Beam clamps, also known as girder clamps, are used for suspending heavy items from a steel beam, a lifting hoist is a typical example. With their durable and versatile qualities, beam clamps provide unparalleled levels of safety and support and are most often used in industrial settings, as well as for domestic purposes as used in garages or whenever heavy materials are needed to be lifted or suspended.
Whether you’re looking for expert advice on how to use beam clamps or you’re looking to purchase beam clamps, as one of the leading lifting equipment suppliers in the UK, we are on hand to all the information you need to know.
This guide explains what beam clamps are, how to use them and also how to choose the best beam clamp for your needs.
Quite simply a beam clamp provides an anchor point on a steel beam.
The main type of beam clamp, includes a large screw which is tightened by hand to secure it to a beam.
Beam clamps are used by attaching them to the flanges of a steel beam. Beam clamps are static and will remain in position until removed, unlike a beam trolley which can be move along the beam. Some clamps use the screw for anchoring other devices whilst some will incorporate a shackle type fitting underneath for the easier attachment of other lifting gear.
As with any other lifting gear, beam clamps should be used with safety in mind, this is to avoid accidents and damages. Here are some essential tips to ensure that beam clamps are used safely:
Make sure that you rigorously check over the beam clamp and check for any loose beams, clamps or faulty hoists (also check for any tethering on the hoist beam itself)
Double-check that the structure you are fixing the beam clamp from has strong structural integrity, this is so that the structure does not collapse or suffer damage when using the beam clamp - check that the load weight of the structure can take the beam clamp and hoisted load.
If you are using the beam clamp as a hoist, then ensure that safety hooks are used to add the attached item to the hoist - this makes sure that the lifting gear can securely take the weight of the hoisted item.
When attaching the beam clamp, ensure that it is correctly positioned in the centre of gravity so that the hoisted item is not swinging or at an angle, failure of this could cause dangerous injury and damages.
Choosing the correct beam clamp for the job is extremely important - this is because you need to be conscious of the load weights for each beam clamp. Depending on the job at hand you will need to determine whether you need a heavy-duty beam clamp, which can be used for heavy loads , or if you need a lighter-weight beam clamp, which can be used for less cumbersome objects.
Being aware of the different variations of beam clamps is useful, you can find beam clamps which will support as much as a few hundred kilograms up to those which can support up to 10 tonnes. You can also take advantage of other pieces of equipment that can be used in conjunction with your beam clamp - an example could be adding an electric hoist which will allow you to lift more with your beam clamp.
At Lifting Gear Direct, we stock a great range of high-quality beam clamps and we now offer our own quality LGD beam clamp which offers a cost-effective alternative to bigger brands.
We are happy to help you figure out which beam clamps you should order, or guide you further with product info and advice. Speak to our team by calling 01384 76961 or fill in our contact form to discuss your requirements today.
