Do GRIPSTIC Bag Sealers Really Work? Answers to the Most-Asked Questions
By GRIPSTIC Hawaii 3 min read
Short answer: Yes. A GRIPSTIC slides over a folded bag and clamps the whole width of the fold, so the seal is airtight and watertight instead of pinched at one spot like a chip clip. Pick a size at least as wide as the bag, fold once, slide it on, and the bag stays shut in the pantry, fridge, or freezer.
Key takeaways
- GRIPSTIC seals the full width of a folded bag, so it's airtight and watertight.
- A chip clip pinches one point and leaves the corners open to air.
- Five lengths from 5″ to 13″; pick one at least as wide as the bag.
- BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and works in the freezer.
How does a GRIPSTIC work?
A GRIPSTIC is two parts: a slim inner rod (the yellow guide) and an outer sleeve that grips it. You fold the open end of the bag over once and make a single crease, set the yellow guide under the edge of the fold, then slide the GRIPSTIC across the top of the bag. The bag is now clamped between the two parts along its entire width.
To open the bag, slide the GRIPSTIC back off. There's no spring to wear out and nothing to snap.
Does it really seal airtight?
Yes. Because it clamps the full width of the fold, air and moisture can't get in around the edges the way they do with a clip that only pinches the middle. That is the whole idea behind the design (US Patent No. 7,503,696), and it's why GRIPSTIC is sold as airtight and watertight. Moisture is exactly what makes snacks go stale; see why chips and cereal go stale.
For the best seal, press as much air out of the bag as you can before you slide the GRIPSTIC on.
Is a GRIPSTIC better than a chip clip?
For keeping food fresh, yes. A spring chip clip squeezes one point; the corners of the bag stay loose and let air in. A GRIPSTIC seals edge to edge. It also lies flat, so sealed bags stack in a drawer or freezer instead of fighting with bulky clips.
A chip clip is quicker to snap on, and it's cheaper. If you mostly want a bag to stay closed for a day, a clip is fine. If you want chips, cereal, coffee, or frozen food to stay fresh for weeks, a full-width seal does the job a clip can't.
Which size GRIPSTIC do I need?
GRIPSTIC comes in five lengths: 5", 7.25", 8.75", 11.25", and 13". Choose one at least as long as your bag is wide. Small snack and spice bags take the 5"; most chip, cereal, and coffee bags take the 7.25" to 11.25"; big bags of rice, pet food, or frozen vegetables need the 13" or the X-Large set.
If you're not sure, the 12-Pack Assorted Set includes every size, so it covers most pantries. Our size guide matches each size to common bags.
What bags can you use a GRIPSTIC on?
Any flexible bag you can fold over once: chips, cereal liners, coffee, frozen vegetables, shredded cheese, trail mix, jerky, protein powder, flour and sugar, and pet treats. If a bag has a thick side seam, slide the GRIPSTIC along the seam rather than across it.
Can I put GRIPSTIC in the freezer or dishwasher?
Yes to both. GRIPSTIC works in the pantry, fridge, and freezer, and it's BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Wash it like any other kitchen utensil and use it again.
Are they worth the money?
A GRIPSTIC replaces zip bags, rubber bands, and clips, and you reuse it for years. The real savings come from food you don't throw out: chips that stay crisp, coffee that keeps its aroma, and frozen food without freezer burn from an open corner. The EPA puts wasted food at $2,913 a year for a family of four; here's what wasted food really costs.
Frequently asked questions
- Do GRIPSTIC bag sealers really work?
- Yes. They clamp the full width of a folded bag, creating an airtight and watertight seal that keeps food fresh in the pantry, fridge, or freezer.
- Is a GRIPSTIC better than a chip clip?
- For freshness, yes. A chip clip pinches one spot and leaves the corners open; a GRIPSTIC seals edge to edge and lies flat for storage.
- How do you open a bag sealed with GRIPSTIC?
- Slide the GRIPSTIC back off the fold. There's no spring or latch, so it opens and closes the same way every time.
- Do I need to squeeze the air out first?
- It helps. Press out as much air as you can, fold the bag once, then slide the GRIPSTIC on for the tightest seal.
More in our FAQ and how-to guide.
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