They suck.
Like REALLY suck.
(And that’s exactly why we built the Nexus.)
When we first started using the Grabo to power our SYS-GRP pods, it worked — but it wasn’t perfect. Plywood and other quick-shop materials got the job done, but a purpose-built baseplate would open the door to even more possibilities, especially for the Dewalt Grabo, which doesn’t share the same port option as the Pro-Lifter 20.
It wasn’t just us noticing the gap. Customers kept asking:
“Do your solutions work with the Grabo?”
We wanted the answer to be a confident yes — and that’s where the Nexus began.
Design Meets Material
From day one, design and material choice were inseparable. The challenge: find a substrate that looked good and performed even better.
Grabo’s suction is no joke. In early testing, several plastic substrates flexed 4–5 mm under load. Functionally, they held fine — but seeing that kind of movement didn’t inspire confidence.
Over the course of seven different material tests, we worked to limit deflection without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. Eventually, a stiffening support was added to maintain a thin profile and lightweight feel while increasing rigidity.
The final choice: 6 mm aluminum composite. It offered the best stiffness-to-thickness ratio, optimal vacuum retention, and a premium look worthy of the SYS-GRP lineup.
Engineering for Dewalt Grabo
The Dewalt Grabo brought its own unique challenge: no standard vacuum port. That meant we had to engineer a low-profile way to integrate a standard 1/4” push-to-connect fitting without increasing overall height — and without leaving it vulnerable to knocks, drops, or daily jobsite abuse.
This took multiple CAD iterations and real-world prototypes to get right. Clearance, ergonomics, and durability all had to be dialed in before we’d sign off.
Testing and Validation
Every candidate material went through vacuum performance testing and deflection analysis. Even our chosen 6 mm aluminum composite showed just under 1 mm of deflection — impressive, but we decided to keep the bottom support bar anyway.
Why? Two reasons:
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It made any flex nearly imperceptible without a feeler gauge.
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It added to the overall design aesthetic, making the Nexus look as solid as it feels.
The Signature Feature: It Just Works.
At the end of the day, Nexus isn’t about complexity. It’s about removing every barrier between your tool and your workflow.
✅ Compatible with our SYS-GRP Work-Holding System
✅ Low-profile, ultra-rigid baseplate
✅ Quick to mount and remove
✅ Fits all standard extrusions — 15 series, 30 series, MFT, Dash-Board, and more
✅ Compatible with SYS-FIT Fitout for Tanos / Festool Sortainer/2
The Result
The SYS-GRP Nexus is more than just a baseplate. It’s the missing link that lets your Grabo — even the Dewalt Grabo — integrate seamlessly into your existing workflow. It’s the answer to the question customers kept asking.
It’s built to last, built to work, and built for the way you actually use your tools.
Ready to put Nexus to work in your shop?