Caldwell Model TL Vertical 90° Locking Lifting Clamp

Vertical 90° Locking Lifting Clamp — Controlled Plate Turning with Lock Open/Lock Closed Security

The Caldwell RENFROE Model TL is a vertical lifting clamp engineered to turn a single plate or structural member from horizontal to vertical and back to horizontal through the same 90° arc. Rated at 0.5 tons for the base configuration, it is designed for steel fabricators, ironworkers, and construction trades professionals who need reliable, controlled plate-turning operations. The clamp attaches to the edge of a plate and provides a secure grip throughout the full turning arc without repositioning.

Unlike the Model J, the Model TL features a serrated cam jaw that pivots back and forth rather than rotating freely, making it better suited for smoother, less jarring lifts. The "Lock Open – Lock Closed" mechanism sets this clamp apart by allowing the operator to lock the jaw in the open position for easy attachment and removal, then lock it closed before lifting — adding a deliberate safety step that reduces the risk of accidental release.

Key Features & Benefits

90° Turning Arc — Same Arc Forward and Back

The Model TL turns a single plate or member from horizontal to vertical and returns it through the identical 90° arc. This bidirectional turning capability means one clamp handles the complete plate-turning sequence without re-rigging, saving time and reducing handling steps on the job.

Lock Open – Lock Closed Feature

The locking mechanism allows the jaw to be positively locked in the open position for attachment and removal, then locked closed prior to the lift. This deliberate two-state locking system gives the operator clear control over clamp status and reduces the risk of accidental engagement or disengagement during the lifting cycle.

Serrated Cam Jaw

The cam jaw is serrated and designed to pivot back and forth, providing a strong mechanical grip on the plate edge. This design makes the Model TL more appropriate than a free-rotating cam jaw for lifts that are smoother and more controlled, where lateral cam movement is not needed.

Compact, Robust Construction

At 9 lbs. with a clamp body length of 6.25 in. and an overall length of 11.12 in., the Model TL is a compact tool that handles a maximum plate thickness of 0.62 in. Its proportioned dimensions allow it to be used in tight fabrication and erection environments without interference from surrounding structure.

Online Operator Manuals

RENFROE operator manuals — including inspection, maintenance, and proper use instructions — are hosted online at caldwellinc.com and available 24/7. This eliminates downtime caused by misplaced safety documentation and supports ongoing compliance in job site safety programs.

Common Applications

Plate Turning — Horizontal to Vertical

The Model TL is purpose-built to turn a single flat plate from a horizontal position to vertical, allowing fabricators and erectors to reposition steel stock or structural members for further processing or installation.

Plate Turning — Vertical to Horizontal

The same 90° arc returns the plate from vertical back to horizontal, enabling a complete turn-and-set sequence with a single clamp and without re-rigging between passes.

Single Member Lifting and Positioning

Where a vertical lift of a single plate or structural member is required — and the lift path is smooth and controlled — the Model TL provides a secure, locking grip appropriate for precise placement work.

Applications Requiring Locking Jaw Control

In situations where a standard vertical clamp such as the Model J would be used but a serrated, back-and-forth cam jaw is preferred over a freely pivoting cam, the Model TL is the specified alternative for less turbulent lifting conditions.

Compatible Materials

• Steel plate (single plate only)
• Structural steel members
• Flat bar and rolled sections within the 0 – 0.62 in. maximum plate thickness range

Product Documents

• Download Catalog
• Download 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 putting the clamp in service; take the manual to your supervisor before first use.
• Lock the clamp closed with the lock handle before lifting; do not lift with the lock in the open position.
• Do not lift over workers, safety areas, or personnel.
• Do not use a connection that may release the clamp; do not attach the clamp directly to the crane hook or use a heavy flexible connection — use a flexible connection between the crane hook and the clamp shackle.
• Do not lift more than one plate at a time with this vertical clamp.
• Do not lift a plate horizontally with this vertical lift clamp.
• Do not misuse the clamp (e.g., do not lift a plate from the bottom of a plate stack).
• Do not alter, grind, weld, or modify the clamp in any manner.
• Use only RENFROE replacement parts to ensure proper operation.
• Use the correct clamp for the job; do not use large-capacity clamps to lift light loads and do not overload the clamp beyond its rated capacity.
• Use enough clamps to balance the load; do not lift loads that are not balanced.
• Inspect the clamp before each lift and follow all inspection and maintenance instructions in the Operator's Manual.
• During a turning operation, the edge of the plate opposite the clamped edge should always remain in contact with a supporting surface such as a factory floor, and the load on the clamp must not exceed one half of the clamp's rated capacity.
• Secure the load before attaching the clamp.
• Do not rush lifting operations.
• Consult the Operator's Manual or RENFROE when in doubt about any application or procedure.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the Model TL and the Model J?
A: Both clamps are used for vertical lifting applications, but the Model TL has a serrated cam jaw that only pivots back and forth, whereas the Model J has a different cam jaw design. The Model TL is better suited for less turbulent, smoother lifts.

Q: Can the Model TL return the plate through the same arc it was turned through?
A: Yes. The Model TL is specifically designed to turn a single plate from horizontal to vertical and back to horizontal through the same 90° arc without re-rigging.

Q: What does the Lock Open – Lock Closed feature do?
A: It allows the operator to lock the cam jaw in the open position for easy attachment to and removal from the plate, then lock the jaw closed before executing the lift. This provides deliberate control over jaw state at each stage of the operation.

Q: Can the Model TL be built for high-temperature applications?
A: Yes. All Model TL clamps can be configured as Model TLH clamps for use in extreme high-temperature situations. Contact Caldwell at 800.628.4263 to discuss requirements with a sales representative.

Q: Where can I find the Operator's Manual for the Model TL?
A: The Operator's Manual is available online at caldwellinc.com — search for Model TL to access inspection, maintenance, and proper use instructions at any time. A direct download link is also provided in the Product Documents section above.

Q: What replacement parts should be used for the Model TL?
A: Only genuine RENFROE replacement parts should be used to ensure proper operation of the clamp. Refer to the Renfroe Repair Kits Catalog linked in the Product Documents section for available parts.