Caldwell Model LA Vertical 180° Ergonomic Lifting Clamp

Vertical 180° Ergonomic Lifting Clamp — Single Plate Turning from Horizontal to Vertical

The Caldwell Renfroe Model LA is a locking-type ergonomic vertical lifting clamp engineered to turn a single plate or member from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a full 180° arc. Rated at 0.5 tons capacity, this clamp is built for steel fabricators, ironworkers, and construction trades professionals who need reliable, repeatable plate-turning performance on the job site or in the shop. The push-button auxiliary lock and Lock Open – Lock Closed feature make it fast to attach and remove from plate stock, reducing downtime between lifts.

The Model LA is the lightweight, ergonomic evolution of the Model JA, featuring a round swivel jaw in place of the standard jaw design. At 4.8 lbs., it delivers the same plate-turning capability in a more manageable package for operators working at height or in tight spaces.

Key Features & Benefits

180° Rotation Arc

The Model LA is specifically designed to turn a single plate or member from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a full 180° arc in a single rigging setup. This capability eliminates the need to re-rig mid-operation, saving time and reducing lift points on the shop floor.

Push-Button Auxiliary Lock

An integrated push-button auxiliary lock secures the clamp in position during the lift cycle. This locking mechanism provides an additional layer of security against unintended jaw release during plate turning operations.

Lock Open – Lock Closed Feature

The Lock Open – Lock Closed feature allows operators to hold the jaw in the open position while attaching the clamp to a plate, then lock it closed before the lift. This significantly simplifies one-handed attachment and removal, especially when working on stacked plate or in confined areas.

Lightweight Ergonomic Design

Weighing only 4.8 lbs., the Model LA is the lightweight ergonomic version of the Model JA with a round swivel jaw. The reduced weight lowers operator fatigue during repeated clamp attachment and removal cycles throughout a shift.

Round Swivel Jaw

The round swivel jaw accommodates the rotational movement required during 180° plate turning without binding or misalignment. This design feature is integral to smooth arc transitions from horizontal through vertical and back.

Common Applications

Steel Plate Turning

Designed to turn a single steel plate from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a 180° arc, making it standard equipment for plate handling in steel fabrication shops and on structural jobsites.

Structural Member Repositioning

Used to reorient structural members for fit-up, welding, or staging — turning flat stock upright or returning vertical members to horizontal position without manual handling.

Plate Staging and Handling

Suitable for picking and placing individual plates from storage stacks and delivering them to cutting tables, press brakes, or weld fixtures in the correct orientation.

Compatible Materials

• Single steel plates up to 0.63 in. thick
• Single structural members within rated jaw capacity
• Flat stock suitable for vertical lift and 180° arc turning

Product Documents

• Download Catalog
• Download Manual
• Lifting Clamp Survey Report
• Lifting Tool Inventory and Maintenance Form
• Minimum Recommended Clamp Inspections
• Renfroe Repair Kits Catalog

Application Instructions

Attaching the Clamp

1. Press the push-button auxiliary lock to engage the Lock Open position, holding the jaw open for plate insertion.
2. Position the clamp jaw over the edge of the single plate or member, ensuring the plate thickness does not exceed 0.63 in.
3. Release the push-button to allow the jaw to close onto the plate, then engage the Lock Closed position to secure the clamp.

Performing the Lift and 180° Turn

1. Connect the rigging to the clamp shackle using a flexible connection between the crane hook and the clamp shackle — do not attach the clamp directly to a crane hook.
2. Verify the load does not exceed the 0.5-ton rated capacity and that the load is balanced before lifting.
3. During the turning operation, keep the edge of the plate opposite the clamped edge in contact with a supporting surface such as the floor throughout the arc.
4. Do not lift more than one plate at a time with this vertical clamp.

Removing the Clamp

1. Once the plate is secured in its final position, press the push-button auxiliary lock to engage the Lock Open position.
2. Remove the clamp from the plate edge.
3. Inspect the clamp before the next lift per the Operator's Manual maintenance and inspection instructions.

Technical Specifications

Safety Data Summary

Safe Handling

• Read and understand the Operator's Manual before putting the clamp into service.
• Do not lift over workers, safety areas, or personnel.
• Always lock the clamp closed before lifting — do not lift with the lock in the open position.
• Do not attach the clamp directly to a crane hook; use a flexible connection between the crane hook and the clamp shackle.
• Do not use a connection that may release the clamp.
• Use the correct capacity clamp for the job — do not use large-capacity clamps to lift light loads and do not exceed the rated capacity.
• Use enough clamps to balance the load — do not lift unbalanced loads.
• Do not lift more than one plate at a time with this vertical clamp.
• Do not lift plate horizontally with this vertical lift clamp.
• Do not lift from the bottom of a plate stack.
• Do not alter, grind, weld, or modify the clamp in any manner.
• Use only Renfroe replacement parts to ensure proper clamp operation.
• Inspect the clamp before each lift and follow inspection and maintenance instructions in the Operator's Manual.
• Secure the load before attaching the clamp.
• During 180° turning operations, keep the opposite plate edge in contact with a supporting surface throughout the arc and do not exceed one half of the rated capacity during the turning operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum plate thickness this clamp can grip?
A: The Model LA-00.50-A accepts plate thicknesses from 0 to 0.63 in. (5/8 in.) as specified in the product dimensions.

Q: Can this clamp turn a plate from horizontal all the way to vertical and back to horizontal in one lift?
A: Yes. The Model LA is specifically designed to turn a single plate or member from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a full 180° arc in a single operation.

Q: What does the Lock Open – Lock Closed feature do?
A: The Lock Open position holds the jaw open so the operator can attach the clamp to the plate without fighting spring tension. Once positioned, engaging Lock Closed secures the jaw for the lift. This simplifies both attachment and removal of the clamp.

Q: Can I use this clamp to lift more than one plate at a time?
A: No. Per the operator guidance, do not lift more than one plate at a time with a vertical clamp. The Model LA is designed for single plate or member lifting only.

Q: How does the Model LA differ from the Model JA?
A: The Model LA is the lightweight, ergonomic version of the Model JA. The primary design difference is the round swivel jaw on the LA, which facilitates smooth 180° arc rotation during plate turning.

Q: Can I attach the clamp directly to a crane hook?
A: No. The operator guidance specifies that the clamp must not be attached directly to a crane hook or used with a heavy flexible connection. Always use a proper flexible connection between the crane hook and the clamp shackle.