After reading a couple of earlier threads about the Gripper I went to their website to check it out. One of their claims is that it will "virtually eliminate kickback". After reading of Daryl's accident, perhaps caused by kickback, I tried to figure out how the Gripper would eliminate kickback. I have a healthy respect for kickback and all that it can do so if I can find something that will virtually eliminate it, I want one. Can someone explain how this tool would eliminate kickback. Thanks.

Billyjim

Bill, the power is in the use of the word "virtually".

IMHO, any well made and USED safety device (eg, feather boards, push block, splitter, short fence) will reduce the threat of kickback. Hence "virtually", not "totally".....

The narrow leg of the Grr-Ripper rides next to the fence and helps hold the cut open. (most of the time) Nothing is 100%.

You are controlling both sides of the cut and it gives you great grip and leverage on the wood. You have a lot of down force so the likelihood of the wood lifting and rotating are reduced. Add a splitter and you are decreasing your chances of a kick back dramatically. Nothing is for sure except death and government intervention but I do like my grippers. Yes get 2 grippers and practice hand over hand feeding.

Even the Grr- Ripper can have kickback (from experience). The best defense is to be aware of the issue and take preventive measures. Use a splitter when possible and DO NOT stand behind the piece of wood. Woodworking is not a risk free occupation or hobby. Use the safety recommendations that are out there and be prepared for the unexpected.

It's all been said but I'll offer one more point about kick-back, it's important that the out-feed is identical or a fraction wider than the in-feed, I have my fence a fraction wider and have not had kick-back since.

The gripper gives you the ability to push down, to the fence and forward while having some distance between hand and blade. A splitter or riving knife is good and as Harry said, stand to the side of the saw out of the path of any kickback. The gripper's 3-way force has also increased my accuracy in ripping. Also keep the outfeed side of the fence very a couple of thousandths wider than the infeed side and that also seems to help. Haven't had a kickback since making those changes and using the gripper.