CLAMPS

BUYING GUIDE

For more Buying Guides visit WWW.THOMASNET.COM

Industry’s go to Platform for Supplier Discovery
 CLAMPS
A ThomasNet Buying Guide

Clamps are mechanical devices designed

for the purpose of holding one item from
moving relative to another. There are
several variations of clamps with various
functions. Cable clamps hold cables or
cords together and secure them. Hose
clamps hold hoses on the ends of pipe spuds. Hand clamps hold workpieces secure for various work
operations. Material handling clamps are used for heavy load lifting or moving and are usually found in
use on heavy equipment, but there are versions for lighter loads as well. Pipe clamps are for hanging
pipes and conduits.

Types of Clamps
Hand (Tool)
Hand (Tool) Clamps are hand operated tools used to position and
hold workpieces during assembly or while undergoing
manufacturing. Key specifications include intended application,
clamp type, and grip range, along with the clamp features. Hand
(tool) clamps are available in a variety of styles including bar,
draw, parallel, and toggle, and are used for various applications
such as bookbinding, picture framing, or door making, and as jigs
for a number of manufacturing operations. Clamps used with laboratory glassware are included here as
well.

Material Handling
Material handling clamps are clamping mechanisms used to hold
heavy material as it is being lifted or manipulated. Key specifications
include the intended application, load capacity, and the orientation of
the clamping action. Material handling clamps are used primarily in
construction applications for lifting or manipulating large loads. They
are commonly found in use on cranes for lifting loads such as rails,
girders, pipes, etc. They are used in factories and foundries as well.
Hose
Hose Clamps are mechanical devices used to hold hoses or tubes in place on
the ends of pipe spuds. Key specifications include the clamp type, diameter,
and material. Hose clamps are used wherever a flexible fluid connection must
be made, for example, between the water pump of an auto engine and the
inlet spud of the radiator. They are made in many sizes and materials, including
metal or plastic, depending on the application, and can be designed as single-
use or as reusable devices.

Pipe
Pipe Clamps are devices used for hanging or securing pipes.
Key specifications include the intended application, clamp
type, and pipe diameter. Pipe Clamps are used primarily in
piping and plumbing applications for the hanging of various
types of pipes. Applications include exhaust pipes, guard
rails and conduits, among others. There are many styles and
sizes available as well as a variety of materials depending on
the type of pipe being hung and the environment.

Cable
Cable Clamps are mechanical devices used to tie down and
hold bundles of cables or cords together. Key specifications
include the cable diameter, mounting hole diameter, and
the material. Cable clamps are used primarily in
manufacturing to assist with routing cables or cords and
securing them. They help to relieve stresses in the cables
and give them a clean routing. Many materials and sizes are
available with various mountings for ensuring a proper and
secure fit of cable bundles.

Ground
Ground Clamps are devices used for securing grounding wires to grounding
rods and pipes. They are used for general grounding of antennas, etc. and for
specific tasks such as welding and aircraft refueling. Key specifications include
the intended application and material. Several types are available depending
on the construction of the ground wire, i.e., bare conductor or shielded.
Miscellaneous
Clamps used for power workholding are sometimes called swing clamps. Beam clamps are used to
suspend pipe hangers from overhead I-beams, and in another version, suspend lifting hoists from
overhead beams.

Applications and Industries

Hand clamps for general workholding are available in a variety of styles. Some of the more common
varieties include C clamps, bar clamps, toggle clamps, etc. Clamps with soft faces are made especially for
woodworking and cabinetmaking. Woodworking clamps typically have speed features to allow them to
be brought up to the work quickly prior to applying clamping pressure.

A host of hand clamp styles are used in general fixturing applications, for metalworking, etc., and they
are typically adjustable with quick release features to permit work to be locked into fixtures and
removed rapidly after any machining, etc. is completed. Clamp styles here include hold down, toggle,
push-pull, Carver, etc.

A step up from hand clamps are the power workholding varieties that are pneumatically or hydraulically
actuated and sometimes made to swing toward and away from the workpieces when they are clamped
and unclamped. These are located by searching under Type: Swing.

Material handling clamps are often used in so-called below the hook applications, where they are
suspended from crane-, forklift-, etc. mounted hooks and used to pick up steel plate and the like. Often
they incorporate a gripping or latching mechanism that uses the suspended weight of the plate, beam,
etc. to provide the necessary holding force.

Hose clamps come in a variety of styles, from the reusable worm gear style to the economical ear
clamps that are crimped in place for one-time use. Ear clamps, wire clamps, etc. are particularly
prevalent in the auto industry. Constant torque clamps are available for expanding/contracting hose
assemblies.

