Review: Panel Carry vs Gorilla Gripper vs Panel Pal

This is a review and comparison of three panel carriers:
1. Stanley Panel Carry ($7) : granworks.com/amazon/stanley-...
2. Gorilla Gripper ($50) : granworks.com/amazon/gorilla-...
3. Panel Pal ($70) : granworks.com/amazon/panel-pal
How do they all work? What are their strengths and weaknesses? And which ones are worth buying?
MORE DETAILS:
granworks.com/which-panel-carr...
AMAZON STORE:
www.amazon.com/shop/granworks

[@NMranchhand]

My compliments! THAT's what the internet was for: I was in the Lowe's, lost, dazed, and confused at the point of purchased. I reached out to humanity and there you were. Thanks for a thoughtful, careful review that really helps people.

[@granworks]

Thank you! That really made my day!

[@eholland582]

I know this is an older video but it’s great. Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate these options. Great video.

[@Realism91]

The gorilla gripper is $35 Canadian at Home Hardware for Canadians, and $70 on Amazon for Canadians. Just a tip.

[@idwtbam]

I love how unsponsored this video is.

[@snowflakemelter1172]

Got the measurements for the Gorilla gripper and welded one up out of scrap steel,it's really a simple tool and easy to fabricate.

[@TechieTrevor]

fantastic video. Very comprehensive for everything I had questions about.

[@ItAintMeBabe99]

Excellent review, thanks for posting !

[@TimKey2911]

I was coming to the same conclusion as I was watching the video. Thanks for demonstrating them. Now I know what I need to buy.

[@haroldobrien4322]

Excellent video and analysis. Good Job!

[@wildcatwildcat7944]

If the hard grip on the Stanley is really an issue you can always duct tape a piece of pipe insulation around the handle to cushion it a bit.

[@davidforan298]

What I use when I need to move sheets of drywall or plywood, is a couple of ratchet straps. I make a loop out of each of the straps. Then I loop the two bottom corners of my sheets. I can adjust the straps to the best; most comfortable lengths. I'm an old guy, and I can heft 2 sheets of 5/8" drywall up my attic steps at a time. Please do a video on how to get those sheets of drywall on the ceiling with as little effort as getting them up the steps ;)

[@Apollo_Blaze]

This is am Awesome review...you really took time to think of all the questions someone would have about each tool, and you took the Time to really show us and explain what You thought about each one...you are a cool guy and this is a great video...Thanks!!

[@jdw2150]

Great comprehensive review!

[@mosestorres6553]

Very helpful! Thanks for the great video on explaining the differences.

[@Daynaleo1]

Wish I had watched this years ago. Thank you for the video.

[@42lookc]

Nice. I'd use the GG on the end of the panel for a comfortable cushioned grip while wheeling on the PP. I already have two of the Stanley lifters. I wouldn't be without them.

[@lazzyrj1]

Always have your sheet materials setup on pieces of 2x4 1 on each end and one in the middle . helps protect the products , the floor , helps with moving , and even helps with cutting . Well I am a contractor and thats the way I always have the crews set them up . Against a wall and on some wood .

[@granworks]

That's a great idea! It's rather obvious in retrospect but no, that hadn't occurred to me. I'll definitely do that the next time I re-arrange my sheet goods.

[@cliftt]

lazzyRJ, Thanks.

[@rickeykeeton71]

I had the same thought in regards to setting the material on lumber

[@RonaldDCass]

Sometime over 40 years ago I made a 20 inch long carrier from a maple 1x3 & two 20 inch 1x1 & a set of skate wheels. The wheels were mounted at each end skateboard style. You could lift one end of the panel, slide the carrier under so the panel rested between the two 1x1's & it was easy to wheel it anywhere you had a hard surface. Because the wheels were 18 inches apart, you can tilt the panel back to jump the front wheel over obstacles up to about 2 inches then do the same to get the rear wheel to jump the obstacle. I also have two each of the gorilla grabbers & the cheaper panel carriers. I have put a lot of miles on my wheeled carrier & it is still my treasured helper. 😊

[@barstad-9591]

Very comprehensive review. Thank you. Note: If you store your sheet goods slightly elevated (using 2 x 4s near each end) you could remove the problem of tilting the sheets to use the $4.00 lifter. That way I can lift the 4x8' sheets myself when in my shop, so I only need my husband to help me move the sheets into my shop.

