Caldwell Model TLA Vertical Locking Lifting Clamp 180° Arc

Vertical Locking Lifting Clamp with 180° Arc — Full Plate Turning Capability for Steel Fabrication and Handling

The Caldwell RENFROE Model TLA (TLA-01.00-A) is a 1-ton capacity vertical lifting clamp engineered for single steel plate turning operations in fabrication shops, steel yards, and heavy construction environments. It is capable of rotating a steel plate from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a full 180° arc, making it the right tool for controlled plate flipping and repositioning tasks. Designed for contractors and trades professionals who handle structural steel plate regularly, the TLA delivers repeatable, secure lifts with built-in locking redundancy.

Unlike standard vertical lifting clamps, the Model TLA incorporates both a "Lock Open" and "Lock Closed" feature combined with an auxiliary push-button lock — a dual-security system that simplifies attachment and removal while keeping the clamp positively locked during the lift. It is similar in design to the Model JA but features a serrated cam jaw for enhanced gripping on steel plate surfaces.

Key Features & Benefits

180° Plate Turning Arc

The TLA is specifically engineered to turn a single steel plate from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a 180° arc. This is critical for fabricators and contractors who need to flip plate stock without manual repositioning or secondary rigging setups, reducing handling time and risk.

Lock Open / Lock Closed Feature

The integrated Lock Open and Lock Closed mechanism allows the clamp jaw to be held in either position during attachment and removal. This makes it significantly easier and safer to set and release the clamp on the plate edge, especially in production environments where repeated clamping cycles are required.

Auxiliary Push-Button Lock

An auxiliary push-button lock provides a secondary retention point independent of the primary cam lock system. This redundant locking feature adds a critical layer of security during the lifting and turning operation, ensuring the clamp stays positively engaged throughout the 180° rotation.

Serrated Cam Jaw

The Model TLA uses a serrated cam jaw, consistent with the proven Model JA design. The serrated profile bites into the steel plate surface under load, increasing grip force as the lift load increases and reducing the risk of slippage during vertical and transitional lifting phases.

Compact, Robust Construction

At 14 lbs. with a 7.5 in. clamp body length and 6 in. overall clamp height, the TLA-01.00-A is sized for one-person handling and attachment to plates up to 0.75 in. thick. Its rigid clamp body and precision-fitted components are consistent with Caldwell's RENFROE product line, manufactured in Rockford, IL.

Common Applications

Steel Plate Flipping in Fabrication Shops

The TLA is purpose-built for turning steel plate from one face to the other through a 180° arc, making it the standard tool for plate flipping on fabrication shop floors where plates must be worked on both sides.

Structural Steel Handling

Contractors moving structural steel plate between horizontal storage and vertical positioning for fit-up or welding can use the TLA to make that transition in a single controlled lift without manual intervention.

Plate Repositioning and Staging

When steel plate needs to be staged vertically or repositioned from flat to upright for processing, cutting, or inspection, the TLA's 180° arc capability allows that movement to be accomplished safely with a single clamp and crane.

Controlled Vertical Lifting of Single Plates

The TLA is designed to lift a single plate at a time in the vertical orientation. It is suited for any operation requiring a secure, locked vertical lift of steel plate up to 1 ton and up to 0.75 in. thick.

Compatible Materials

• Steel plate

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

Application Instructions

Before the Lift

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 plate thickness is within the clamp's rated range (0 – 0.75 in. for TLA-01.00-A).
4. Confirm the load does not exceed the 1-ton rated capacity.
5. Secure the load before attaching the clamp.
6. 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 Lock Open feature to hold the cam jaw open for easy placement onto the plate edge.
2. Position the clamp on the plate edge, ensuring the plate is fully seated in the jaw.
3. Engage the Lock Closed feature to secure the cam jaw onto the plate.
4. Engage the auxiliary push-button lock to provide secondary retention.

Performing the Lift and Turn

1. Lift only a single plate at a time — do not attempt to lift more than one plate at a time with this clamp.
2. During the turning operation, ensure the edge of the plate opposite the clamped edge remains in contact with a supporting surface such as the factory floor.
3. Do not allow the load on the clamp to exceed one half of the rated capacity during the turning operation.
4. Do not lift over workers, safety areas, or personnel.
5. The clamp is capable of rotating the plate from horizontal to vertical to horizontal through a 180° arc — do not exceed this arc.

Removing the Clamp

1. Once the plate is fully supported and the load is relieved from the clamp, disengage the auxiliary push-button lock.
2. Use the Lock Open feature to open the cam jaw and remove the clamp from the plate.
3. Inspect the clamp after use and store properly.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the TLA-01.00-A be used to lift a plate horizontally?
A: No. The Model TLA is a vertical turn/lift clamp. It should not be used to lift plate horizontally — horizontal plate lifting requires a clamp specifically rated and designed for that application.

Q: Can I lift more than one plate at a time with the TLA?
A: No. The Operator's Manual explicitly states not to lift more than one plate at a time with a vertical clamp. The TLA is designed for single-plate lifting only.

Q: What is the maximum load allowed on the clamp during the turning operation?
A: During the turning operation, the load on the clamp must not exceed one half of the rated capacity of the clamp. For the TLA-01.00-A, this means the load must not exceed 0.5 tons during the turn.

Q: What is the purpose of the auxiliary push-button lock?
A: The auxiliary push-button lock provides a secondary locking mechanism independent of the primary cam lock, giving an additional layer of security to keep the clamp positively engaged on the plate during the lift and turning operation.

Q: Are custom capacities or configurations available for the Model TLA?
A: Yes. The Caldwell/RENFROE engineering team can assist with non-standard requirements. Contact them at 800.628.4263 to discuss specific capacity needs or plate configurations beyond the standard product range.

Q: Should I use original RENFROE replacement parts for maintenance?
A: Yes. The Operator's Manual specifies to use only RENFROE replacement parts to ensure proper operation of the clamp. Refer to the Renfroe Repair Kits Catalog for available parts.