Rubi gripsters

Rubi is a long-established manufacturer of tile installation tools from Spain and the only Spanish brand in the comparison. Rubi is represented with 4 electric vacuum lifters. The data list China as the country of manufacture. Three of the four models belong to the Energy series with USB-C charging.

Model range

3 models are round, 1 is oval. The OCTO-USB Energy (item no. 66967) has an 8-inch suction plate, an integrated 3.7 V, 2 Ah battery, USB-C charging, a pressure display in mbar and water- and dust-proof buttons. It appears in two offers at €95 and €97, rated at 140 kg. The Octo-Kong Energy with a 220 mm suction plate costs €103 and offers automatic vacuum control, a display for force, vacuum and battery level, and up to 24 hours of operation according to the manufacturer's rating.

The oval model is a compact mini cordless vacuum lifter rated at 70 kg for €34.

Prices and load capacity

Prices range from €34 to €103. The median is €96, above the €68 median across all 519 offers. The median load capacity is 140 kg, and the strongest is the Octo-Kong Energy at 150 kg. The mini vacuum lifter, at 70 kg, is designed for smaller formats.

Features

All 4 models are electric. The three Energy units have a built-in battery charged via USB-C and a digital display. No offer mentions a removable battery. All seals are rubber. There is no vibration function. The Octo-Kong Energy also regulates the vacuum automatically.

Who are these lifters for?

The Energy models are aimed at tile setters who prefer a round vacuum lifter, often called a gripster in the trade, with USB-C charging and a precise pressure display. USB-C lets you charge with common power adapters, including in the vehicle. More affordable units of this type are listed in the ranking Cheapest with USB-C. With a rated load capacity of 140 to 150 kg, the units suit common tile formats, and for large slabs using two vacuum grippers is advisable. The comparison Italy vs. Spain shows how brands from Spain and Italy differ.