Caldwell Model LPA Vertical 180° Side Pull Lifting Clamp

Vertical 180° Side Pull Lifting Clamp — Ergonomic Plate Turning for Demanding Lift Operations

The Renfroe Model LPA (LPA-01.00-A) is a 1-ton capacity vertical lifting clamp engineered to turn a single plate or structural member from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a full 180° arc. Designed for contractors and fabrication professionals who need precise, controlled plate-turning capability, this clamp features an auxiliary push button lock and a pivoting shackle that allows side loading up to 90°. At 5.3 lbs. and built for single-plate lifting, it delivers the control and security required for rigorous jobsite and fabrication environments.

Unlike standard vertical lift-only clamps, the Model LPA incorporates a pivoting shackle with de-rated side loading capacity, giving operators the flexibility to angle their lift up to 90° from vertical without switching equipment. As a lightweight version of the JPA series, it offers comparable functionality in a more manageable package for lower-capacity applications up to 1 ton.

Key Features & Benefits

180° Arc Turning Capability

The Model LPA is specifically designed to turn a single plate or member from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a 180° arc. This allows fabricators and contractors to reposition heavy plate stock without additional rigging changes or equipment swaps, streamlining workflow on the shop floor or jobsite.

Pivoting Shackle with Side Load De-Rating

The integrated pivoting shackle permits side loading of the lifting shackle 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 flexibility accommodates varied rigging angles without requiring a separate side-pull clamp, reducing equipment inventory and setup time.

Auxiliary Push Button Lock (Lock Open – Lock Closed)

The auxiliary push button lock provides a positive locking mechanism in both the open and closed positions. The "Lock Open – Lock Closed" feature makes it faster and easier to attach and remove the clamp from a plate, reducing handling time and improving operator safety during setup and breakdown.

Ergonomic Design

The Model LPA is explicitly designed as an ergonomic lifting clamp, balancing a compact form factor with a 1-ton working capacity. At 5.3 lbs., it minimizes operator fatigue during repeated attachment and removal cycles over the course of a shift.

Common Applications

Plate Turning in Steel Fabrication

Turn single steel plates or structural members from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a 180° arc, supporting efficient repositioning during fabrication and assembly operations.

Vertical Lifting of Single Plate Stock

Lift individual plates vertically with a secure, locked grip — the push button lock ensures the clamp remains positively engaged throughout the lift cycle.

Angled or Side-Pull Lifting Scenarios

Where rigging geometry requires a non-vertical pull, the pivoting shackle accommodates side loading up to 90° from vertical at de-rated capacities, making the LPA suitable for constrained lift paths or off-angle pick points.

Compatible Materials

• Single steel plates
• Single structural steel members
• Flat plate stock up to 0.75 in. maximum thickness

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

Attaching the Clamp

1. Engage the auxiliary push button lock to the Lock Open position to open the jaw for attachment.
2. Position the clamp jaw over the edge of the single plate or member, ensuring the plate thickness does not exceed 0.75 in.
3. Engage the auxiliary push button lock to the Lock Closed position to secure the clamp to the plate before lifting.

Performing the Lift or Turn

1. Connect the lifting shackle to the rigging. Use a flexible connection between the crane hook and the clamp shackle — do not attach the clamp directly to the crane hook.
2. For vertical lifts, apply load within the 1-ton rated capacity.
3. For side-pull or angled lifts, observe de-rated capacities: 100% (1 ton) from vertical to 30°; 75% (0.75 ton) from 30° to 45°; 50% (0.5 ton) from 45° to 90°.
4. For 180° plate turning, keep the opposite edge of the plate in contact with a supporting surface during the turning operation and ensure the load does not exceed the rated capacity for the rigging angle in use.

Removing the Clamp

1. Set the load down securely before removing the clamp.
2. Engage the auxiliary push button lock to the Lock Open position.
3. Remove the clamp from the plate edge.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this clamp lift more than one plate at a time?
A: No. The Model LPA is a vertical clamp designed to lift a single plate or member at a time. Lifting more than one plate simultaneously is not permitted.

Q: What is the maximum plate thickness the LPA-01.00-A will accommodate?
A: The maximum plate thickness is 0.75 in. (Dimension A).

Q: Can the clamp be side-loaded, and does the capacity change?
A: Yes. The pivoting shackle permits side loading up to 90° from vertical. Capacity is de-rated as follows: 100% from vertical to 30°, 75% from 30° to 45°, and 50% from 45° to 90°.

Q: What does the "Lock Open – Lock Closed" feature do?
A: The auxiliary push button lock can be set to Lock Open for easy attachment and removal of the clamp from the plate, and to Lock Closed to positively secure the clamp during lifting. The clamp must never be lifted with the lock in the open position.

Q: Is this clamp suitable for horizontal plate lifting?
A: No. The Model LPA is a vertical lift and turn clamp. It should not be used to lift a plate horizontally. Use the 180° turn capability only as described — rotating a plate from horizontal to vertical to horizontal with the opposite plate edge in contact with a supporting surface during the turn.

Q: Should the clamp be attached 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.