Heavy materials must be lifted and transported from one station to another in the construction or transportation industry. Lifting clamps is a tool used to load and unload materials quickly. We can use lifting clamps for both indoor and outdoor applications. They are made of steel and covered with a corrosion-resistant substance to avoid corrosion. It n many sectors like construction sites, industries, mining industries and steel factories. There are plenty of options for lifting clamps. When you choose a plate lifting clamp, make sure that they are in the correct size and fit the load without making any modifications to the clamp. Let’s find out the ideas for choosing a lifting clamp:

Metal hardness

If the metal is complex, the clamp cannot penetrate the steel, and it can’t be able to do its job. For metal of hardness above 300 Brinell, you need non-marring clamps. It has a smooth jaw and a higher grip to grip the plate without slipping. It will also not leave marks on the scale, so you can use it to lift soft materials. It will be of more use when lifting plates are polished and sensitive to marks. For metal with hardness below 300 Brinell, use clamps with teeth. They must be sharp and adequately sized to penetrate the steel and lift the object.

Attitude of lifting

The attitude of lift refers to how you want to lift the plates. If you’re going to lift it vertically, use a vertical plate lifting clamp to lift objects up and down. Vertical plus 90-degree clamp turns the plate from flat 90degree and back. An additional lock is a safety feature to maintain constant pressure on the plate so that if any obstruction comes, the clamp won’t unlock.

Jaw opening

Clamps have jaws opened on the label. If a plate fits in the jaw, it is not the appropriate clamp for the plate. If the plate gets thicker, it can get stuck in the jaw. Following the jaw range recommendation given on the clamp’s tag is better.

Environmental condition

The environment in which you use the clamp is essential to consider. The factors that affect the use of the clamp, like the chemical conditions and temperature, must be considered. If the temperature is too cold, the clamp’s metal becomes brittle, leading to clamping failure. So, choosing the suitable clamp for the right job is essential. You cannot use certain plate lifting clamps in sandblasting environments. It is because, in some cases, the sand will get stuck and affect the threads. Choose clamps that can withstand the environmental condition you intend to work.

Confirmation

You must read the clamps manual before you confirm the suitable clamp. Inspect the clamp to check its condition. Check whether the teeth are sharp and the bolts are tight. Now use a plate lifting clamp and conduct a test lift to identify the witness marks left on the plate after a load is applied.

To sum it up

Lifting clamps are tools used to lift heavy objects. Clamps have extensive applications in various fields. When you buy a clamp, make sure that you look for factors like hardness, the jaws, the environmental conditions and the attitude of lifting. Choose the correct clamp to safely lift the objects.