Plate Clamps

Plate Clamps for Lifting

Plate clamps are an indispensable tool in a variety of industries, from construction and manufacturing to material handling and warehouse operations. Specifically designed to move sheet metal, steel plates, and other similar materials, they are the perfect solution for transporting cumbersome materials with precision and ease.

Vertical vs Horizontal

There are two primary styles of plate lifting clamps: horizontal and vertical. As their name implies, the primary difference is their lifting orientation. 

Vertical Lifting Clamps for Plates

Vertical clamps have jaws that close vertically to create a secure grip on your metal sheets or steel plates.

Most are intended only for vertical orientation lifting, but there is a subset called universal lifting clamps. They are designed to be able to move a sheet horizontally to vertically or vice versa.

Horizontal Steel Plate Lifting Clamps

Horizontal plate clamps are used in pairs, one on each side of the sheet. This style is often used for both lifting and unloading material because you can move multiple sheets at the same time.

Choosing a Plate Lifting Clamp

Once you've know whether you need a vertical, horizontal, or universal style clamp, choosing the right one for your application depends on your load. You'll need the weight, the hardness, and the thickness.

Working Load Limit

The working load limit of your plate dog clamp should always exceed the weight of your load, but not by much. You'll want to pick the load capacity that is as close to the weight as possible without going under.

Using a clamp to lift an object that's 20 percent or more below its WLL can cause as much wear and damage as lifting something too heavy.

Jaw Opening

The jaw opening should also be as close as possible to the width of your material to provide the maximum amount of grip.

Clamp Force

It takes more force to clamp onto a harder surface. Some clamps are built to work with specific levels of material hardness to ensure a more secure grip.

Questions?

Not sure which plate dog clamp will work best for you? Call to speak to one of our product specialists today - they can answer any questions you may have.

US Cargo Control carries a full line of other lifting and rigging products as well, including lifting beams and spreader bars, nylon lifting slings, and outrigger pads.