Girder and screw clamps are essential tools used to band chains together during hoisting. Although often small and compact, girder and screw clamps play a vital role in ensuring hoisting is secure and safe. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the two clamps so you know which one to select for your specific lifting job.
Girder Clamps
Let’s take a closer look at girder clamps. Providing a sufficient connection point for hoisting, they’re commonly used for suspending or securing fixtures, wires, rod and other hardware to beam flags. Withstanding heavy weight, girder clamps are often chosen for a wide range of industrial requirements.
Design
In design, girder clamps provide a scissor action with steel plates, resembling a peg. These plates are adjustable to offer control over the level of tension. To alter the tension, there’s a hand operated lead screw you can turn to alter the strain of the girder clamps.
Main features:
- Robust steel construction
- Baked enamel paint protection
- Easy adjustment for fast installation
- Range in size from 1 tonne – 10 tonnes
Spare parts are available from Rigging Rentals
Screw Clamps
These are versatile clamps used widely in Australia for hoisting. Screw clamps can be used for raising and lowering, lateral pulling and turning over lifting. Well known for their great strength yet lightweight body, the screw clamp is clever in design and capabilities.
Design
As the name suggests, screw clamps use a screw mechanism to adjust the jaws of the screw and clamp the item. There’s a spring type pressure locking device, which is tough and sturdy.
Main features:
- Lightweight and compact
- Positive clamping force is generated with the screw and the round cams
- Main body made by die-forging
- Maximum strength and durability
- Greater durability given to the cam
- Main body is baked-on finish
Spare parts are available from Rigging Rentals
How to choose the correct clamp
When choosing the clamp for your specific task, it’s important to consider the task itself. Firstly, address what it is you’ll be lifting and then consider the following:
- Scissor, screw or bolt design.
- Strength and capacity needed for the clamp.
- Strength and capacity of the beam.
- Type of lifting mechanic that will be used.
- Direction of lifting (raising, lowering or non vertical).
- Amount of time lifting for the job.
Depending on the job, there will be a clamp that suits best. Remember to never exceed the safe working load of the girder or screw clamps and lifting equipment. Exceeding the working load can lead to damage to the lifting gear or injury of persons involved.
Hoisting is often conducted at great heights and/or under pressure. Always speak with your team or supervisor on what they would recommend for the job and what they’re most comfortable using. Ensure you feel confident and capable using the clamps and hoisting equipment before beginning the task.
Unsure?
If you’re still unsure whether to select a girder or screw clamp, speak with our expert team at Rigging Rentals. We have immense experience in the industry and are dedicated to providing as much assistance as possible.
Rigging Rentals will ‘lift’ your customer satisfaction to the next level.
