Caldwell Model LJ Vertical Lifting Clamp Locking Type

Vertical Lifting Clamp Locking Type — 90° Plate Turning with Renfroe Lock Closed Feature

The Caldwell Renfroe Model LJ is a locking-type vertical lifting clamp engineered to turn a single steel plate from horizontal to vertical and back through the same 90° arc. Rated at 2 tons (Model LJ-02.00-A), it is compact and easy to handle, making it well-suited for steel fabrication shops, structural steel erection, and plate handling operations. It is manufactured by The Caldwell Group in Beloit, WI and sold through a worldwide network of stocking distributors.

Unlike standard vertical lift clamps, the Model LJ incorporates the Renfroe Lock Closed Feature, which secures the clamp onto the plate during attachment and removal — reducing fumbling and improving efficiency in fast-paced jobsite conditions. The serrated cam jaw design is similar to the Model FR, providing positive grip on plate material.

Key Features & Benefits

90° Plate Turning Capability

The Model LJ is purpose-built to turn a single plate from horizontal to vertical and back through the same 90° arc. This eliminates the need for additional rigging or manual repositioning when changing plate orientation, saving time and reducing handling risk on the shop floor.

Renfroe Lock Closed Feature

The integrated Renfroe Lock Closed Feature holds the clamp securely in the closed position during attachment to the plate. This makes it significantly easier to attach and remove the clamp, especially in overhead or awkward positioning situations.

Serrated Cam Jaw (Similar to Model FR)

The serrated cam jaw provides a secure mechanical grip on the plate surface. This design mirrors the proven Model FR configuration, giving operators a reliable, time-tested bite on steel plate material.

Compact and Easy to Handle

At 26 lbs and with an overall length of 15.81 inches, the Model LJ is manageable for a single operator in capacities through 3 tons. The relatively compact clamp body (9 in. L × 3.25 in. W × 7.25 in. H) keeps the rigging footprint minimal.

High-Temperature Variant Available

All Model LJ clamps can be built as Model LJH clamps for use in extreme high-temperature situations. Contractors working in foundry, forge, or heat-treat environments should consult the factory for availability.

Common Applications

Steel Plate Turning

Turning a single steel plate from horizontal to vertical and back through the same 90° arc during fabrication, processing, or staging operations.

Structural Steel Fabrication

Repositioning and lifting steel plate stock within fabrication shops where plates must be flipped or stood on edge for welding, cutting, or inspection.

Plate Storage and Staging

Moving and standing plates vertically for space-efficient storage or staging prior to installation or further processing.

Steel Erection and Handling

Lifting and positioning steel plates during structural steel erection where controlled vertical orientation is required.

Compatible Materials

• Steel plate (flat, single plate lifts only)
• Structural steel members compatible with jaw opening (max plate thickness: 1 in. for Model LJ-02.00-A)

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 using the clamp.
2. Inspect the clamp before each lift following the inspection and maintenance instructions in the Operator's Manual.
3. Confirm the clamp model and capacity are correct for the load — do not use large-capacity clamps to lift light loads.
4. Secure the load before attaching the clamp.
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 flexible connection.

Attaching the Clamp

1. Use the Renfroe Lock Closed Feature to hold the clamp open for easy placement onto the plate edge.
2. Position the clamp on a single plate only — never lift from the bottom of a plate stack.
3. Confirm the plate thickness is within the rated jaw range for the model (0–1 in. for LJ-02.00-A).
4. Lock the clamp closed with the lock before lifting — never lift with the lock in the open position.

Lifting and Turning

1. Lift the plate vertically with the lifting force directly above and in line with the lifting shackle.
2. To turn the plate, ensure the opposite edge of the plate remains in contact with a supporting surface such as a factory floor throughout the turning operation.
3. During turning, the load on the clamp must not exceed one half the rated capacity of the clamp.
4. Turn the plate through the 90° arc from horizontal to vertical and back through the same 90° arc as intended — do not attempt a 180° arc unless using a clamp rated for that operation.
5. Do not lift more than one plate at a time with this vertical clamp.
6. Do not lift plate horizontally with this vertical lift clamp.
7. Do not side load a straight shackle clamp.

After Use

1. Inspect the clamp after each use and follow the maintenance schedule in the Operator's Manual.
2. Use only Renfroe replacement parts to ensure proper operation.
3. Do not alter, grind, weld, or modify the clamp in any manner.
4. Clamps rated A (Good Visual Condition), B (Needs Repair Parts), or X (Beyond Repair, Discard) per the Lifting Clamp Survey Report guidance.

Technical Specifications

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• Do not lift over workers, safety areas, or personnel.
• Do not overload the clamp beyond its rated capacity.
• Do not lift more than one plate at a time with this vertical clamp.
• Do not lift plate horizontally with this vertical lift only clamp.
• Do not side load a straight shackle clamp.
• Do not lift with the lock in the open position.
• Do not attach the clamp directly to the crane hook or use a heavy flexible connection.
• Do not use a connection that may release the clamp.
• Do not misuse — do not lift plate from the bottom of a plate stack.
• Do not alter, grind, weld, or modify the clamp in any manner.
• During turning operations, load on the clamp must not exceed one half the rated capacity.

Safe Handling

• Read and understand the Operator's Manual before using the clamp.
• Inspect the clamp before each lift and follow inspection and maintenance instructions.
• Use a flexible connection between the crane hook and the clamp shackle.
• Use enough clamps to balance the load — do not lift unbalanced loads.
• Use the correct clamp for the job and within its rated capacity.
• Secure the load before attaching the clamp.
• Lock the clamp closed with the lock before every lift.
• During plate turning, keep the opposite plate edge in contact with a supporting surface such as a factory floor.
• Use only Renfroe replacement parts to ensure proper operation.
• Attend a Renfroe factory training class to establish proper clamp use.
• Consult the Operator's Manual or Renfroe when in doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Model LJ turn a plate from horizontal all the way to vertical and back?
A: Yes. The Model LJ is specifically designed to turn a single plate from horizontal to vertical and back through the same 90° arc.

Q: What is the Renfroe Lock Closed Feature?
A: The Lock Closed Feature holds the clamp securely in the closed position during attachment and removal from the plate, making it easier to attach and detach the clamp on the job.

Q: What plate thickness range does Model LJ-02.00-A accept?
A: The LJ-02.00-A accepts plate thicknesses from 0 to 1 inch. Other part numbers in the 2-ton range accommodate thicker plates up to 2.5 inches — consult the full specification table or contact the factory.

Q: Can the Model LJ be used in high-temperature environments?
A: All Model LJ clamps can be built as Model LJH clamps for use in extreme high-temperature situations. Contact the Caldwell factory at 800.628.4263 for details.

Q: Can I lift more than one plate at a time with this clamp?
A: No. The Operator's Manual explicitly states you must not lift more than one plate at a time with a vertical clamp.

Q: Can I use the Model LJ to lift a plate horizontally?
A: No. The Model LJ is a vertical lift clamp only. Do not lift plate horizontally with this clamp.