Patented

How to Use

Preparing to use the SlabSetters
Prior to using the SlabSetters for lifting, leveling, repositioning a Precast Concrete Sidewalk Slab or a structure of generally similar shape and weight, the Operators should determine the best means to manipulate the slab.  The SlabSetters come in a set of four individual tools and can be used in many different configurations to lift the various styles, sizes, and shapes of slabs. The four tools allows each of two Operators to have one SlabSetters in each hand when working with a slab.

Regardless of the configuration used, a critically unique strength of SlabSetters is that the Operator(s) will use the strength in their legs to lift the slab - not their backs. The SlabSetters have been designed to a length that promotes this concept. Also, it is important to note that the SlabSetters are designed to be used for lifting slabs that are generally very heavy, hard, and with potentially sharp edges.  Adherence to both general well understood personal safety practices as well as the documented safety instruction for SlabSetters found on this website and on the product label is strongly advised.

Following are the three basic steps that two Operators would use to to lift, re-level, reposition a slab.

STEP 1 - INSERT hooks below slab
The first step in using SlabSetters to lift a sidewalk slab for repositioning is to insert each of the SlabSetters' hooks to an elevation below the bottom edge of the slab being lifted.  "Image Step 1" illustrates how the hooks of the four SlabSetters are in the process of being lowered through the gaps between the resting slabs in a patio layout. 

In order to accomplish the "Insert" step, each hook must be positioned parallel to the side edge of the slab where it is being inserted.  This allows the hook to be inserted into the narrow space between the slab and its neighboring slab.

Once each Operator positions her/his two SlabSetters' hooks appropriately beside the edges of the slab, they lower their respective SlabSetters' hooks downward into the narrow space between the two slabs until the hook of each SlabSetter is below the bottom surface of the slab being lifted.

Image Step 1 - Click image to enlarge

STEP 2 - ROTATE hooks under slab
Once the hooks have been successfully positioned below the bottom edge of the slab, the hooks of each SlabSetter must be placed into a full "SET" position.  To set the hook for each SlabSetter, the Operators "Rotate" the handle of the SlabSetter in each of their hands by 90 degrees in a direction that forces the hook on the SlabSetter to rotate under slab and position perpendicular to the edge of the slab.

The hooks are considered "SET" when each of the hooks are perpendicular to the side edge of the slab and the side edge of the slab is flush to the shaft of the each SlabSetter.  The entire hook must be positioned under the slab to provide safe and effective lifting of the Slab.

Image Step 2 - Click image to enlarge

STEP 3 - LIFT slab with SlabSetters
Once all of the SlabSetters' hooks are properly set under the slab being lifted, the Operators simply pull up on the handles of the SlabSetters in their hands. By pulling up on the handles - the hooks will respectively pull up on the slab and begin to lift it from its resting position.  Both Operators should lift in unison (i.e. at the same time and at the same lifting pace) in order to provide a balanced lift and extraction of the slab from its resting location.

As mentioned before, the pulling strength required to pull up on the SlabSetters should come from the Operators' legs.  With their arm straight and back up-right and vertical - the Operators simply begin to straighten their legs from the originally bent-at-the-knees position.

Once the slab has be raised high enough in elevation from its resting location (no more than 1" to 3" off the ground, the Operators can slowly

Image Step 3 - Click image to enlarge Image

swing out and reposition the slab to its desired destination resting position.

Once the desired location and position of the slab has been found, the Operators simply reverse the three basic steps describe in this page (i.e. lower the slab, rotate the hooks to "unset" the hooks, remove the hooks from the slab edge).

To see a complete animation of these three steps,
click on the image below

This animation uses Apple's QuickTime
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