Cooper Tools Campbell GXL User manual

Campbell®
Lifti g Clamps
Operator’s Ma ual
1
GX Clamp
SAC Clamp
E Clamp
GXL Clamp

Campbell®Lifti g
Clamps Overview
Campbell clamps (formerly Merrill®) are known and used
throughout the world for lifting, conveying and positioning
of sheet, plate, weldments and structurals. Within their
capacity, the heavier the load, the tighter they grip. Parts
are drop forged for strength, dependability and long life,
and all clamps are individually proof tested. Replacement
parts are available when needed. If you have any doubts
as to the clamp best suited to your application, contact
your Cooper Tools distributor.
Model “GX” Clamp
Plate Clamp with Screw-
adjusted Cam (SAC) Locking “E” Clamp
2

Table of Co te ts
Applications.................................................................. 4
Operator Guidelines for Safer Material Handling .. 5 - 7
Definitions ............................................................ 8 - 10
Clamp Specific Operating Instructions
GX Clamp ................................................................ 11
GXL Clamp .............................................................. 11
GXRPC Clamp .......................................................... 12
Horizontal Plate Clamp............................................ 12
E - Clamp ................................................................ 13
SAC Clamp .............................................................. 14
Single Drum Lifter .................................................. 14
Twin Drum Lifter...................................................... 15
Hand Grips .............................................................. 15
Clamp Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair .... 16 - 18
Prior to selection, operation and/or maintenance of
Campbell®Clamps, read and understand the information
provided in this manual and Campbell’s Lifting Clamp
Product Warning Manual, Cooper No. 550696.
The understanding and use of Definitions are important
in determining the limitations and proper applications of
lifting clamps.
Failure to review and utilize recommended applications,
operation and maintenance instructions may result in
serious injury to operator and others.
THIS PUBLICATION SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUSLY
PUBLISHED AND/OR DISTRIBUTED INFORMATION BY
MANUFACTURER AND/OR ITS DISTRIBUTORS WITH
RESPECT TO APPLICABLE CAMPBELL (PREVIOUSLY
MERRILL) LIFTING CLAMPS AND SUB ECT MATTER
DESCRIBED OR CONTAINED HEREIN.
3
WARNING:

4
Applicatio s
Campbell®clamps may be used for various applications.
• Lifting, turning over and transfer of steel plates:
Model GX (no turns for GX Sharp Leg)
Model GXL
Model SAC
• Vertical lifting and transfer of steel plates:
Model E
• Lifting, turning and mounting of wide flange beams
and shape steel:
Model GX Structural
Model GXL
• Horizontal lifting and positioning of steel plates:
Model H
• Vertical lifting and turning of hard or polished
plates:
Model GXRPC
• Lifting stacked plates from horizontal to vertical
position:
Model GX Sharp Leg
• Hand or conveyer carry of light plates ans shape
steel:
Duplex Hand Grip
• Lifting and transfer of drums:
Single Drum Lifter
Twin Drum Lifter

5
Operati g Guideli es for
Safer Material Ha dli g
1. The Number One Guideline for Safe Material Handling
is to STAY CLEAR OF THE LOAD WHEN LIFTING! The oper-
ator should stand clear of load and should never lift over
people or machinery.
2. now the application. Before using any Campbell
clamp, refer to the application section of this manual to be
sure the lift to be made is appropriate for this style clamp.
3. Determine the weight of the load.
Every Campbell clamp has its rated
weight capacity and grip range forged
or stamped into the body. Always use
a clamp with a grip and lifting capacity
in excess of the thickness and weight
of the plate or member being lifted.
Match the clamp to the load. Don’t use a big clamp lift a
small load.
4. Inspect clamp before each lift. Refer to the maintenance
and inspection pages of this manual for details.
a. Check the cam and pad for excessive wear. If one of
the gripping components is approaching the
maximum allowable wear, it is recommended that both
the cam or pad be replaced. Always ensure that the
teeth of the cam and pad are not clogged with dirt
and/or foreign material.
b. Check the shackle and visible linkage to be sure they
are not bent or excessively worn. If so, replace them.
Do not try to straighten any bent com-
ponent. Replace it. Do not use any clamp in need of repair, or
that has been overloaded.
5. Use only the manufacturer's recommended
replacement parts.
WARNING:

6. Do not lift more than one plate
at a time with any clamps other
than horizontal plate clamps.
7. Position the clamp to balance
the load. Position the clamp so
the lifting force exerted by the
crane is directly in line with the
iifting shackle and the load
is evenly distributed.
Beware
of side loading. Never
exceed an angle of
10° from vertical
when using a clamp
(20% is allowable for
SAC clamps). Use at least two clamps and a spreader
bar when lifting long plates or shapes. Do not exceed
the combined WLL of two clamps when using two or
more clamps.
8. Insert plate to full depth of throat opening. It is
imperative that the cam and pad have maximum
contact on the plate to insure a good firm grip on
the plate being lifted.
9. Lift slowly and smoothly.
Do not jerk load. Shock
loading can damage
the clamp.
Great care
should be taken to not
bump or lessen the load on the cam, which may
cause clamps to release.
NO!
6
WARNING:
WARNING:

7
10.Never alter a clamp. Clamp manufacturer’s specifi-
cations include specific materials and manufacturing
procedures. Never grind, weld or in any way alter clamp,
as this could cause severe damage or failure.
11. Do not misuse a clamp.
Never lift a plate from
the bottom of a stack.
Never lift horizontally
using a vertical lifting
clamp. Do not improvise.
12. Never attach a clamp directly to the crane hook.
Use a sling between the crane hook and clamp to
minimize interference in clamp operation and its
ability to maintain a proper position in the plate.
13. Never tamper with the locking mechanism of a
locking clamp while making a lift. Always use in “lock
closed” position.
14. Always place pad side (short leg) of clamp under
plate when turning plates from horizontal to vertical
with clamps other than the “GX” models.
15. now the type of material to be moved before
making lift. Some exotic steels are too hard to
allow teeth of cam to penetrate. This may also be true
of structural members and fabricated sections. If
plates hardness exceeds 400 Brinell, use a
non-marring clamp only.
16. Do not lift plates that are coated with any
substance such as plastic, paint or greese that would
interfere with the cam and/or pad teeth obtaining a
good grip on the plate.
17. Do not lift tapered beams or members other than
ordinary structural steel.
NEVER!

Defi itio s
1. Vertical lift: The lifting
of a vertical plate or
member in which the
lifting force exerted by
the rigging is evenly
distributed and is direct-
ly above and in line with
the clamp’s lifting shackle. Ths is illustrated above.
2. Vertical turn/lift: A
vertical turn/lift clamp is
one designed to turn a
single plate or member
from horizontal to vertical
through a 90° arc; or
from horizontal to vertical
to horizontal through a 180° arc.
3. Horizontal lift: Multiple clamps are attached to the
sides of a horizontal plate. The clamps are attached
to a multi-leg sling centered over the plate. Refer to
illustrations. The capacity of all horizontal clamps
is based on a sling angle of 60°. See illustration
(right). Sling angles less than 60° increase the
load exerted on the clamps.
Horizontal
clamps are rated in pairs. One
half of the rated capacity is
the maximum allowable load
for one clamp.
4. Finished and polished plates: Steel plates such as
stainless which have other than hot rolled surfaces
are generally handled with non-marring clamps having
at least one smooth gripping surface. Extra caution
is therefore required.
LIFTING SHAC LE
LIFTING FORCE
CLAMP
PLATE OR
MEMBER
8
WARNING:
WARNING:

