Caldwell Model JPA Vertical 180° Side Pull Lifting Clamp

Vertical 180° Side Pull Lifting Clamp — Turn, Flip, and Side-Load Steel Plate with a Single Tool

The RENFROE Model JPA (Part No. JPA-01.00-A) is a 1-ton vertical lifting clamp engineered to rotate a single steel plate or structural member from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a full 180° arc. Designed for demanding steel fabrication and erection environments, it incorporates a push-button auxiliary lock and a pivoting lifting shackle that allows side loading up to 90° off vertical. This model is part of a proven product family with capacities ranging up to 50 tons, making it a versatile choice for contractors handling a wide range of plate sizes and thicknesses.

Unlike standard vertical lift-only clamps, the Model JPA combines 180° plate-turning capability with rated side-pull performance in a single locking clamp body — eliminating the need to swap tools when load orientation changes. The lock-open/lock-closed feature also speeds up attachment and removal, reducing rigging time on the job site.

Key Features & Benefits

180° Arc Plate Turning

The Model JPA is purpose-built for turning a single plate or structural member from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a 180° arc. This is critical for steel fabricators and erectors who need to flip or orient plate stock without additional rigging setups or repositioning.

Pivoting Shackle with Rated Side-Load Capacity

The pivoting lifting shackle permits side loading at 100% of rated capacity from vertical to 30°, 75% of rated capacity between 30° and 45°, and 50% of rated capacity between 45° and 90°. This built-in de-rating system gives contractors clear, defined load limits when working at angles, supporting safer rigging decisions in the field.

Push-Button Auxiliary Lock

An integrated push-button auxiliary lock secures the clamp in the closed position during lifting. This adds a redundant safety mechanism that helps prevent accidental release, which is especially important during plate-turning operations where the clamp orientation changes throughout the lift.

Lock Open / Lock Closed Feature

The lock-open/lock-closed functionality allows the operator to easily attach and remove the clamp from the workpiece without fighting the jaw spring. This reduces setup time and improves efficiency when moving between multiple lifts on the same job.

Scalable Capacity Across the Model JPA Family

While this unit is rated at 1 ton, the Model JPA product family offers capacities up to 50 tons. Contractors can standardize on a single clamp type across different project scales, knowing that heavier-duty versions with the same operating logic are available when needed.

Common Applications

Steel Plate Turning and Flipping

Use the JPA to rotate flat steel plate from horizontal to vertical to horizontal in a single rigging operation, eliminating the need to re-rig or reposition the load mid-turn.

Vertical Lifting of Structural Members

Attach the clamp to the edge of a structural steel plate or member and lift vertically using the pivoting shackle, keeping the load stable and the clamp properly oriented throughout the lift.

Angled or Side-Pull Lifts

The pivoting shackle allows the rigging line to be offset up to 90° from vertical while maintaining a defined rated capacity, making the JPA suitable for lifts where the crane hook cannot be positioned directly above the load.

Steel Fabrication Shop Operations

Ideal for moving and orienting plate stock on the shop floor, where plates frequently need to be flipped for welding, cutting, or inspection on both faces.

Compatible Materials

• Steel plate (single plate only — do not use to lift from a plate stack)
• Structural steel members with plate-type edges within the jaw capacity range
• Flat plate with thickness from 0 in. (minimum) to 0.75 in. (maximum) for this model

Product Documents

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

Application Instructions

Before Each Use

1. Read and understand the Operator's Manual before using the clamp.
2. Inspect the clamp before each lift following the inspection and maintenance instructions in the Operator's Manual.
3. Verify the plate thickness falls within the clamp's rated range (0 in. minimum to 0.75 in. maximum for JPA-01.00-A).
4. Confirm the load does not exceed the clamp's rated capacity of 1 ton for vertical lifts, and apply the appropriate de-rating if performing a side-pull lift.
5. 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 rigid connection.

Attaching the Clamp

1. Secure the load before attaching the clamp.
2. Use the lock-open feature to hold the jaw open for easy attachment to the plate edge.
3. Position the clamp on the edge of a single plate — never lift from the bottom of a plate stack.
4. Engage the lock-closed feature and confirm the push-button auxiliary lock is engaged before applying any load.

Performing the Lift or Plate Turn

1. For vertical lifts, ensure the rigging is directly above and in line with the lifting shackle.
2. For side-pull lifts, apply the correct de-rated capacity based on the angle of pull: 100% of rated capacity at 0°–30°, 75% at 30°–45°, 50% at 45°–90°.
3. During plate-turning operations, maintain contact between the opposite plate edge and a supporting surface (such as the shop floor) and keep the load on the clamp at or below one half of the clamp's rated capacity during the turn.
4. Do not lift over workers, safety areas, or personnel.
5. Do not rush — lift only one plate at a time.

After the Lift

1. Secure the load before removing the clamp.
2. Use the lock-open feature to release the clamp from the plate edge.
3. Inspect the clamp following each use per the Operator's Manual maintenance schedule.
4. Use only RENFROE replacement parts when repairs are needed to ensure proper clamp operation.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Model JPA-01.00-A be used for side-pull lifts at full rated capacity?
A: Yes, but only within the 0°–30° range from vertical. Side loading between 30° and 45° requires de-rating to 75% of rated capacity, and between 45° and 90° requires de-rating to 50% of rated capacity. Do not exceed these de-rated limits.

Q: Can this clamp lift more than one plate at a time?
A: No. The Model JPA is designed to lift a single plate or member only. Do not use it to lift from the bottom of a plate stack or to handle multiple plates simultaneously.

Q: What plate thickness range is compatible with the JPA-01.00-A?
A: This specific model accommodates plate thickness from 0 in. (minimum) to 0.75 in. (maximum). Other JPA-01.00 variants (B through E) cover thicker plate ranges up to 2 in. — consult the model specifications table in the catalog for the correct variant for your plate thickness.

Q: Is factory training available for this clamp?
A: Yes. The Caldwell Group / RENFROE offers two-day training courses covering safe use, inspection, and maintenance of RENFROE clamps. Classes can be held at your facility or at the Beloit, WI headquarters. Contact RENFROE at 815.229.5667 for details.

Q: What replacement parts should be used when the clamp requires repair?
A: Only genuine RENFROE replacement parts should be used to ensure proper operation. Do not grind, weld, or modify the clamp in any manner. Refer to the Renfroe Repair Kits Catalog for available parts.