clinton Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 this is something that I learned on the job from a lather, you weld a large washer on the screw it makes the clamps work much better you can tighten the clamp without releasing and also loosen it when it is too tight so it doesn't snap back at you when you release. I use a washer that is 2 1/2'' dia on the 11'' clamp and 1 1/2'' on the small clamp. make sure to use a heavy duty washer small ones do not work well, i get left over stuff from the iron workers that do the erection they always have left overs. also what I have noticed is that the older vice grips are better quality than the stuff they are selling now so I look for them at yard sales and flea markets 5 bucks for a large clamp is a good deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyGeorge Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Clinton, we used to use "C-grips" with a loop welded on for hoisting light weight material, on construction sites. Works great, if ya don't get stupid and try to hoist something too heavy. I've seen a couple of guys try that. Thankfully no one got hurt. Be safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 I am sure you are talking about industrial C clamps, not the $2 variety. The standard C clamp does NOT self tighten and can slip when a load is applied. The proper tool is clamping grips designed for lifting that tighten as more weight (load) is applied. You should never walk or work under a lift, as equipment can and at some point will fail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyGeorge Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 No Glenn. I was talking about Vice Grip brand C grips, not C clamps. I agreee that the grab clamp that self tightens is by far MUCH safer to use. I was just passing on what I have seen happen on a couple of construction jobs that I have worked on. It was not a smart thing to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted December 6, 2009 Share Posted December 6, 2009 Plate grab clamps are what I am accustom to for attaching to plate steel for lifting. This photo shows the lever cam a little better. I am not familiar with the C grip. Can you provide a photo or description? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyGeorge Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 The photos That Clinton posted above are of vice grip type C grips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matto Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 most all steel building builders and ironworkers also weld washers to the c clamp locking pliers. it is a great help when putting down steel decking, roof sheets, and wall sheets that are super long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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