Beam clamps are also known as girder clamps and are known as temporary fixing solutions used to secure or suspend fixtures, threaded rods, wires, and other such hardware. It offers a secure and portable technique for attaching the hoist to a runway or a lifting beam. The components can be connected to the structural steel with the help of beam clamps without any drilling or welding, which can alter the integrity of the material.
Beam clamps can either temporarily or permanently attach the utility conduits and flooring and roofing materials to the flanges of the I-beam or the pipework. The clamp cation comes from either screw-set or spring steel. Both horizontal and vertical loads are supported by beam clamps. You will find installing the beam clamps easier compared to drill holes or welds that need some labor equipment and engineering analysis.
Types of Beam Clamps
The type of beam clamps you select will majorly depend on the application you need them for. You can find various clamps used for hoisting and suspending equipment with different weight ranges. It would be best if you kept in mind is never exceed a threshold level when lifting.
- Screw Set Team Clamps: Screw set beam clamps must be tightened by hand, and some of the work can also be done by tools.
- Spring Steel Beam Clamps: Spring steel beam clamps attach with steel that can be deformed and is hammered onto the beam forming a secured connection. Some other beam clamps are designed for beam flanges with specific thicknesses. Other common versions of beam clamps may include the standard clamp, plain, and geared beam trolley. The position fixing solution is simple and consists of jaws that can open and close when operated with threaded handles. The jaws can fit around the beam and be tightened around it, so this is considered a stationary point for attaching and suspending devices.
- Plain Version of Beam Clamps: The plain version of beam clamps provides more flexibility which means that they can be freely moved along the beam. Hence, this process makes it easy to carry the load along the shaft.
- Geared Beam Trollies: Geared beam trollies are similar to the plain versions, but they differ because geared trollies consist of wheels that are fitted with a chain and some gears. This indicates that the operator can quickly move the load along the beam, which can be achieved in a more precise manner.
Installation of Beam Clamps
After you have selected the suitable beam clamp for your application, it is time to install them. But you must know how to properly install them to avoid any injuries to yourself or anyone else.
- To install the piece of equipment, the following simple steps can be followed:
- First, make sure to open the jaws of the clamps wide enough to fit the beam.
- You can use the screw handle to tightly secure the clamp over the beam and make sure it is secure to the correct amount before you attach any loads.
- Ensure that the load does not fall or slip during the lifting process; therefore, be very careful.
For some people, it is easy to install, but it is not as easy as it seems for others. In many situations, it is better to take precautionary measures to avoid injuries. It is always best to check for safety before starting with the task.