[@rmhutchins7]

I enjoyed your video. It was very helpful. Thank you!

[@need100k]

I built a drywall cart out of scrap wood and some spare metal brackets and some heavy duty castors that all came from other jobs. Overall cost was under $10 and I've carried well over 500lbs with it. Won't work over grass or any unpaved surface but so far never needed to since I don't do residential work.

[@williambutler3695]

I have my own cabinet shop. I stir my plywood on the 4’ end vertically in a rack. I regularly bring sheet goods off a box truck where they are either flat or on edge and load them into my rack. I’ve tried the $4 panel lifter but honestly it’s hard to beat just a pair of gloves. I found it was more work to get the panel lifter under the panel than it was to just rotate the pane up and carry it. Just be a little mindful of your edges and you’ll be fine. I cut off all the edges on my sheet goods anyways so I don’t care if they get a little roughed up.

[@barstad-9591]

Dave Staton has a great KZbin video on his DIY lifting mechanism that lifts sheet goods up onto a flat surface such as an assembly table.

[@bassdojo3925]

Great review. Thank you.

[@alimaleki217]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@johngorentz6409]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@pierdolio]

excellent conclusion.

[@fellzer]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@dell177]

I've built panel carriers out of scrap wood and some rope. Nail and glue a 8" 1x2 (reall 1" thick to a 2x4 of the same length and then nail and glue a 3X 16" piece of 1/2" plywood against the 1" wood. Next use 2ea screw eyes into the top of the 2x4 so you can run the right length of rope plus a 4" piece of plastic pipe (hand grip) and your all set.

[@shootsandscoots]

Good tips. Thanks

[@xeon1111]

Thanks for the video

[@ramosel]

Take a look at the "Panel Chief", works like the Gorilla Gripper but lets you carry like the cheaper Panel Carry tool. No lifting to put the tool under the panel, but you carry at arm's length. But the rolling dolly has it's place too!

[@granworks]

That does look pretty slick. I'm going to consider getting one of those, too, and doing a new comparison including it.

[@indio2flechas886]

Always store wood panels elevated off the floor on pressure treated 2x4's

[@jmackinjersey1]

I was about to type this and then saw that you had already done it. Or, lay it flat and slide it out until it leans off of the pile and put the claw part under the edge. Either way, I like the one that grips, so you don't have to bend or lean over.

[@hgm540]

Tip if you stack your sheets on 2" x 2" batons on the floor , you could easily move the board forward enough to get the stanley lifter underneath!

[@dylan-nguyen]

Wonder if you use the first two together if it would be better, distribute the weight between both arms?

[@silasgroenning]

Lets say i want to carry big sheets of plywood to an apartment floor, where its gonna be angled in the carrierposition. Will any of the carriers work to help this job? Thanks for video

[@garvielloken3929]

Now that was a REVIEW

[@Changtent]

Excellent review thx. Confirms my previous thoughts about getting all three.

[@granworks]

Thank you!

[@bamagolds]

I work for a company that booms drywall...mostly 12' long and stretch .5". Sometimes we can't enter a window upstairs, so 2 people carry a twin pack. Seems like the Stanley and Gorilla grip could come in handy.

[@DukeLaCrosse20]

GREAT video! I bought the Stanley Panel Carry at HomeDepot today to move some drywall. I was looking for a video showing me how to get it under and this showed me that I was NOT doing it wrong. I think the crouching issue is a problem and getting it on the panel carry in the first place is a real problem.

