Caldwell Model SCP Vertical & Horizontal Locking Screw Type Plate Clamp

Vertical & Horizontal Locking Screw Type Plate Clamp — 3-Ton Capacity with 180° Arc Range

The Caldwell Renfroe Model SCP-03.00-A is a heavy-duty, locking screw-type plate clamp rated for 3 tons and designed to handle steel plate from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a full 180° arc. Built for use at rolling and forming machines, this clamp is a practical solution for fabricators, ironworkers, and contractors who need reliable, controlled plate manipulation in demanding industrial environments. The spring-loaded pivoting cam jaw engages automatically when a load is applied to the lifting shackle, providing positive grip security throughout the lift and turn sequence.

The Model SCP is the heavy-duty screw-clamp version of the Model RSC, offering enhanced locking security through its screw mechanism in addition to the spring-loaded cam jaw. This dual-action design makes it the preferred choice when a positive mechanical lock is required before lifting begins, reducing reliance on load-induced jaw engagement alone.

Key Features & Benefits

180° Arc Range — Horizontal to Vertical to Horizontal

The SCP-03.00-A is purpose-built to rotate a single steel plate from flat horizontal, through full vertical, and back to horizontal in a single continuous 180° arc. This capability eliminates the need for additional rigging reconfigurations during plate turning operations, saving setup time on the shop floor or job site.

Spring-Loaded Pivoting Cam Jaw

The spring-loaded cam jaw pivots and cams inward automatically when a load is applied to the lifting shackle, creating a self-tightening grip as lift force increases. This mechanism ensures the clamp maintains secure plate engagement throughout the full range of motion without manual jaw adjustment during the lift.

Heavy-Duty Screw Locking Mechanism

As the screw-type version of the Model RSC, the SCP features a positive mechanical screw lock that secures the jaw in the closed position before the lift begins. This adds an additional layer of retention beyond the cam jaw alone, making the clamp suitable for higher-demand applications where positive pre-lift lockout is required.

Horizontal Plate Handling in Paired or Tripod Arrangements

When used in pairs, sets of pairs, or in a tripod arrangement, the SCP-03.00-A is capable of handling steel plate in a horizontal orientation. This flexibility allows the same clamp to serve both turning and flat-lift applications, reducing the number of specialized tools required on a project.

Designed for Rolling & Forming Machine Applications

The Model SCP was specifically developed to handle plate at rolling and forming machines, where precise and repeatable plate positioning is critical. This purpose-built design means the clamp geometry and capacity are optimized for the forces and orientations encountered in plate processing environments.

Common Applications

Steel Plate Turning at Rolling Machines

The SCP-03.00-A is designed to handle and rotate steel plate at rolling machines, allowing operators to feed, flip, and reposition plate through the full 180° arc during processing.

Steel Plate Handling at Forming Machines

At press brakes and forming machines, the clamp enables controlled single-plate positioning and turning without manual plate handling, improving both efficiency and operator safety.

Vertical Plate Lifting

The clamp handles single steel plate in a vertical orientation, with the cam jaw engaging securely under load for reliable vertical lifts within the 3-ton rated capacity.

Horizontal Plate Lifting in Pairs or Tripod

When deployed in matched pairs, sets of pairs, or a tripod configuration, the SCP-03.00-A supports horizontal plate lifting, allowing flat plate to be moved and positioned without tilting.

Single Plate Separation and Handling

The clamp is intended for lifting one plate at a time, making it appropriate for single-plate separation and transfer operations in steel service centers and fabrication shops.

Compatible Materials

• Steel plate (flat, single plates up to 2 in. thickness)
• Steel members suitable for vertical and horizontal lift clamp engagement

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

Safety Data Summary

Safe Handling

• Read and understand the Operator's Manual before placing the clamp in service.
• Do not lift over workers, safety areas, or personnel.
• Lock clamp closed with the screw lock before lifting; do not lift with the lock in the open position.
• Do not use a connection that may release the clamp during the lift.
• Do not attach the clamp directly to the crane hook; always use a flexible connection between the crane hook and the clamp shackle.
• Use the correct clamp for the job; do not use large-capacity clamps to lift light loads.
• Do not overload the clamp beyond its 3-ton rated capacity.
• Use enough clamps to balance the load; do not lift unbalanced loads.
• Do not side-load a straight shackle clamp.
• Do not lift plate from the bottom of a plate stack.
• Do not rush; do not lift more than one plate at a time with a vertical clamp.
• Do not alter, grind, weld, or modify the clamp in any manner.
• Use only genuine Renfroe replacement parts to ensure proper operation.
• Inspect the clamp before each lift and follow all inspection and maintenance instructions in the Operator's Manual.
• During turning operations, the edge of the plate opposite the clamped edge should always be in contact with a supporting surface, and the load on the clamp must not exceed one-half rated capacity during the turn.
• Do not lift plate horizontally with a vertical-lift-only clamp; use paired or tripod arrangements as specified for horizontal lifts.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the SCP-03.00-A lift plate horizontally with a single clamp?
A: No. The clamp is capable of handling plate horizontally only when used in pairs, sets of pairs, or in a tripod arrangement. A single clamp is intended for vertical lifts and turning operations.

Q: What is the maximum plate thickness this clamp can handle?
A: The SCP-03.00-A accommodates steel plate up to 2 inches thick.

Q: How does the cam jaw engage?
A: The spring-loaded pivoting cam jaw cams inward automatically when a load is applied to the lifting shackle, creating a self-tightening grip under load.

Q: What is the difference between the Model SCP and the Model RSC?
A: The Model SCP is the heavy-duty screw-clamp version of the Model RSC, adding a positive mechanical screw lock to the cam jaw design for enhanced retention security.

Q: Can this clamp be used to lift more than one plate at a time?
A: No. The Operator's Manual explicitly states that operators should not lift more than one plate at a time with a vertical clamp.

Q: Are replacement parts available for the Model SCP?
A: Yes. Genuine Renfroe replacement parts — including the cam jaw kit, screw, screw cup, shackle, shackle and cam jaw pin, and optional handle assembly (for models up to 3 tons) — are available. Use only genuine Renfroe replacement parts to ensure proper clamp operation. See the Renfroe Repair Kits Catalog linked above.