Board Lifters

About Board Lifters

Board lifters are indispensable manual handling tools that enable builders, plasterers, and carpenters to safely transport, lift, and position heavy sheet materials single-handed. Available at MyToolShed.co.uk, these clever devices eliminate the need for a second pair of hands when working with plasterboard, drywall panels, doors, plywood, MDF, and other large sheet materials. By combining mechanical advantage with ergonomic design, board lifters dramatically reduce the risk of back strain and material damage whilst improving installation efficiency on both residential and commercial projects.

The range includes panel carriers and grippers—such as the popular Roughneck Gorilla Gripper models—which use cambered clamping systems to transport sheets safely across site, plus drywall lifters from brands like Marshalltown and Trend that raise boards from floor to ceiling height. MyToolShed stocks professional-grade equipment from leading manufacturers including Bessey, Stanley, Draper, and Spear and Jackson, featuring rubberised contact points to prevent surface damage, adjustable width settings for different sheet sizes, and compact folding mechanisms for easy van storage.

Applications

Board lifters are essential tools for various construction professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts:

• Plasterers and Dry Liners: Installing plasterboard sheets on walls and ceilings as core trade activity
• Carpenters and Joiners: Handling large sheet materials including MDF, plywood, chipboard, and door installations
• General Builders: Multi-trade contractors managing various construction and renovation projects
• Shop Fitters: Creating commercial interiors with partition walls and display units
• Decorators: Replacing damaged plasterboard sections during refurbishment work
• Property Maintenance Teams: Council and housing association contractors carrying out repairs
• Self-Builders and DIYers: Homeowners undertaking loft conversions, extensions, and substantial renovations

Choosing The Right Board Lifters

Selecting appropriate board lifting equipment depends on your specific requirements:

Type of Material Handling: Determine whether you primarily need to transport sheets horizontally across site (panel carriers like the Roughneck Gorilla Gripper) or lift them vertically into position (drywall lifters such as the Marshalltown or Trend models). Professional tradespeople often benefit from having both types available.

Sheet Size and Weight Capacity: Standard UK plasterboard comes in 2400mm x 1200mm sheets weighing approximately 22kg for 12.5mm thickness. Verify your chosen lifter accommodates the dimensions and weight you'll regularly handle—moisture-resistant boards can be 25-30% heavier than standard plasterboard.

Build Quality: Professional-grade tools from established manufacturers like Bessey, Stanley, and Draper offer superior longevity for intensive trade use. Steel construction generally outlasts aluminium, though it's heavier to transport between jobs.

Portability: Consider how frequently you'll move equipment between sites. Panel carriers typically fold flat for van storage, whilst larger wheeled lifters require more dedicated space.

Surface Protection: Quality board lifters from MyToolShed.co.uk incorporate rubberised or padded contact points to prevent scratching or marking finished surfaces—particularly important when handling pre-finished doors or decorative panels.

Safety Information

Whilst board lifters significantly improve manual handling safety, proper usage remains essential. Follow HSE manual handling guidance by assessing loads before lifting, maintaining a stable base, and avoiding twisting movements. Never exceed the manufacturer's stated weight capacity—overloading can cause tool failure or injury. Always wear steel toe-capped boots when handling heavy sheets, as dropped boards can cause serious foot injuries. Check equipment before each use for worn grips, damaged cradles, and loose fixings. Maintain clear visibility around obstacles when transporting large sheets, and request assistance for particularly challenging installations at awkward locations or extreme heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can board lifters handle moisture-resistant plasterboard?
Yes, quality board lifters from brands like Roughneck and Stanley can handle moisture-resistant and fire-resistant plasterboard variants, though these denser boards are heavier. Check your model's weight capacity—moisture-resistant 12.5mm board weighs approximately 25-30% more than standard plasterboard.

Do I need different tools for walls versus ceilings?
Panel carriers excel at transporting sheets and positioning them on walls, but ceiling installation typically requires a dedicated drywall lifter with height adjustment and a stable cradle to hold boards overhead whilst you secure fixings. Professional plasterers often invest in both types for maximum versatility.

Will these tools work with materials besides plasterboard?
Absolutely. Board lifters work excellently with plywood, MDF, chipboard, OSB, and internal doors. The Trend and Draper models are particularly popular with carpenters handling different materials. Always verify that material weight falls within your lifter's capacity, as dense hardwood sheets can be surprisingly heavy.