesn't my cup work at high elevations?
Since air pressure decreases with increasing elevation, the red-line vacuum indicator on our standard vacuum cups may not function as expected at elevations above 5000 feet (1524 meters). Until recently, most manually operated vacuum cups were ineffectual at high elevations. However, Wood's Powr-Grip's N4100 is a new breed of hand-held vacuum cup that is specifically designed to function at elevations up to 12,000 feet (3650 meters). If your work regularly involves high elevations, we strongly recommend using our N4100 Hand Cup. Follow this link to learn more About Vacuum and how elevation affects vacuum cups.

I've lost my instructions; can I get another copy?
Yes! To find current instructions for many standard Powr-Grip products, click on the following link to Product Info Downloads. If the instructions for your Powr-Grip vacuum cup cannot be located on our site, contact a Wood’s Powr-Grip Technical Sales Representative, or the dealer from which you purchased the product, to obtain a replacement copy.

Is my Powr-Grip vacuum cup still covered under warranty?
Powr-Grip vacuum cups are carefully constructed, thoroughly inspected at various stages of production, and individually tested. They are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Follow this link to learn how to obtain Warranty service for your vacuum cup.

Where can I find definitions for the terminology used by Powr-Grip?
For those who are not familiar with some of the terms used in Wood's Powr-Grip publications or on our website, the following link provides definitions for most of our specialized vocabulary.

Why was I charged a handling fee on my invoice?
A handling fee is assessed when special services are requested or required to process an order. For example, when products are sent in for repair or exchange but are not accompanied by complete and legible return shipping information, extra time is required to correctly identify the customer and address. Other special services may include (but are not limited to) requests for faxing or mailing copies of invoices or other documents, etc. If you feel you were charged a handling fee in error, please contact our Customer Service Department.

What sort of precautions should be observed when using my vacuum attaching tools and equipment?
The primary thing to consider when using vacuum attaching equipment is the condition of the equipment itself. Damaged or dirty vacuum pads can cause accidental release of the load and endanger the operator of vacuum lifting equipment and those in the immediate area. Always inspect vacuum pads before use. If cuts, slits or other surface damage is discovered, discontinue use until the pads are replaced. Clean vacuum pads and the load surface between each lift. Make sure both surfaces are dry and free of any dirt or obstruction.

While hand-held vacuum cups are routinely used on the job site, jobs that require a worker to lift more that 51 lbs [23 kg] frequently or repetitively may cause physical injury to the back, hands, arms, shoulders, knees and ankles. If a worker is required to lift loads repetitively, or loads that routinely exceed 51 lbs [23 kg], a below-the-hook vacuum lifter may be employed to reduce the risk of physical injury. Operators should carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the vacuum lifting equipment, in order to avoid damage to the equipment, the material being handled and injury to the operator or others on the job site.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has published a website with guidelines on simple solutions for lifting, holding and handling materials. You can access this information here: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-122/materials.html#_13 .