Pipe clamps are used as elements in pipe hangers, as assembly devices for exhaust systems (muffler
clamps), and as connectors for sanitary (quick connect) piping systems. Pipe clamps often incorporate a
U-bolt and a saddle which is tightened down with nuts to squeeze the mating pipes together. Clamps for
repairing pipe can be found under Couplings (Fittings).

Ground clamps are often made of conductive material such as brass to insure the transmission of
electricity through them.

Cable clamps are used for affixing cables to walls, etc. and rely on friction and pinch to secure the cable
jacket or sheath. Some cable clamps are lined with cushioning to further their grip and protect the cable
sheath from abrasion.
Considerations
Selecting hand clamps is mostly a matter of identifying the clamp type or application. Hold down clamps,
for example, are popular for securing work on tables or benches, as are push-pull clamps. Other clamps,
such as bar or squeeze clamps, are useful for gluing up laminated assemblies and the like. Clamps for
laboratory glassware can be found by searching under intended application the glassware type, be it
flask, beaker, etc.

Hose and pipe clamps are generally specified by diameter, with many hose clamps operable over a range
of diameters. Some hose clamps require special tools for crimping them, such as ear clamps, while
others, such as worm gear style (or screw) clamps, can be opened and closed with screwdrivers,
wrenches, etc. Manufacturers usually opt for economy and installation ease when selecting clamps,
whereas do-it-yourselfers might spring for costlier clamps that don’t require special tools for installing.

Material handling clamps are selected for the material or shape being hoisted and usually by capacity.
They normally rely on a squeeze or camming mechanisms to grip plates, sheets, etc.

Ground clamps are usually selected by cable type—bare or sheathed—and by the grounding rod type.
Cable clamps are selected mainly based on cable size.

Important Attributes
Maximum Clamping Force
This attribute applies to hand clamps and is a measure of the force, usually in N’s or lbs., that the clamp
face will apply to the object. Sometimes it is called the maximum holding force.

Load Capacity
Similar to maximum clamping force, this attribute applies to material handling clamps and pipe clamps
where loads are suspended. For pipe clamps it is usually expressed in lbs., and for material handling
clamps, in tons or lbs.

Maximum Torque
This attribute applies to hose clamps and is usually expressed in in.-lbs. or ft.-lbs. It pertains to the
torque requirements of the screw, bolts, etc. that tighten the clamp.

Grip Range
This attribute applies to hand clamps and material handling clamps and represents the maximum span
of the clamp usually measured in inches.

Related Product Categories

 Wire Rope Clips/Clamps are mechanical devices usually composed of saddles, u-bolts, and nuts,
and used to secure wire ropes.
  Pipe and Tube Hangers are devices used for hanging or securing pipes.
 Vises are mechanical devices used to secure items for benchwork, or for securing workpieces on
lathes, milling machines, and so on.
 Couplings (Fittings) are mechanical elements used to connect pipes, hoses, tubes, etc. of the
same or different sizes. Pipe repair clamp couplings are included here.

Resources
General
A discussion of u-bolt/clamp design
http://www.clampsinc.com/guidelines-for-u-bolt-design.html
ISO Standard for Sanitary Pipe Clamps
http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=7851
Consumer magazine article on some common clamp uses
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/reviews/4288700
A general catalog of production clamps with good setup images
http://mechanic-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/AMF-Toggle-Clamps.pdf
A discussion of power clamping
http://www.carrlane.com/Catalog/index.cfm/29425071F0B221118070C1C513906103E0B05543B0B012
009083C3B2853554B4A2D020609090C0015312A36515F534659

