Small gripsters up to 6 inches

Small vacuum lifters up to 6 inches, roughly 150 mm in diameter, are designed for small tiles, baseboards, glass panes and tight spots. The database lists eight such models, and they are strikingly uniform: all are round and electric, charge via USB-C, and have a built-in battery, a digital display and a rubber seal. None carries a brand name. Prices per unit range from €31 to €86, with €74 being typical. Typical load capacity is rated at 200 kg, with ratings spanning 90 to 200 kg; per €100 you typically get 258 kg. Typical battery capacity is 2,000 mAh, and only one of the eight units has automatic re-pump.

What to look for

• Keep load capacity in perspective: 200 kg on a small pad is a maximum figure. Apply a safety factor, as the guide Assessing load capacity realistically explains.
• Handiness: The small gripster fits in a tool bag and is well suited to aligning individual tiles.
• Larger alternatives: For slabs of 60 cm and up, the 8-inch models are the norm.