3″ Hand Cup With T-Handle for Flat or Curved Surfaces – Pack of 4

Description

Wood’s Powr-Grip TL3TH — 3″ T-Handle Vacuum Hand Cup for Precise Positioning on Flat and Tightly Curved Surfaces (15 lbs / 7 kg) — Pack of 4

The Wood’s Powr-Grip TL3TH is a compact, precision vacuum hand cup engineered for the accurate lifting and positioning of small flat and curved smooth, nonporous items weighing up to 15 lbs (7 kg). Featuring a 3″ (8 cm) standard rubber suction pad (Model TL3), an industrial-grade plastic T-handle and plunger, and a minimum curved surface radius of just 4″ (102 mm) — the tightest curved surface rating in the standard Wood’s Powr-Grip hand cup lineup — the TL3TH is purpose-built for applications requiring precise, controlled placement of small objects on surfaces with tight curvature that no other WPG hand cup can accommodate. A standout dual-use feature: when the T-handle is removed, a 1/4-20 threaded stud is exposed, allowing the TL3TH to function as a vacuum mounting cup for fixturing, positioning jigs, and temporary attachment applications. Sold as a Pack of 4 (SKU: 91154, Model: TL3TH), the kit supports multi-cup lifts and provides redundant tooling for precision handling operations. Manufactured by Wood’s Powr-Grip.

The TL3TH is the most specialized cup in the standard WPG hand cup lineup — its 3″ pad, 15 lb capacity, and 4″ minimum radius place it in a category of its own, designed for precision positioning and fixturing applications rather than the heavy material handling that defines the rest of the lineup. The T-handle geometry provides a two-finger grip optimized for precise, controlled placement rather than the full-hand grip of standard handle cups. The narrower operating temperature range (32°F to 100°F / 0°C to 38°C) reflects the precision application focus of this cup — it is not designed for outdoor winter use or high-temperature environments. For any application requiring vacuum attachment to a tightly curved surface with a radius as small as 4″, the TL3TH is the only WPG hand cup rated for the task.

Key Features & Benefits

4″ (102 mm) Minimum Radius — Tightest Curved Surface Rating in the WPG Lineup

The TL3TH is rated for curved surfaces with a minimum radius of just 4″ (102 mm) — far tighter than any other standard WPG hand cup (the next tightest is 12″ on the LJ45HG, TL6HG, TL6RH, and LJ6VH). This enables vacuum attachment on small-diameter cylindrical objects, tightly curved glass, small-radius architectural elements, and other curved surfaces that are completely outside the capability of all other WPG hand cups. If your application involves a curved surface with a radius below 12″, the TL3TH is the only WPG hand cup in this lineup rated for the task.

Dual-Use: Hand Cup and Vacuum Mounting Cup (1/4-20 Threaded Stud)

When the T-handle is removed, a 1/4-20 threaded stud is exposed on the cup body, allowing the TL3TH to function as a vacuum mounting cup for fixturing, positioning jigs, temporary attachment to smooth nonporous surfaces, and integration with standard 1/4-20 threaded hardware and fixtures. This dual-use capability makes the TL3TH uniquely versatile — it can serve as a hand cup for precision placement and as a vacuum fixture mount for holding small parts in position during assembly, inspection, or machining operations. No other standard WPG hand cup in this lineup offers this mounting cup functionality.

T-Handle Geometry — Optimized for Precise Positioning

The T-handle provides a two-finger grip geometry optimized for precise, controlled placement of small objects rather than the full-hand grip of standard handle cups. This handle style allows the operator to apply fine positional control during placement — critical for applications such as positioning small glass inserts, optical components, precision panels, and other items where exact placement is required. The T-handle also allows the cup to be used in confined spaces where a standard handle would not fit.

3″ Standard Rubber Suction Pad (Model TL3) — Smallest Pad in the WPG Lineup

The 3″ (8 cm) TL3 pad is the smallest standard pad in the Wood’s Powr-Grip hand cup range, enabling vacuum attachment on small surface areas where no larger pad could achieve full perimeter contact. The standard rubber compound maintains flexibility and seal integrity across the rated operating temperature range (32°F to 100°F). Replacement TL3 pads are available separately through Wood’s Powr-Grip authorized distributors.

15 lb (7 kg) Rated Load Capacity

The TL3TH is rated for loads up to 15 lbs (7 kg) — appropriate for the small, lightweight items it is designed to handle. For heavier loads, larger-pad cups with higher capacity ratings are the correct selection. The pack-of-4 configuration allows multiple cups to be used simultaneously on a single panel to distribute load across multiple vacuum points when needed, supporting coordinated lifts up to 60 lbs combined.