Manufacturers and Suppliers

Hose Clamps
http://greatvalleyind.thomasnet.com/category/clips-and-clamps
http://velvac.thomasnet.com/category/ttings-and-hardware-hose-clamps-and-coolant-valves
http://catalog.moraine.com/viewitems/hose-clamps/worm-gear-clamps?&bc=100|1018|1669
http://generalrubberco.stage.thomasnet-navigator.com/category/clamps
http://products.uscosupply.com/category/all-categories-tubing-hose-fittings-pasco
http://catalog.buckalgonquin.com/category/hose-clamps-2
http://ptcoupling.thomasnet-navigator.com/category/punch-lok-
http://catalog.orcamarine.com/viewitems/marine-cooling-system-accessories/clamps?
http://sealfast.thomasnet.com/category/industrial-clamps-and-accessories
http://catalog.gadrenmachine.com/category/hose-clamps
http://rubbergaskets-hose.pioneerrubber.com/category/hose-clamps
http://fastenergroup.thomasnet-navigator.com/category/clamps-2
http://dixonvalve.thomasnet-navigator.com/category/clamps&bc=100%7C1006
http://brassfittings.andersonmetals.com/category/ittings-valves-accessories-accessories-hose-clamps
http://kuriyama.thomasnet.com/category/couplings-and-accessories-clamps
http://catalog.azsupply.com/category/clamps
http://pep.pep-plastic.com/category/ore-tube-hose-fittings-stainless-steel-hose-clam-2
http://rubberproducts.jasonindustrial.com/category/hose-clamps
http://brassfittings.midamericafittings.com/category/gs-section-f-garden-hose-fittings-worm-gear-
clamps
http://brassfittings.midamericafittings.com/category/gs-section-f-garden-hose-fittings-worm-gear-
clamps
http://catalog.dunhamrubber.com/category/hose-fittings-adapters-couplings-and-clamps-clamps
http://catalog.automotivefasteners.com/category/hose-and-fittings-clamps
http://clamps.itwstrapbinder.com/category/preformed-hose-clamps&bc=100%7C1016
http://catalog.fastenersdirect.com/category/clamps
Hand Clamps
http://labglass.kimble-chase.com/advancedwebpage.aspx?CategoryText1=Clamps
http://eraindustrial.thomasnet.com/category/carr-lane-toggle-clamps
http://cutting-tools.toolsandbits.com/category/clamp
http://aircraftproducts.wicksaircraft.com/category/clamping-cutting-aircraft-tools
http://catalog.monroeengineering.com/category/toggle-clamps&bc=100%7C2265
http://catalog.csunitec.com/viewitems/all-categories/accessory-clamping-devices?&bc=100
http://catalog.zipbolts.com/
http://workholdingcomponents.mortonmachine.com/category/workholding-components-clamp-straps
Material Handling Clamps
http://awrsling.thomasnet.com/category/clamps-sheaves
http://products.gurmancontainer.com/category/slings-grabs
http://catalog.automotivefasteners.com/item/all-categories/merrill-lifting-clamps/mlc
http://rigging.carpenterrigging.com/keyword/?&plpver=10&key=all&keycateg=100&SchType=2&keywo
rd=clamp&refer=http://rigging.carpenterrigging.com
http://store.americancrane.com/category/cm-lifting-clamps&bc=100%7C4501%7C2132
http://catalog.monroeengineering.com/viewitems/all-categories-hooks-shackles/ll-categories-hooks-
shackles-universal-plate-clamp?
http://catalog.trademark-hoist.com/category/hoist-accessories--cm
Pipe Clamps
http://catalog.sentinelprocess.com/category/gaskets-clamps-seals-clamps-accessories
http://velvac.thomasnet.com/viewitems/ttings-and-hardware-hose-clamps-and-coolant-valves/d-
coolant-valves-muffler-clamps-saddle-hose-clamps
http://catalog.hydrasearch.com/viewitems/split-clamps-sil-braze-tailpieces/split-clamps-mil-f-24787-4-
type-sc?
http://products.uscosupply.com/category/pipe-strut-accessories-aickinstrut
http://pipehanger.globepipehanger.com/category/pipe-clamps-2
http://catalog.micromold.com/category/pipe-tube-fittings-clamp-joint-piping-system-ptfe
http://catalog.clweber.com/
http://catalog.csunitec.com/keyword/all-categories/pipe-clamps-for-90-deg-
cutting?&plpver=10&pagesize=25&pagenum=1&filter=1&keyword=clamp&key=product&keycateg=100
&keyprod=3001004&SchType=2&keyType=P
http://clampsinc.thomasnet-navigator.com/
http://pep.pep-plastic.com/category/iping-accessories-fiberglass-strut-support-syste-2
http://catalog.fmstainless.com/category/pipe-clamps
http://catalog.dunhamrubber.com/category/hose-fittings-adapters-couplings-and-clamps-clamps
Cable Clamps
http://greatvalleyind.thomasnet.com/category/clips-and-clamps
http://kmccatalog.kmcstampings.com/
http://daburn.thomasnet.com/category/electronic-components-fastening-products
http://catalog.blueribbonfastener.com/item/miscellaneous/cable-clamp/mb-n?
http://aehonline.thomasnet.com/category/04-cable-clamps-clips
http://catalog.fastenersdirect.com/category/clamps
Ground Clamps
http://welding.suttongarten.com/viewitems/weld-accessories/electrode-holders-ground-clamps?
http://srbrowne.thomasnet.com/category/static-grounding-bonding
http://srbrowne.thomasnet.com/category/static-grounding-bonding
http://ampcosafetytools.thomasnet.com/viewitems/clamps/all-categories-clamps-clamp-grounding
http://stainlesssteelconduit.gibsonstainless.com/viewitems/stainless-steel-grounding-rod/stainless-
steel-ground-rod-clamp?