Q: How strong are the vacuum mounts?
A: “Strong like bull.” 4.5” vacuum mounts have a rated pull strength of 120lbs, pulling straight out from center. Pull strength on a shear load, i.e. pulling from the side, will be less. 6” vacuum mounts are 210lbs rated. Obviously, putting multiple vacuum mounts on a single product multiplies the maximum holding power.
Q: How long do the vacuum mounts last before they lose power?
A: There’s no set time limit on our vacuum mounts. It depends in part on the surface you attach to, the condition of the vacuum mount, the load you put on it, and other factors. As for surfaces to attach to, vacuum mounts in general were designed to carry big sheets of glass and other solid surface materials, so smoother, flatter surfaces are ideal. Clean surfaces and clean SeaSuckers go a long way to maximizing the hold time. In any event, if the vacuum mount begins to lose some vacuum, it will warn you so you can get it back to full power before it comes off. The vacuum pump’s plunger will extend from the pump cylinder when it starts to lose power, revealing an orange indicator band. Once you see orange, that’s your cue to repump your SeaSucker.
Q: Do I need to clean the surface I’m going to attach my SeaSucker to?
A: Clean off any surface dirt from the mounting surface before attaching your SeaSucker. While you’re at it, make sure the sealing edge of the vacuum pad is clean too. You don’t have to clean the mounting surface with alcohol wipes, as one overly-enthusiastic customer told us they do, but a quick wipe with a wet paper towel or napkin wouldn’t hurt.