Red-Line Vacuum Loss Indicator — Vacuum Pad Protector Included — Pack of 4

The built-in red-line indicator provides a continuous visual warning if vacuum pressure drops significantly during a lift or mounting application. Each TL3TH ships with a vacuum pad protector to keep the suction pad clean and protected during storage and transport. The pack-of-4 configuration provides redundant tooling for multi-cup lifts and ensures replacement cups are on hand when a pad requires service.

Common Applications

Precision Positioning of Small Glass and Optical Components

Glaziers, optical fabricators, and precision installers use the TL3TH to accurately position small glass inserts, optical glass panels, display glass, and other small glass components where exact placement is required and a larger cup would overhang the material boundary. The T-handle provides the fine positional control needed for precision placement work.

Small-Diameter Cylindrical and Tightly Curved Object Handling

The 4″ minimum radius rating enables vacuum attachment on small-diameter cylindrical objects — such as small-diameter pipe sections, cylindrical glass vessels, curved glass components, and other tightly curved nonporous objects — that are completely outside the capability of all other WPG hand cups. This is the primary application that makes the TL3TH irreplaceable in the WPG lineup.

Vacuum Mounting and Fixturing (1/4-20 Threaded Stud)

With the T-handle removed, the TL3TH functions as a vacuum mounting cup with a 1/4-20 threaded stud for integration with standard fixturing hardware. Applications include holding small parts in position during assembly or inspection, temporary vacuum fixturing on smooth nonporous surfaces, positioning jigs for precision manufacturing, and any application requiring a removable vacuum mount compatible with 1/4-20 threaded hardware.

Small Tile and Stone Insert Positioning

Tile setters and stone installers use the TL3TH to accurately position small tile inserts, mosaic pieces, stone inlays, and decorative elements where precise placement is critical and a larger cup would not fit within the available surface area. The T-handle allows fine positional adjustments during placement without disturbing adjacent installed pieces.

Confined Space and Tight Clearance Applications

In applications where installation clearance prevents the use of a standard handle cup — such as glass installation in narrow frames, small cabinet glass inserts, and tight architectural details — the TL3TH’s compact 3″ pad and T-handle profile allow vacuum attachment and positioning in spaces where no other WPG hand cup would fit.

Multi-Cup Coordinated Lifts on Small Panels

The pack-of-4 configuration supports multi-cup coordinated lifts for small panels or objects requiring more than one attachment point for stability. Multiple TL3TH cups can be positioned across a small panel surface to distribute load and improve balance during precision placement operations.

Compatible Materials

• Small flat glass panels and glass inserts
• Tightly curved glass components and cylindrical glass vessels (min. 4″ / 102 mm radius)
• Small-diameter cylindrical nonporous objects (min. 4″ radius)
• Small stone tile inserts and decorative stone inlays
• Glazed ceramic and porcelain tile (small format)
• Smooth painted or coated metal surfaces (flat and curved, within radius rating)
• Acrylic sheet and polycarbonate panels (small format)
• Smooth nonporous surfaces for vacuum mounting applications (1/4-20 stud)
• Any smooth, nonporous flat or curved surface with min. 4″ (102 mm) radius and load ≤ 15 lbs

Not compatible with: rough, textured, or porous surfaces; surfaces with radius tighter than 4″ (102 mm); loads exceeding 15 lbs per cup; surfaces where the 3″ pad cannot achieve full perimeter contact; use below 32°F (0°C) or above 100°F (38°C); concrete, brick, unpolished stone, wood, or drywall.

Application Instructions

Step 1: Surface and Material Assessment

1. Confirm the surface is smooth and nonporous — do not proceed on rough, textured, or porous surfaces.
2. For curved surfaces, confirm the radius is 4″ (102 mm) or greater.
3. Confirm the object weight does not exceed 15 lbs (7 kg) per cup.
4. Confirm ambient and surface temperature is between 32°F (0°C) and 100°F (38°C) — the TL3TH is not rated for sub-freezing or high-temperature environments.

Step 2: Pad Inspection and Preparation

1. Inspect the TL3 suction pad for cuts, cracks, hardening, or contamination. Replace if damaged.
2. Clean the pad contact area on the work surface — remove dust, oil, moisture, and debris.

Step 3A: Using as a Hand Cup

1. Ensure the T-handle is fully attached to the cup body.
2. Position the 3″ pad flat against the surface with full perimeter contact.
3. Engage the vacuum mechanism using the T-handle/plunger until firm resistance is felt.
4. Check the red-line vacuum indicator — confirm full vacuum before lifting.
5. Apply a controlled test load to verify seal integrity before committing to the full lift.
6. Lift and position using the T-handle for precise two-finger control.
7. Lower the object to its final position before releasing the vacuum.