[@granworks]

I got a suggestion later that a way to solve the lifting problem with the Stanley is to put the drywall or plywood on some 2x4s to begin with. That would keep the panels a little off the ground so it should be possible to slip the head of the Panel Carry under them. Makes sense!

[@DukeLaCrosse20]

Right after my comment above I went to HomeDepot to get some more drywall. Didn't have my Stanley carrier with me and was by myself. When I went to lift the two sheets together into the truck, my elbow made three loud POPs. Pretty sure I tore my bicep or the tendon. May need surgery. Morale is, these things are heavy and you can hurt yourself badly if you don't do it right.

[@sebastiantevel898]

I would get all the 3 of them as you said and have an easier life, rather than risking injury. Thank you for sharing.

[@wranefis]

I wonder if this would work with Sheetrock

[@deanaoxo]

Yup, all three. Except, i just took two old lawn mower wheels, and made a panel carrier. I'd seen one, had a bunch of plywood to move, looked around, made one, and oh my back thanked me.

[@granworks]

Awesome! Yeah, a DIY panel carrier is definitely in my future -- it'll be fun to compare a home-made version with the three commercial versions.

[@debadwolf9727]

I use panel pal "orangie" over lawns to move patio doors. I don't do it by myself but orangie can handle some rough terrain.

[@kalemercer7053]

Thanks!

[@pgauldie]

That was a good review even though you did cop out a bit LOL... I made my own panel Pal (using old heelie roller blades)

[@peterbarlow8912]

Try the Troll panel carrier 49. It’s like the first item but steel and like the last item because it includes wheels. $50 at the big box store. On flat terrain you just push the goods along over cords and hoses. When you get to steps just lift like the first item.

[@peterbarlow8912]

Another thing put 2x stickers on the floor before you rack panels against a wall. Also it’s not good to store panels on edge long term.

[@mrskwrl]

holy moly music volume vs narration volume difference...

[@camgreer]

Yes, exactly. I keep having to hit the volume button down and then back up so I can hear him when he starts speaking again. This is very common in these videos, and I really don't know why folks think they need music in this type of informative video. Otherwise, on point and well done. This comment is intended to help the creator make better videos. My 2 cents: lose the music.

[@danieloleary1782]

👍👍👍💪👍👍👍👊

[@martintabony611]

Could you not tie a length of rope the the stanley tool. That way you could loop it over your shoulder to take some of the weight off your hand

[@TheRangeControl]

+granworks Just as a reference to scale for the possibility of my tool usage, may I ask how tall you are?

[@granworks]

6ft (roughly 1.8m)

[@big1finger]

Failed to mention, a Hispanic that does roofing will show you how to really do the job. He slides a sheet off the stack, one hand on the 4 ft side and one hand on the 8 ft side stands it up walks over to the ladder climbs the ladder and throws the panel onto the roof. Only problem is he gets upset if those on the roof don't leave him room to throw panels. I lost the video years ago.

[@aradenatorixveckhomaveclus2276]

We all know that Hispanics know how to do things without the hyper-specialized tools that Yankees love to produce and consume. Their cleverness characterizes them. From the 3 models, I think the Gorilla Gripper is the most practical or less useless to say in some way. I didn't like that at the end of the video he concluded with the bullshit that he recommends all 3 of them.

[@jascharanjiva3859]

Hi I'm 103 Ibs and 5'2". I'll be using five 5'x10' MDO panels for my artwork. How do I rotate the panels so that they're standing tall each time I need to paint a panel? I'm trying to avoid being crushed by the panel :)

[@granworks]

Each of those panels will weight around 60 lbs and since they are almost as tall as you, your best bet honestly would be to get somebody to help you do that. HOWEVER, it is possible to do it all yourself if you use levers to your advantage. First, always transport the MDO panels on wheels. If you have enough room, then a furniture dolly could work well for that. Then, place the panel face-down with the narrow end facing the final place for the panel, when vertical. You then have a couple of options. You could just try lifting it at that point. Since one end of the panel will be pivoting on the ground, you will essentially be only lifting only half (give or take) of the total weight. That might be achievable as-is. A helper would make it that much more sure. Another option is to attach a ratchet strap to the top of the panel and to an area just above where the panel will be in a vertical position. The ratchet strap will allow you to essentially crank the panel up with minimal effort. There are many many other ways to use levers to your advantage, but that's getting well outside the realm of a KZbin comment. In any case, make sure you secure the panel after it is up-right. Clamps can do that very well, if you have something to clamp to.

