How To Use Lifting Clamp Safely And Effectively

Sheet clamps or plate clamps increase the safety and efficiency of challenging lifts. These powerful lifting tools enable faster output rates but should be used sparingly. A qualified operator who values safety is necessary when using plate lifting clamps. 

Dilling or making a hitch is unnecessary when using plate clamps. The shackle, spring, jaw teeth, and different links and pins are some of the most crucial lifting clamp components. The teeth of the plate clamp must be pushed into the plate to lift it. This effectively unites the two objects by converting the clamp’s lifting point into the plate’s lifting point with the help of the strong spring.

How to select the proper size and type of lifting clamp

Choosing the right size plate clamp will optimise safety and increase the clamp’s lifespan. To accomplish this, you should purchase a clamp whose working load limit is most closely related to the weight of the lifted plate. 

Remember that a bigger lifting clamp is not always preferable when using plate clamps. A minimum weight is needed because a load that is too light won’t be able to build up enough grip strength.

Safety tips for vertical plate lifting clamps 

Plates can be transported vertically using vertical plate lifting clamps, which can lift and rotate flat plates 180 degrees. You should never attempt to lift more than one plate at once, and vertical lifting clamps should never be sideloaded.

To reduce swing and increase lifting safety when lifting a long plate, use two clamps joined by a spreader bar. Also, remember that heated plates can harm the clamp’s structural integrity. 

Safety tips for horizontal plate lifting clamps

As you already know, horizontal clamps are used to lift horizontal objects. A quad sling should never be used while lifting a long plate horizontally. The horizontal clamps could spin and come loose as a result. Use a spreader bar instead, connected to the plate clamp by double-leg slings. 

Short plates can be lifted horizontally with just one double sling and a horizontal plate lifting clamp on either end. Always ensure there is at least a 90-degree minimum incorporated angle to maintain proper lifting strength and control. Never lift something with vertical plate clamps.

How to examine and care for plate clamps

Depending on use, lifting clamps must be inspected every one to four weeks. Degrease clamps frequently and clear them of any grit, dirt, or mud to stop plates from slipping. Also, oil the clamp’s moving components. Never lubricate a lifting clamp’s teeth. Examine the teeth frequently for breakage and chips. Only teeth with chips less than half the tooth’s width and still have their neighbouring teeth intact acceptable. The plate lifting clamp should not be used if there is additional tooth injury.

Finally, you should also check for hook elongation, spring deformation, pad deformation, and the bending of the hook ring. Also, check the markings on the top of the mouth, wear on any pins, and rivet pulling while evaluating plate lifting clamps.  

Final thoughts

As already said, the easiest strategy to ensure a longer lifting clamp life is to choose the right size and type of lifting clamp. Minimising swing during the lift is another thing riggers can do to take care of their plate lifting clamps. A skilled crane operator knows how to reduce swing, which lessens stress on the lifting clamp.