There's a technique to hauling around sheet goods; a particular way to pop the back up in order to get a hand under it, and, in the same move to grab the top and get into the standing position. From this point on it's all hand pain, back strain, and muscle aches. In other words, there's really no easy way to do it. Or so we thought before we got a look at the Gorilla Gripper.
The Gorilla Gripper, made by a company called Landon Innovations, LLC, is essentially a portable handle for sheet goods. From the looks of it, you just snap it on the plywood, drywall, Durock, or whatever and there you have it. The Gripper can handle anything from 3/8' to 2-3/4' thick, but it doesn't look like it can do multiple sheets at a time.
Read past the fold if you're interested in checking out the Gorilla Gripper ad. If you're the type who enjoys watching a hot chick in Daisy Dukes (and we are), you'll probably like it.
We checked out some of the Amazon reviews and found that most people like the Gripper, with some saying that it takes a bit to get used to and others saying that it can lose its grip if the sheet gets knocked and the weight gets distributed off the Gripper.
The Gorilla Gripper costs $50, which we think is a little pricey, but compared to back surgery it's probably worth it.
I have one of these and find it very useful. My primary motivation for buying it was that my garage door is only 6" higher than I am tall making the conventional method for carrying sheet goods impractical. This device allows you to keep the sheet goods below shoulder level and makes maneuvering them in tight quarters much easier. You can see in all directions because the sheet goods are held low and the ability to pass the handle from one hand to the other helps with maneuverability. On the downside, you can only carry one sheet at at a time and you have to start with the sheet goods level or the device will tend to lose its grip. This can be problematic when unloading from a truck by yourself. Not as problematic as having to bend deeply at the knees every time you carry a piece of plywood through the door though!
Gorilla Gripper
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