[@ZackAttack34]

This is an old video but I thought I’d throw this out there. I am trying to find a solution for manual lifting and stacking of pallets to help avoid splinters and injuries. Do you have any thoughts or recommendations?

[@granworks]

Sorry, no. Pallets are very different beast than a simple flat panel and I honestly don't have any notable experience working with them by hand.

[@gzfraud]

Over the years I've tried all these. I like the simple Stanley carrier best. BUT since have to bend over to pick up sheet goods and carry it high both risk hurting your back. So simple solution. Add 6-12" extensions to the Stanley carrier. Now don't' have to bend so much and carry drywall/plywood just few inches off floor. Problem solved. Now what I really need is a panel carrier but it works sideways, ie, if drywall is vertical, not flat, and 8' edge on the floor, the carrier grips the 4' edge to lift few inches to put Stanley under it.

[@daveengstrom9250]

The $4 carrier is actually designed to be put onto the other side of the plywood. The panel will be between your arm and body. The second hand holds the top of the panel. It makes it a little easier to control while walking.

[@granworks]

I agree that putting a panel between the carrier and your body would make it easier to control. However, no, the Stanley Panel Carry ($4) is definitely not intended to be used that way. If you look at me carrying a 4x8 panel using it, you'll see that the top of the panel is roughly in line with the top of my head. I am 6' (1.83m) tall. In order to tuck a panel between my arm and body, I would need to be notably over 8' (2.5m) tall -- and even then, I'm not sure. It would be physically impossible for 99% of people to carry a panel of any sort in that way. Also, the design of the Panel Carry includes the angled part, which Stanley describes as keeping your hands away from the material. If it was on the other side, then it would pull your hand even farther away, reducing your leverage and dramatically reducing the (already limited) potential panel size.

[@radurus6571]

I have Gorilla Gripper. It is amazing! You can lift a panel to the next floor, you can lift it on the roof, with others you can't do all this...

[@banisterman6083]

You can also do that with some amazing things called hands

[@johnpoe8887]

Thanks.....................

[@jasonshimrah6923]

All of them are excellent but if I had to choose one I will go for dragon lifter because this is more applicable to any terrain

[@BurntTransistor]

Not sure why people put music to videos when there is narration. Otherwise good video.

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 I can see the Gorilla Gripper not being good for carrying Sheetrock up stairs because the panel is too low to the ground.

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

that top gripper thing will screw your shoulders up ... the rotary cuff of your shoulder , then spend some months in physio fixing it. That green pichup thing looks the best overall, You could use rope also?

[@BreathBeets]

mayeb stack your sheets on top of 2x4s so they are not directly on the ground

[@devo076]

Maybe spell maybe correctly.

[@g0dL55Zq]

just a thought, but couldn't you build the "Panel Pal" out of some lumber and Harbor Freight wheels for a fraction of the price?

[@granworks]

That's a great idea!! I'll put that on my list for things to try.

[@krenwregget7667]

that was going to be my comment. You could build your own little cart for about $15.

[@brendanlenane2685]

I built a wheeled one for carrying sheets and windows and doors out of scrap steel and wheels that can carry up to 300kgs. Works great on smooth ground including gravel.

[@MikeRigel]

So I bought 5 panels of 3/4" oak, 4 x 8 ply and they helped me load them onto my trailer. I didn't think far enough ahead and ended up by myself to do the off-load. I only wish I would have bought the panel carry while I was at the box store. Ended up using a 20' rope looped around the two bottom corners. I will definitely be buying the panel carry for future. Thanks for the vs video.

