Caldwell Model BT Beam Tongs

Caldwell Model BT Beam Tongs — Economical Vertical Lifting for Small Steel Beams

The Caldwell Model BT Beam Tongs (Model 67-091) are a purpose-built construction lifting tool designed for the vertical handling of small structural steel I-beams. Available in three rated capacities — 1, 2, and 3 tons — these tongs are engineered for job sites where occasional beam handling demands a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution. Each unit ships complete with a lifting shackle, ready for immediate integration into standard rigging setups. The tongs comply with ASME standards, making them appropriate for regulated construction and industrial environments.

Unlike more complex beam lifting devices, the Model BT prioritizes simplicity and affordability without compromising on safety compliance. The straightforward mechanical design reduces maintenance requirements and operator learning curves, making it an ideal choice for contractors who move small beams intermittently rather than as a primary daily operation. For longer loads requiring additional lateral control, the tongs can be deployed in pairs with a spreader beam to improve stability during the lift.

Key Features & Benefits

Included Lifting Shackle

Each pair of beam tongs ships with a lifting shackle already provided, eliminating the need to source and match a compatible shackle separately. This reduces setup time on the job site and ensures the connection hardware is rated and appropriate for the tong's capacity out of the box.

ASME Standards Compliance

Compliance with ASME standards means these tongs meet the rigorous engineering and safety requirements expected on regulated construction sites. Contractors and site safety officers can deploy them with confidence in inspection and audit scenarios without sourcing additional certification documentation.

Economical, Low-Complexity Design

The Model BT is built around a straightforward mechanical design with fewer components than multi-function beam clamps, which translates directly to lower acquisition cost and reduced maintenance overhead. For trades professionals who only occasionally need to move small beams, this avoids over-investing in heavier, more feature-rich equipment.

Pairs with Spreader Beam for Extended Loads

When handling longer structural members, using two sets of Model BT tongs in tandem with a spreader beam distributes the load across two pick points, reducing beam deflection and improving lift stability. This extends the practical range of applications without requiring a different product class entirely.

Vertical-Only, Balanced Load Design

The tong's geometry is optimized for pure vertical lifting, which ensures the gripping force is mechanically consistent throughout the lift. Operators must maintain a balanced, controlled load — a standard rigging discipline that, when followed, produces safe and predictable lifts every time.

Three Capacity Variants

With rated capacities of 1, 2, and 3 tons, the Model BT family covers the typical range of small structural beam weights encountered in commercial and industrial construction. Selecting the appropriate capacity model for the actual beam weight ensures both compliance and operational safety margin.

Common Applications

Structural Steel Erection

Used to vertically lift small I-beams into position during steel frame construction, where occasional beam placement is required without justifying a dedicated, high-frequency lifting attachment.

Fabrication Shop Beam Handling

Ideal for steel fabricators who need to reposition small structural members between workstations, saw tables, or welding fixtures using an overhead crane or hoist.

Bridge and Infrastructure Repair

Suited for maintenance crews lifting replacement or repair beams into position on smaller bridge structures or infrastructure projects where beam weights fall within the 1–3 ton range.

Precast and Tilt-Up Construction Support

Can be used to position embedded steel beams or header members in precast or tilt-up construction workflows where vertical placement precision is required.

Industrial Maintenance and Equipment Installation

Maintenance teams installing or replacing structural support members in industrial facilities benefit from the compact, low-headroom design and shackle-ready configuration for quick rigging in tight overhead spaces.

Paired Tandem Lifts with Spreader Beam

For longer beams that require two-point picks, deploying two Model BT tongs with a spreader beam ensures controlled, level lifting without beam rotation or tip, protecting both the load and surrounding workers.

Compatible Materials

• Structural steel I-beams (W-shape and S-shape sections)
• Wide-flange beams within specified flange width and thickness limits
• Small structural steel members up to 3 tons rated capacity
• Beams with flange widths from 5 in. (minimum) to 10 in. (maximum depending on model)
• Beams with maximum flange thickness up to 0.75 in. (model dependent)

Available Models / Configurations

Product Documents

• Download Catalog — Caldwell Master Catalog Page 186 (Model BT Beam Tongs)

Application Instructions

Pre-Use Inspection

1. Inspect tongs and included lifting shackle for visible damage, cracks, deformation, or wear before each use.
2. Verify that the beam's flange width and flange thickness fall within the rated range for the specific model being used.
3. Confirm the beam weight does not exceed the rated capacity of the selected model.

Rigging Setup

1. Attach the lifting shackle to the crane hook or hoist hook in accordance with standard rigging practice.
2. Position the tong jaws around the beam flange, ensuring full and symmetrical jaw contact on both sides of the flange.
3. Verify that the load is balanced before initiating the lift — an unbalanced load can cause beam rotation or tong disengagement.

Lifting Operation

1. Use only for vertical lifting — do not use at an angle or for side-pull applications.
2. Maintain control of the load at all times during the lift using tag lines where required.
3. When handling longer beams, use two sets of Model BT tongs in tandem with a spreader beam to distribute the load evenly and prevent beam deflection.
4. Lower the beam to the target position in a controlled manner; do not release tong grip until the beam is fully landed and stable.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Model BT Beam Tongs be used for horizontal or angled lifts?
A: No. The Model BT is rated and designed for vertical lifting only. Angled or horizontal use is not within the product's rated application and could result in load slippage or equipment failure.

Q: Is the lifting shackle included, or does it need to be sourced separately?
A: The lifting shackle is included with each set of Model BT Beam Tongs. No additional shackle purchase is required for standard vertical rigging.

Q: How do I determine which capacity model to select for my application?
A: Match the model to both the beam weight (rated capacity) and the beam's flange width range. The 1-ton model accommodates beam widths of 5–6 in., the 2-ton covers 6.5–8 in., and the 3-ton covers 7.5–10 in. Both criteria must be satisfied — do not select a model based on capacity alone if the beam width falls outside the specified range.

Q: Can two sets of Model BT tongs be used together on a single beam?
A: Yes. For longer beams, the manufacturer recommends using the tongs in pairs with a spreader beam to provide two-point load distribution and improve lift stability. Each tong must still be rated for the share of the load it carries.

Q: What ASME standards does the Model BT comply with?
A: The product page and datasheet state compliance with ASME standards. For the specific ASME standard designations (such as B30.20 or BTH-1), contact Caldwell directly at 800-628-4263 or reference the full catalog documentation.

Q: Are these tongs appropriate for daily high-volume beam handling operations?
A: The Model BT is explicitly positioned by the manufacturer as an economical solution for occasional, lower-capacity beam handling. For high-frequency or higher-capacity beam lifting operations, Caldwell offers more robust beam clamp and lifter options in their construction lifter product line.