Caldwell Model SCPA Locking Screw Type Vertical & Side Pull Lifting Clamp

Locking Screw Type Vertical & Side Pull Lifting Clamp — 180° Arc Plate Handling for Rolling & Forming Operations

The Renfroe Model SCPA is a locking, screw-type vertical and side pull lifting clamp engineered for steel plate handling from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a full 180-degree arc. Designed for contractors and fabricators working with rolling and forming machines, this clamp delivers reliable single-plate control across demanding repositioning tasks. The SCPA-00.50-A is rated at 0.5 tons capacity and accepts plate thicknesses up to 0.75 inches, making it a precise tool for lighter steel plate work. Manufactured by The Caldwell Group, Inc. in Rockford, IL under the trusted Renfroe brand.

Unlike vertical-only lifting clamps, the SCPA's 180-degree arc range and spring-loaded pivoting cam jaw allow it to function as both a vertical lift and a horizontal plate handler when used in pairs, sets of pairs, or a tripod arrangement — giving trades professionals a single clamp solution that covers multiple positioning scenarios on the job site or in the fabrication shop.

Key Features & Benefits

180-Degree Arc Capability

The SCPA handles steel plate from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a full 180-degree arc. This range makes it purpose-built for rolling and forming machine operations where plate orientation must change during the handling process.

Spring-Loaded Pivoting Cam Jaw

The spring-loaded pivoting cam jaw automatically "cams in" when a load is applied to the lifting shackle, increasing grip as the load increases. This self-engaging design reduces the risk of unintended release during lifting and repositioning.

Locking Screw-Type Design

The screw-type locking mechanism allows the operator to set and secure the jaw opening to the plate thickness before the lift. This provides a positive mechanical lock that does not rely solely on load pressure, adding an additional layer of security for controlled lifts.

Horizontal Plate Handling in Pairs or Tripod Arrangement

When used in pairs, sets of pairs, or a tripod arrangement, the SCPA is capable of handling plate in the horizontal position. This versatility eliminates the need for a separate horizontal lifting clamp on jobs that require both orientations.

Wider Jaw Opening

With a maximum jaw opening of 0.75 inches, the SCPA provides a broader range of plate thicknesses it can engage compared to standard screw clamps. This makes it adaptable across a variety of plate stock sizes in fabrication environments.

Common Applications

Rolling Machine Plate Handling

The SCPA is specifically developed to handle plate at rolling machines, where steel must be repositioned through a 180-degree arc during the forming process.

Forming Machine Operations

Used at forming machines where plate must be fed, turned, or repositioned, the SCPA's arc capability and cam jaw provide controlled plate management throughout the operation.

Single Plate Vertical Lifting

The clamp performs vertical lifts of single steel plates, with the cam jaw engaging automatically under load for secure, controlled handling.

Horizontal Plate Lifting in Pairs or Tripod

When rigged in pairs, sets of pairs, or a tripod arrangement, the SCPA can lift steel plate in the horizontal position, covering flat-orientation transport and positioning tasks.

Plate Turning Operations

The 180-degree arc range makes the SCPA suitable for turning steel plate from flat to upright and back, a common requirement in structural steel fabrication and plate processing facilities.

Compatible Materials

• Steel plate

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 putting the clamp into service.
2. Inspect the clamp before each lift following the inspection and maintenance instructions in the Operator's Manual.
3. Confirm the plate thickness does not exceed the maximum jaw opening of 0.75 inches.
4. Confirm the load does not exceed the rated capacity of 0.5 tons.
5. Use correct clamp for the job; do not use large-capacity clamps to lift light loads.

Setting the Clamp

1. Lock the clamp closed with the screw lock before attaching to the plate; do not lift with the lock in the open position.
2. Attach the clamp to the edge of the steel plate — do not lift plate from the bottom of a plate stack.
3. 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.

Performing the Lift

1. Use enough clamps to balance the load; do not lift loads that are not balanced.
2. For horizontal plate handling, use clamps in pairs, sets of pairs, or a tripod arrangement.
3. Do not lift more than one plate at a time.
4. Do not lift over workers, safety areas, or personnel.
5. During turning operations, the edge of the plate opposite the edge to which the clamp is attached should always be in contact with a supporting surface such as a factory floor, and the load on the clamp should not exceed one-half rated capacity during the turn.

After Use

1. Inspect the clamp after each use and follow maintenance instructions in the Operator's Manual.
2. Use only Renfroe replacement parts to assure proper operation of the clamp.
3. Do not alter the clamp; do not grind, weld, or modify the clamp in any manner.

Technical Specifications

Safety Data Summary

Safe Handling

• Read and understand the Operator's Manual before using the clamp.
• Do not lift over workers, safety areas, or personnel.
• Lock clamp closed with lock; do not lift with lock in open position.
• Do not attach clamp directly to crane hook or use a heavy flexible connection — use a flexible connection between crane hook and clamp shackle.
• Use clamps within their rated capacity; do not overload clamps.
• Use enough clamps to balance load; do not lift unbalanced loads.
• Do not lift more than one plate at a time with a vertical clamp.
• Do not side load with a straight shackle clamp.
• Do not lift plate horizontally with a vertical-lift-only clamp.
• Do not lift plate from the bottom of a plate stack.
• Do not alter the clamp; do not grind, weld, or modify the clamp in any manner.
• Use only Renfroe replacement parts to assure proper operation.
• Inspect clamp before each lift and follow inspection and maintenance instructions.
• During turning operations, the edge of the plate opposite the clamped edge should remain in contact with a supporting surface, and the load should not exceed one-half rated capacity during the turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the SCPA-00.50-A be used to lift plate horizontally?
A: Yes, the SCPA can handle plate horizontally when used in pairs, sets of pairs, or in a tripod arrangement. It is not designed for horizontal lifting as a single clamp.

Q: What is the maximum plate thickness this clamp can handle?
A: The SCPA-00.50-A has a maximum jaw opening of 0.75 inches, which defines the maximum plate thickness it can accept.

Q: Is the pivoting shackle assembly included on the 0.5 ton model?
A: No. The pivoting shackle assembly is available only on clamps of 3 tons capacity and larger. The 0.5 ton SCPA-00.50-A does not include a pivoting shackle assembly.

Q: How does the cam jaw engage during a lift?
A: The spring-loaded pivoting cam jaw automatically "cams in" — increases its grip — when a load is applied to the lifting shackle, providing a self-tightening hold proportional to the applied load.

Q: Can this clamp be used at rolling and forming machines?
A: Yes. The SCPA is specifically developed for handling plate at rolling and forming machines, with its 180-degree arc capability supporting the plate repositioning these operations require.

Q: Are larger capacities available in the SCPA model line?
A: Yes. The SCPA model is available in 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, 10, and 15 ton capacities, with 20, 30, 50, 100, and 150 ton capacities available upon request.