[@jmackinjersey1]

I liked the music, don't listen to the negative guys.

[@big1finger]

How did you get your panels delivered on their sides? If you order a quantity they are coming in flat. That said, I have used one like the Stanley for years, with little thought it can be made from scrap materials around the shop. As for the gorilla how long does it last. It may last for years, but what has happened to you in those same years? You break the 60 barrier and unless you work out everyday you are going to lose muscle and when you hit 70 you are not going to be carrying a panel any where. Consider getting the panels closer to work station and get help as you get older. One mistake and your back will kick your ass the rest of your life. For $50 dollars the gripper better carry some of the weight itself.

[@AlvinMcManus]

Prices have more than doubled since this was made, but the Stanley is still less than $10 at HD

[@RunningCordoroy]

I got the plastic gorilla gripper. It snapped in half carrying a 3/4 birch 4x8. Glad I didn't break my foot. Wrecked my panel. Garbage.

[@jesseharjo9623]

Use a sheetrock cart. You can carry 14 sheets of 5/8 or 18 sheets of 1/2 inch at a time. As for moving single sheets nothing beats technique.

[@granworks]

Sheetrock carts are hundreds of dollars and, as such, are well out of the price range of these type of panel carriers.

[@DesignsElement]

I find they put more weight on one side of your body than using one hand at the bottom and one at the top. With your hand at the bottom you can get the sheet leaned over your shoulder/head reducing the weight one side and moving it towards the center. Now if its lightweight like osb or drywall, gorilla gripper works the best. I haven't found a good way to lift 3/4'' soaked pressure treated, hire someone else to do it maybe lol.

[@tomnicol1001]

If you are looking for a way to hang panels on walls check out www.hangprolift.com. The only tool made specifically for one person to transport, lift and hold panels on walls. Never have to lift a panel again. Ceiling lifts were made to hang ceilings, not walls. Get the right tool for the job.

[@OTLB]

OTLVISE is the best way to move panels... The front person doesn't need to walk backwards up stairs

[@granworks]

Well, at $1,250 I'd EXPECT that using it would be a premium experience! There are actually quite a few panel moving jigs and tools in the $200+ range -- these were just three options that are available for well under $100.

[@OTLB]

when a 94 year old man uses it He can move 300 lbs up stairs by himself

[@thorlo1278]

I couldn't use any of them if I wanted to. I'm disabled with severe osteoarthritis and back problems. Plus being diabetic, my orthopedic surgeon told me not to lift more than 35lbs. So when I need plywood and/or MDF I have to have it cut and loaded on top of my SUV.

[@SolarizeYourLife]

Use two people/panel lifters...

[@billveek9518]

I just use a four wheel carpeted dolly terrain permitting or hire some strong high school football players to lift all the sheets lol

[@williamkaiser8490]

Dude use the gorilla grip when pushing the wood sheets!

[@bodiddly8338]

"panel chief " is better than both by far

[@notahanzomain5282]

I deliver wallboards for a living. Nothing beats using your hands and just baring the weight in them as opposed to lifting. With the right technique, you can deliver a 30 tonne load in 40 minutes with 4-5 men. Tools are a waste of time.

[@AF-we1zc]

They're expensive but you could use two gorilla grippers and have the ability to use two hands.

[@big1finger]

What are you suggesting carry the panel on your back? That is the only way you can really get a good hold with 2 hands.

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

03:10 But.. if your name is *Arnold* .. Hmm..

[@shermanali2632]

Wear some gloves!🤔✌️

[@TexasBarnRats]

Gloves are for pu$$ies. Remember...safety 3rd.

[@Rooster_Snuffer]

I get that it’s heavy but if you do that work often then you are also a weight lifter… so stop calling yourself weak. Please.

