Caldwell Model LHC Horizontal Lifting Clamp

Model LHC Horizontal Lifting Clamp — Secure, Cam-Activated Steel Plate Transport

The Caldwell Model LHC is a non-locking horizontal lifting clamp engineered for transporting steel plates in a flat, horizontal orientation. Designed for use by rigging professionals and steel fabrication contractors, it is intended to be deployed in single pairs (2), double pairs (4), or tripod (3) configurations with a compatible lifting sling. The serrated gripping cam mechanism bites into the load surface to deliver a positive, secure grip throughout the lift. With a 0.25-ton capacity and a maximum plate thickness of 1 inch, this entry-level model is ideal for lighter steel plate handling operations.

Unlike beam clamps or vertical plate clamps, the LHC is purpose-built exclusively for horizontal lifting, eliminating the risk of misapplication in vertical configurations. Its cam-based design requires fewer moving components than locking-type clamps, reducing maintenance overhead and downtime on the job site.

Key Features & Benefits

Serrated Gripping Cam

The serrated cam bites directly into the plate surface when tension is applied, ensuring a positive, slip-resistant grip. This mechanical engagement removes dependence on friction alone, giving riggers greater confidence when handling flat steel plate horizontally.

Cam Does Not Activate Until Lift Begins

The gripping cam remains disengaged while the clamp rests on the plate edge, allowing easy positioning and repositioning before the lift. Once tension is applied to the load sling, the cam automatically activates, reducing premature engagement and making setup faster.

Low-Maintenance Design with Fewer Components

The simplified internal design means fewer parts that can wear, corrode, or require replacement over time. For contractors running high-volume steel plate operations, reduced maintenance intervals translate directly to lower total cost of ownership.

Multiple Configuration Support

The LHC is rated and designed for use in single pairs (2 clamps), double pairs (4 clamps), or tripod (3 clamps) arrangements with a lifting sling. This flexibility allows riggers to match the clamp configuration to the plate size and load distribution requirements of each specific lift.

Stable Pre-Lift Positioning

Clamps rest securely in position on the edge of the plate before tension is applied, allowing the rigging crew to verify placement and sling geometry before committing to the lift. This feature supports safer lift planning and reduces the chance of repositioning under load.

Compact, Defined Dimensional Profile

With an overall length of 4 inches and overall width of 2.25 inches, the LHC fits cleanly on thinner steel plates up to 1 inch thick without interfering with adjacent clamps or rigging hardware. The defined bail geometry (1-inch oblong diameter, 0.5-inch bail thickness) ensures compatibility with standard shackles and sling hardware.

Common Applications

Steel Plate Transport on Job Sites

Used to lift and move individual steel plates horizontally from storage areas to installation locations on construction and fabrication sites.

Steel Service Center Operations

Deployed in steel distribution facilities for loading and unloading flat plate stock from trucks, racks, and processing equipment.

Metal Fabrication Shops

Used to position steel plate blanks onto cutting tables, press brakes, or welding fixtures where horizontal orientation must be maintained throughout the move.

Structural Steel Erection

Assists in placing base plates, connection plates, and gusset plates during structural steel assembly where horizontal control is required.

Shipbuilding and Heavy Industrial Manufacturing

Applied in environments where flat steel sections must be transported horizontally between workstations or staging areas without vertical tipping.

Maintenance and Equipment Repair

Used to move heavy steel cover plates, access panels, or machinery base plates during equipment installation or scheduled maintenance outages.

Compatible Materials

• Structural steel plate
• Carbon steel flat stock
• Mild steel sheet and plate
• Steel blanks and cut-to-size plate sections
• Steel base plates and connection plates

Product Documents

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

Application Instructions

Stage 1: Pre-Lift Inspection

1. Inspect each clamp for visible damage, wear to the serrated cam, and integrity of the bail and bail pin before use.
2. Verify that the cam moves freely and that all components are clean and free of debris.
3. Confirm the plate thickness is within the 0–1 inch capacity range of the LHC-00.25-A model.
4. Confirm the total load does not exceed the rated capacity of the clamp configuration being used.

Stage 2: Clamp Placement

1. Position clamps on opposite edges of the steel plate according to the required configuration: single pair (2), double pair (4), or tripod (3).
2. Rest each clamp in position on the plate edge — the cam will not activate at this stage.
3. Attach the lifting sling to the bail of each clamp, ensuring correct shackle or sling hardware sizing for the 1-inch bail oblong diameter.
4. Verify sling geometry and load balance before applying tension.

Stage 3: Performing the Lift

1. Apply slow, controlled upward tension to the lifting sling to engage the gripping cam on each clamp.
2. Confirm all clamps have engaged and the load is balanced before lifting clear of the support surface.
3. Transport the plate horizontally to the destination, maintaining the horizontal orientation throughout the move.

Stage 4: Release and Post-Use

1. Lower the plate to its destination surface and relieve tension from the sling to release the cam engagement.
2. Remove clamps from the plate edge once fully de-tensioned.
3. Inspect clamps after use and record condition using the Lifting Tool Inventory and Maintenance Form.
4. Store clamps in a clean, dry location protected from corrosion.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Model LHC be used to lift steel plates vertically?
A: No. The Model LHC is rated and designed exclusively for horizontal lifting. Using this clamp in a vertical orientation is outside its intended application and creates a serious safety hazard. Use a vertical plate clamp for vertical lifts.

Q: How many clamps are required for a lift?
A: The LHC must be used in a minimum configuration of a single pair (2 clamps). Approved configurations are: single pairs (2), double pairs (4), or tripod arrangement (3), always used in conjunction with a lifting sling.

Q: Does the cam engage automatically when I place the clamp on the plate?
A: No. The gripping cam does not activate until upward tension is applied to the load sling. This allows the operator to rest the clamp on the plate edge and adjust positioning freely before the lift begins.

Q: What is the maximum plate thickness this model can handle?
A: The LHC-00.25-A handles plate thicknesses from 0 to 1 inch. For thicker plates, Caldwell offers higher-capacity LHC models with maximum plate thicknesses up to 3 inches (LHC-04.00-A).

Q: How should I maintain and inspect the Model LHC?
A: Caldwell provides a Lifting Tool Inventory and Maintenance Form and a Lifting Clamp Survey Report to assist with tracking inspection and service history. Refer to the Minimum Recommended Clamp Inspections document for inspection intervals. The low-maintenance design with fewer components reduces the frequency of required service.

Q: Are repair kits available for the Model LHC?
A: Yes. Caldwell offers repair kits for their lifting clamp product line. Refer to the Renfroe Repair Kits Catalog linked in the Product Documents section above for compatible parts and kit options.