Caldwell Model FR Vertical Locking Plate Lifting Clamp

Vertical Locking Plate Lifting Clamp – Model FR for Reliable Light-Duty Vertical Lifts

The Caldwell Renfroe Model FR is a vertical-only lifting clamp designed for relatively light lifting work, rated at 0.5 tons capacity for this configuration. Built compact and easy to handle, it is suited for contractors and trades professionals who need a dependable, low-profile clamp for vertical plate lifts across a range of jobsite and industrial applications. The Model FR is available in capacities through three tons, making it a versatile choice for light-to-medium plate handling tasks.

What sets the Model FR apart is its integrated "Lock Closed" feature, which keeps the lock assembly housed inside the clamp body — out of the way during operation — while allowing the operator to securely attach and remove the clamp from the plate with ease. This design reduces fumbling on the job and supports safer, more efficient rigging compared to clamps without a dedicated lock mechanism.

Key Features & Benefits

Lock Closed Feature

The Model FR incorporates a "Lock Closed" locking mechanism that facilitates attaching and removing the clamp to and from the plate. The lock assembly is housed inside the clamp body to keep it out of the way during lifts, reducing snagging hazards and maintaining a clean working profile.

Compact, Lightweight Construction

At 8 lbs. and a clamp height of just 4.62 in., the Model FR is small and easy to handle in the field. Its manageable size reduces operator fatigue during repeated attach-and-detach cycles on light plate work.

Vertical-Only Lift Design

The Model FR is specifically engineered for vertical lifting, where the lifting force is directly above and in line with the lifting shackle. This dedicated geometry ensures predictable load behavior and safe single-plate lifting in vertical orientation.

Swivel Jaw and Cam Assembly

The clamp incorporates a swivel jaw and cam assembly, allowing the jaw to seat firmly against varying plate surfaces within its rated plate thickness range. This self-adjusting grip action helps maintain secure contact with the plate throughout the lift.

Capacity Range Through 3 Tons

While this listing covers the 0.5-ton model, the FR series scales through three tons of capacity with consistent design principles. Contractors can select the appropriate capacity model for their plate weight without switching to an entirely different clamp family.

Common Applications

Vertical Steel Plate Lifting

The Model FR is purpose-built for lifting a single steel plate in vertical orientation, where the rigging pulls directly upward through the lifting shackle. It is not intended for horizontal plate lifts.

Light Fabrication and Shop Work

The compact size and 0.5-ton rating make the FR well suited for light fabrication environments where plates need to be repositioned, staged, or moved without heavy rigging equipment.

Structural Steel Handling on Jobsites

Contractors handling lighter structural steel plates during construction can use the Model FR to efficiently attach, lift, and position individual members in vertical orientation.

Material Staging and Positioning

The Lock Closed feature allows operators to pre-attach the clamp to a plate before connecting the rigging, supporting organized, controlled material staging workflows on active jobsites.

Compatible Materials

• Steel plate (up to 0.75 in. maximum thickness for this model)
• Flat plate and structural steel members suitable for vertical lifting
• Single plate only — not for use lifting multiple plates simultaneously

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

Before Use

1. Read and understand the Operator's Manual before putting the clamp into service.
2. Inspect the clamp before each lift following the inspection and maintenance instructions in the manual.
3. Confirm the plate thickness is within the rated range for this model (0 – 0.75 in. max plate thickness).
4. Confirm the load does not exceed the 0.5-ton rated capacity of this clamp.
5. Use the correct capacity clamp for the job — do not use large-capacity clamps to lift light loads.

Attaching the Clamp

1. Secure the load before attaching the clamp.
2. Use the Lock Closed feature to lock the clamp open, then position it onto the plate edge.
3. Engage the cam assembly onto the plate and release the lock to allow the clamp to grip the plate.
4. Confirm the lock is in the closed (locked) position before lifting — do not lift with the lock in the open position.

Lifting

1. Use a flexible connection between the crane hook and the clamp shackle — do not attach the clamp directly to the crane hook or use a heavy flexible connection.
2. Lift only a single plate at a time — do not lift multiple plates simultaneously with a vertical clamp.
3. Do not lift horizontally with this vertical-lift-only clamp.
4. Do not lift over workers, safety areas, or personnel.
5. Do not side load with this straight shackle clamp.
6. Use enough clamps to balance the load — do not lift loads that are not balanced.

After Use and Maintenance

1. Inspect the clamp after each use and follow maintenance instructions in the Operator's Manual.
2. Use only genuine Renfroe replacement parts to assure proper operation of the clamp.
3. Do not alter, grind, weld, or modify the clamp in any manner.
4. Clamps rated beyond repair (X condition) must be discarded — refer to the Lifting Clamp Survey Report for condition rating guidance.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Model FR be used to lift plate horizontally?
A: No. The Model FR is a vertical-only lifting clamp. It must not be used to lift plate horizontally.

Q: Can I lift more than one plate at a time with the Model FR?
A: No. The Model FR is intended to lift only a single plate at a time. Lifting multiple plates simultaneously with a vertical clamp is not permitted.

Q: What does the Lock Closed feature do?
A: The Lock Closed feature allows the operator to lock the clamp in the open position for easy attachment to the plate edge. The lock assembly is housed inside the clamp body to keep it out of the way during the lift. The clamp must always be locked closed before lifting — do not lift with the lock in the open position.

Q: Can I attach the clamp directly to the crane hook?
A: No. A flexible connection must be used between the crane hook and the clamp shackle. Do not attach the clamp directly to the crane hook or use a heavy flexible connection.

Q: Is the Model FR available in higher capacities?
A: Yes. The Model FR series is available in capacities through 3 tons. Consult the catalog or the factory for larger capacity options.

Q: Can I modify the clamp to suit a specific application?
A: No. The clamp must not be altered, ground, welded, or modified in any manner. Use only genuine Renfroe replacement parts to maintain proper operation.