Plastic Levelling Wedges and Sleeper Grabber Clamps: The Tools That Make Retaining Walls Easier
Two small tools that make a big difference on retaining wall jobs: plastic levelling wedges for getting sleepers perfectly level, and a sleeper grabber lifting clamp for handling heavy concrete sleepers safely. Here''s how to use them.
Building a concrete sleeper retaining wall is hard work — but two small tools can make the job significantly easier and safer. At Wallan Fencing and Timber Supply, we stock plastic levelling wedges and the Sleeper Grabber lifting clamp, both designed specifically for concrete sleeper retaining wall construction.
Plastic Levelling Wedges
What Are They?
Plastic levelling wedges are tapered plastic shims used to level and align concrete sleepers during installation. They're placed under the sleeper to raise one end or edge until the sleeper is perfectly level, then left in place permanently once the wall is complete.
Why Use Them?
Getting the first course of sleepers perfectly level is critical — every course above it depends on it. Without levelling wedges, you're trying to pack up a heavy concrete sleeper with bits of gravel or timber offcuts, which is imprecise and time-consuming.
Plastic wedges are:
- Precise — the tapered profile allows fine adjustment
- Durable — UV-stabilised plastic won't rot or compress over time
- Quick — slide them in, check the level, adjust as needed
How to Use Them
- Place the first sleeper in position between the posts.
- Check level with a spirit level or laser level.
- Slide wedges under the low end or edge of the sleeper until it reads level.
- Check again, adjust if needed.
- Continue with subsequent courses — each course will be level if the first one is.
Wedges are typically used on the first course only. Once the first course is level, subsequent courses stack directly on top.
How Many Do You Need?
Use 2–4 wedges per sleeper on the first course. For a 30m wall with 2.4m sleepers (approximately 13 sleepers per course), you'd need 26–52 wedges. Buy a pack of 50 and you'll have enough for most jobs.
Sleeper Grabber Lifting Clamp
What Is It?
The Sleeper Grabber is a purpose-built lifting clamp for concrete sleepers. It grips the sleeper securely when lifted, allowing one or two people to carry and position heavy concrete sleepers without the risk of dropping them or injuring their hands.
Why Use a Lifting Clamp?
Concrete sleepers are heavy — an 80mm × 2.4m sleeper weighs approximately 70–80kg. Trying to carry one by hand is awkward, tiring, and risks dropping the sleeper on your feet or fingers. The Sleeper Grabber distributes the load through the clamp mechanism, giving you a secure grip and a more comfortable carrying position.
How It Works
The Sleeper Grabber uses a cam-action clamp that tightens automatically as the load increases. The harder you lift, the tighter the grip. To release, simply lower the sleeper to the ground — the tension releases and the clamp opens.
Safety Notes
- Always use the Sleeper Grabber with two people for sleepers over 1.8m long
- Check the clamp mechanism before each use — ensure the cams move freely and the jaws are clean
- Never use the clamp on damaged or cracked sleepers
- Wear steel-capped boots when handling concrete sleepers
Available at Wallan Fencing and Timber Supply
We stock plastic levelling wedges and the Sleeper Grabber lifting clamp at our Wallan yard, with same-day pickup available. We supply homeowners, tradies, and builders across Mitchell Shire — including Kilmore, Broadford, Seymour, Beveridge, Craigieburn, and Donnybrook.
Call us on 0431 193 102 or get a quote online.
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