Step 3B: Using as a Vacuum Mounting Cup (1/4-20 Stud)

1. Remove the T-handle to expose the 1/4-20 threaded stud on the cup body.
2. Attach the cup to the target smooth, nonporous surface by engaging the vacuum mechanism directly on the cup body.
3. Thread the desired 1/4-20 compatible fixture, hardware, or accessory onto the exposed stud.
4. Verify the vacuum seal is stable before applying any load to the mounted hardware.
5. Monitor the red-line indicator during use — release and re-seat the cup if vacuum loss is detected.
6. To remove, release the vacuum mechanism and detach the cup from the surface.

Step 4: Storage

1. Clean the pad after use and store with the vacuum pad protector.
2. Store the T-handle with the cup body to prevent loss.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	TL3TH
SKU	91154
Vendor	Wood’s Powr-Grip
Pack Quantity	4 units
Load Capacity	15 lbs [7 kg]
Pad Diameter	3″ [8 cm]
Pad Model	TL3
Rubber Type	Standard
Handle Type	Industrial-Grade Plastic (T-handle, removable)
Plunger Type	Industrial-Grade Plastic
Mounting Stud	1/4-20 threaded (exposed when handle removed)
Surface Texture Required	Smooth
Material Porosity Required	Nonporous
Allowable Surface Curvature	Flat to Curved
Minimum Radius for Curved Loads	4″ [102 mm]
Operating Temperature Range	32°F to 100°F [0°C to 38°C]
Vacuum Loss Indicator	Yes (red-line)
Includes	Vacuum pad protector

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• Vacuum loss during a lift or mounting application can result in sudden load drop or fixture release, causing injury or damage
• Overloading beyond 15 lbs (7 kg) per cup may cause sudden cup release without warning
• Use on surfaces with radius tighter than 4″ (102 mm) will prevent full pad seal
• Do not use below 32°F (0°C) or above 100°F (38°C) — the operating temperature range is narrower than other WPG hand cups
• Damaged or contaminated suction pads must be replaced before use
• When used as a mounting cup, verify vacuum seal integrity before applying any load to the 1/4-20 stud

Personal Protective Equipment

• Safety glasses when handling glass or precision components
• Cut-resistant gloves appropriate for the material being handled
• Steel-toed safety footwear

Safe Handling

• Confirm surface radius is 4″ (102 mm) or greater before attaching to curved surfaces
• Inspect the pad and clean the contact area before each use
• Never exceed the rated 15 lb load capacity per cup
• Monitor the red-line indicator continuously during lifts and mounting applications
• Do not use outside the 32°F–100°F operating temperature range
• Store the T-handle with the cup body and use the vacuum pad protector between uses

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes the TL3TH unique compared to other WPG hand cups?
A: The TL3TH has three unique characteristics found in no other standard WPG hand cup: (1) a 4″ minimum radius rating — the tightest in the lineup, enabling attachment to small-diameter cylindrical and tightly curved objects; (2) a removable T-handle that exposes a 1/4-20 threaded stud, allowing the cup to function as a vacuum mounting cup for fixturing applications; and (3) a T-handle geometry optimized for precise two-finger positional control rather than full-hand lifting grip. It is the precision positioning and fixturing specialist in the WPG hand cup range.

Q: How does the 1/4-20 mounting cup function work?
A: Remove the T-handle from the cup body to expose the 1/4-20 threaded stud. Attach the cup to any smooth, nonporous surface by engaging the vacuum mechanism directly on the cup body. Thread standard 1/4-20 compatible hardware, fixtures, or accessories onto the exposed stud. The vacuum holds the cup — and whatever is threaded onto the stud — in position on the surface. Release the vacuum to remove. This makes the TL3TH useful for temporary fixturing, positioning jigs, and vacuum-mounted accessories on smooth nonporous surfaces.

Q: Why is the operating temperature range narrower than other WPG cups?
A: The TL3TH is rated for 32°F to 100°F (0°C to 38°C) — it does not operate below freezing and has a lower maximum temperature (100°F vs. 120°F on most other WPG cups). This reflects the precision application focus of the TL3TH; it is designed for controlled indoor environments rather than outdoor winter or high-temperature industrial use. For cold or high-temperature environments, select a cup with the appropriate temperature rating.

Q: Can I use multiple TL3TH cups to lift a panel heavier than 15 lbs?
A: Yes. Use one cup per 15 lbs of panel weight, distributed across the panel surface. The pack-of-4 configuration supports coordinated lifts up to 60 lbs combined when all four cups are used simultaneously with proper load distribution and operator coordination.

Q: What replacement pad does the TL3TH use?
A: The TL3TH uses the TL3 standard rubber pad (3″ diameter). Replacement pads are available separately through Wood’s Powr-Grip authorized distributors.

Q: Is this product made to order?
A: Yes. This product is made to order and all sales are final. Please confirm your surface type, curved surface radius, load requirements, and operating temperature before placing your order.

California Residents: ⚠️ WARNING: Cancer and/or Reproductive Harm — www.p65Warnings.ca.gov