Plumtool makes two gatic lifters, and the difference isn't really about lifting power — both use two high-tensile bolts to crack the seal on a stuck lid — it's about handling and where you're using it.
Two-Bolt Heavy Duty vs D-Handle Heavy Duty
The Two Bolt Heavy Duty Gatic Lifter (PTGL563, $381.81) uses two high-tensile lifting bolts to crack the seal on stubborn gatic and manhole lids. The Heavy Duty D-Handle Gatic Lifter (PTGL9781, $150.90) does the same core job — two high-tensile bolts cracking the seal — but adds a D-handle for grip and leverage once the seal's broken and you're actually lifting the lid clear.
Which one to reach for
If the lid is badly stuck and the main fight is breaking the seal itself, either lifter's bolt mechanism does that job. Where the D-handle version earns its place is in the actual lift and carry once the seal's cracked — the handle gives you a proper grip rather than wrestling the lid by its edge or the bolts themselves. For a lid that's merely dirty or lightly seated rather than genuinely stuck, start with the Gatic Lid Wedge first — it often breaks the seal on its own before you need either lifter's full bolt mechanism.
Price difference
The Two Bolt Heavy Duty lifter is considerably more than the D-Handle version ($381.81 vs $150.90) — check what you're actually buying rather than assuming the pricier option is simply "better"; the D-handle model is a complete, genuinely heavy-duty lifter in its own right, and is also the one bundled in the Pit & Drainage Kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both lifters use the same bolt mechanism to break the seal?
Yes — both use two high-tensile lifting bolts. The main difference is the D-handle on the second model, which helps with grip and carry once the lid is free.
Why is the Two Bolt Heavy Duty lifter more expensive than the D-Handle version?
Check the specific build and bolt rating of each before assuming price reflects lifting capacity alone — the two models are priced differently and it's worth confirming which specs matter for your situation rather than defaulting to the pricier option.
Should I try the lid wedge before using either lifter?
For a lid that isn't severely stuck, yes — the wedge often breaks the seal with less effort, and you can reach for a full lifter only if the wedge alone doesn't shift it.
Which lifter is in the Pit & Drainage Kit?
The Heavy Duty D-Handle Gatic Lifter (PTGL9781) is the one bundled into the kit, alongside the lid wedge, gully grabber and PVC cap tool.