At Bishop Lifting we stock two brands of plate clamps for handling steel plates, JC Renfroe and Crosby IP. Plate clamps are a rigging tool that are normally suspended from a crane hook and attached to steel to facilitate lifting.
In order to purchase the correct clamps, customers will need to determine the following criteria:
- Size, shape, and weight of the steel being lifted - Before selecting the plate lifting clamp that matches the right capacity or grip range for the steel your handling. Keep in mind that certain plate clamps, must be used in pairs, attached with a chain or wire rope sling.
- What orientation the steel is positioned at the beginning of the lift, along with what orientation it needs to end up in at the end of the lift. This is important as some plate clamps only lift vertically, while others can service a 90 or 180 degree range motion. Available options are: vertical only, Vertical +90 degrees, Vertical +90 + side pull, Vertical +180 degrees, Vertical +180 degrees + side pull, and horizontal
- Locking vs non-locking mechanism - some plate clamps are not equipped with a locking mechanism.
- Non-marring - plate clamps that are manufactured with smooth gripping surfaces to avoid damage to the plate being lifted. Used when gripping stainless steel, copper, aluminum and other polished metal plates.
- Other specialty plate clamps include clamps used for lifting steel beams, bundles of plate, and drums.