[@banisterman6083]

I've been a builder for 30yrs . Just carry it like we have been doing forever straight right arn hand underneath lift with legs steady with left . If you can't manage that get another job . Maybe a beautician or a jelly mixer . I mean really. Just another useless tool to clutter up the van with the sky hooks and spirit level bubbles

[@16nowhereman]

I just go to Home Depot and pay $20 bucks for one of those Mexicans and they work for me all day and do all the heavy lifting. Cheap!

[@SolarizeYourLife]

16nowhereman only after you pay $100 to the ICE to look the other way...

[@Wateringman]

Watching this channel is exasperating. Why? I realize how clueless many individuals are in the trade of carpentry, where sheetrocking is concerned. All those panel thing-a-magigs are just such a waste of time, money, and potential. Ok. This is how old time carpenters carried sheetrock. And the type I was working with in NYC was the fire rated 5/8" 4x8 panel. That's around 70 lbs. If you are a slack jawed weakling; get stronger. Do push-ups, go to a gym. You are heaving sheetrock! You need to beef up. I worked with female UBC carpenters, and some put many guys to shame, for crying out loud. Alright; short and simple. This takes a little practice, but once mastered, you will feel shame for buying that stuff you just showed. Have a panel of sheetrock leaned against the wall. Look at it and visually pick a point on the center of the sheet. Aim for two feet away from that center of the sheet, on both sides of the center point of the panel. Those are the two gripping points. Pick up one end of the sheet up. Does not matter which one. We old timers became strong enough to do it one handed. No BS!!. We did!! Point and slightly turn your upper torso in the direction you will be walking. One hand will be gripping the front point in which you are traveling, and the other back hand will be gripping the back point following your torso in the direction you are traveling. DO NOT LIFT WITH YOUR ARMS OR SHOULDERS. Just let the panel sit on your hands, and your shoulders just take the weight of the panel. And just lean your upper torso comfortably to offset the weight of the sheetrock panel you are carrying. All you need is a firm grip on your hands, as the panel sits on your palms. Wear gloves if you need. Walk carefully in the direction you have to travel. DO NOT RUN. DO NOT HURRY. Just walk with the weight carried by your shoulders, and properly centered on both your hands. Your hips and legs will do most of the work as wèll. You will need to practice this. Once you get accustomed to this manner of carrying the sheet goods, you will find that you can steer the sheet easily down a hallway. or through a doorway. To change direction of travel, just turn your upper torso facing the new back direction to travel, and you are good to go. To lower the sheet down, just lean one shoulder down, let the arm going down carry the sheet down, then once the corner going down is on the floor, carry through with the other. Thats it!

[@granworks]

Hah! I love your comment. True enough! I am absolutely a weakling, though, so I'll continue using these tools. 😆

[@Wateringman]

@@granworks So...basically you will not improve yourself. Ok. Its your party.

[@granworks]

This channel is all about improving myself -- but as there are a near infinite number of skills that I don't know and a very finite amount of time to learn them, I do have to be super picky. One shortcut is that I won't waste my time learning how to physically do a lot of anything efficiently since, well, those aren't interesting skills to me. I highlighted your comment, though, because if any new tradesman might stumble upon the video, then seeing your perspective could be useful.

[@Wateringman]

@@granworks What I wrote on how to improve the ability to carry panels, is not a perspective; its a fact, and it does not require much skill to learn. You just have to do it. That is how UBC union carpenters do it. There is a reason why UBC carpenters are the best. We are always being taught better methods, and are always eager to try all new skills available to us to improve our trade. What I wrote works, and you would be surprised how simple it is. The smart action would be to do it with half a panel, and start from there to gain strength, balance, and the confidence to do it well. That would be a start. But all you are giving me is hot air, and excuses. It works and its superior to all those gadgets you described, because it can be done anywhere, and at any time. Seems to me you are very keen in giving advice, but very poor and lacking in taking it. You are the one who loses out. Your party.