Gladiator GarageWorks GACUXXCAVK Claw Advanced Bike Storage, v1.0, Aluminum
by Gladiator Garage Works
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List Price: Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Gladiator GarageWorks GACUXXCAVK Claw Advanced Bike Storage, v1.0, Aluminum
Customer Review: Definitely has the cool factor down, also definitely v.1.0
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
This hook will replace the need for unattractive J hooks, but not much more. You lift your bike up to the center circle push and the claw opens, it then closes as pressure is removed. I have to admit - very cool.
Pros:
1) VERY light - wow! - I was worried it was going to be heavy and awkward
2) Rubber covers the parts that touch your wheel
3) limited need to maneuver bike onto hook - just need to hit the center - awesome
Cons:
1) Instructions schmunctions.... there are none - installation is simple, but you'll need to figure out how to install and appropriately brace if you are installing into sheetrock. It is a bit wide and with my set-up and desired location we managed 2 screws in studs and then used 2 anchors.
2) Screw placement was a PAIN - 2 of the screws are directly above the hook. These were the ones I put into the stud to save myself a little headache.
3) I managed to jam mine before even getting it out of the box while testing the mechanism. Eventually it released, but if it happens when I am putting my bike up, I am going to be very annoyed. This won't happen with a cheap hook. Plus, I don't want to have to worry about how hard I am pushing on the mechanism with the bike.
Overall, I would not buy another in my situation based on price and fear over spring mechanism longevity. If I were hanging my bikes indoors where looks matter, I might.
Customer Review: Now you can ride your bicycle and get some weightlifting exercise lifting it to store it in your new Gladiator Storage Unit.
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Gladiator GarageWorks Claw Bike Storage comes with clear instructions and nice long screws for firm mounting to the stud in the ceiling. It is sturdy and well made. The clasping and unclasping mechanism works well. It will give the user additional storage space in the garage.
The only concern is that the person who will be using it will need to be strong enough and agile enough to lift the bicyle to the clamp.
I was amazed to discover many other products by Gladiator to help organize the garage, such as Gladiator GarageWorks GAWA18BKRH 18-Inch Wire Basket and
Gladiator GarageWorks GAGD275DRG Premier Modular GearDrawer. There is even a freezer refrigerator included: Gladiator GarageWorks GAFZ21XXRK Freezerator Convertible Refrigerator/Freezer 21-Cubic-Feet. Here are some really nice gift ideas for Christmas and Father's Day.
The bicycle storage hook has introduced me to a brave new world of the uncluttered garage. Now I simply need to get up from my computer, go remove my store bicycle, and ride.
Recommended!
Customer Review: It's an attractive hook, but still just a hook.
Summary: 3 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
The hook is attractive and fairly well-made. It might not be a bad device for someone a little taller than myself. As it is, I am petite (5'1") and the most activity my arms get is carrying groceries occasionally, so I have some problems in the first place with lifting my bike. Thus, the rest of this review may only apply to smaller women, instead of guys who can apparently balance their bikes with one hand.
The difference between this and a large J-hook is that you don't have to lift AND move your bike to the side at the same time (and get your bike spokes caught in the J-hook). You really only have to push hard enough straight upward to get the mechanism to lock. Still, leveraging my bike up in the air past my head remains difficult for me.
The "locking" mechanism feels a bit cheap, although the metal base and arms are sturdy enough, and it looks nice. However, like other reviewers mentioned, the price is rather steep to pay versus a simple vinyl-coated J-hook, which we already had installed in our garage. If I were to spend this amount of money on another bike mount, I would look at a wall-mount instead, just to make bike storage physically easier on someone that is my height. But if you are truly looking for a ceiling-mounted hook to replace a J-hook, this is still acceptable (and looks cooler than a cheap-o hook).
Customer Review: Performs Precisely As Intended.
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
For hanging my garage-kept restored "classic" bicycle, I have utilized as supportive rack a two by four drilled into studs with two hooks attached. When lifting the bike from the rack, or returning it to its cradle, it was necessary to lift the machine above the hooks, putting its paint at risk. Therefore, this item manufactured by Gladiator, a company engaged in space-saving inventions, was viewed with a good deal of interest, its "claw" a possible improvement over the hooks then in place. Attached to a ceiling, the Gladiator's opposing arms clasp the bicycle when a central plunger is pressed. When this button device is pressed a second time, the claw releases the bike from its hanging position. An upward movement of a wheel will accomplish this, as its tire will move against the plunger, thereby freeing both hands for the downward control lift. An advantage of saving space is obvious along with elimination of a need to lift a bicycle over and upon hooks. Additionally, the base and arms are constructed of die cast aluminum, ensuring durability. The plunger itself, however, is of hard rubber set into a molded plastic frame, and these give not a similar perception of ruggedness. Thus far, the Gladiator Claw has done its job nicely. Here's hoping it will continue to do so!Customer Review: Works wonderfully, especially for we 'undertall' users!
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
My husband installed the 'claw' & he did have a little bit of work to get the screws in just right, but he managed.
I love the claw because I am only 5' 3" tall and having to lift a bike up over a couple of hooks was challenging, to say the least.
This way, I only have to get the front tire up there and it's much, much easier for me to do. It requires a lot less upper body strength, as well.
I've already suggested this handy little item to a couple of my friends who are also 'vertically challenged'.
I saw other reviews saying that the claw isn't necessary & so much more expensive than hooks in the joists, which is obviously true to a degree, but I have a feeling that most of those reviewers were a good deal taller & stronger than I. The only way I could use hooks to hang a bike would be with the help of a stepstool and that's dangerous. I think the inventor was thinking of us shorter folks when he or she thought this beauty up. Now I don't have to wait for the hubby to come home to hang up my bike.
I'm going to order another for hubby's bike as well (his bike gets the same treatment as his socks!!)! A very clever invention indeed!