5. Structural members and fabricated sections:
Unless otherwise specified, clamps recommended
for structural members and fabricated sections are
limited to hot rolled steel products with a Brinell
hardness not exceeding 400. For other or unusual
applications, contact Cooper Tools for lifting
recommendations.
6. Rated capacity: The rated capacity of a Campbell
clamp is based on a clamp in "new" or “as new”
condition. It represents the maximum load the
product is to be subjected to when used in a
manner described in this manual. Wear, misuse,
abuse and other factors relating to usage may
reduce the rated capacity. Shock loading and the
factors listed above must be taken into consider-
ation when selecting a Campbell clamp for a
given application.
7. Working load limit: The
maximum load that should
ever be applied to a Campbell
clamp. The working load limit
is forged or stamped on the
body of every clamp.
8. Maximum and minimum plate thickness: The size
plate a clamp is capable of lifting.
Never lift a plate that is not within
the grip range forged or stamped on the clamp.
9. Jaw opening: The capacity (grip range) of a clamp
in terms of plate thickness.
Never lift a plate that is not within
the grip range forged or stamped on the clamp.
9
WARNING:
WARNING:

10. Operating temperatures: Unless otherwise
specified in the application section of this
manual, Campbell clamps are designed to
operate only in temperatures ranging from 0°F to
200°F. This range applies to both the ambient and
material temperatures.
Contact Campbell Chain before
using Campbell clamps in temperatures not within
this range.
11. Locking clamps: Clamps equipped
with a lever and spring, or a tension
arm and a chainpull that places
and keeps the cam in contact with
the plate. The mechanism
facilitates attaching and
removing the clamp.
Never tamper with
a clamp’s locking mechanism during a lift.
12. Lock open-lock closed: A lever or chain activated
spring holds the cam away from or in contact
with the plate, and this makes clamp operation
easier. The Campbell “GXL” and “E” clamps have this
feature. These clamps will not lift the plate when in
the “lock open” position.
13. A notice pointing out danger,
apprising the operator and others that they should
protect themselves.
10
WARNING:
WARNING:
WARNING:

Clamp Specific Operati g I structio s
“GX” Clamp
The “GX” clamp cam has a wear indicator system (patent
pending.) When the cam’s straight line, convex teeth are flat-
tened or chipped between the unique wear indicator grooves,
it’s time to change the cam.
1. Press down on the shackle to retract the cam. Place
clamp squarely on plate to the full depth of throat
opening. Release shackle so that cam engages plate.
You are now ready to make the lift.
2. To release plate, press down on the shackle and lift
clamp off plate. If cam sticks, however, a slight tap on
the shackle will release it.
“GXL” Clamp
Never attempt a lift with the opening lever in
the center or neutral position.
Never tap the opening lever or use a cheater
pipe to force it open.
The “GXL” clamp cam has a wear indicator system
(patent pending.) When the cam’s straight line, convex teeth
are flattened or chipped between the unique wear indicator
grooves, it’s time to change the cam.
1. Place clamp onto plate with opening lever down (locked
open) until plate is fully inserted into jaw opening.
2. Raise opening lever to up position (locked closed). The
cam is held against the plate and you are now ready to
lift the plate.
3. When the plate is at rest, move the opening lever to the
down position (locked open). Cam should release, permit-
ting the removal of the clamp. If the cam sticks against the
plate, a slight tap on the heel of the shackle will release it.
11
1. 2. 3.
WARNING:
WARNING:

12
Clamp Specific Operati g I structio s
(co ti ued)
"GXRPC" Clamp
1. Press down on the shackle to retract the cam. Place
clamp squarely on plate to the full depth of throat
opening. Release shackle so that cam engages plate.
You are now ready to make the lift.
2. To release plate, press down on the shackle and lift
clamp off plate. If cam sticks, however, a slight tap on
the shackle will release it.
“Horizontal Plate” Clamp
At least two of these clamps are to be used in
a lift. The sling angle between the sling legs must not
exceed 60°. Sling legs must be of equal length.
The 6 T working load limit is per pair of
clamps.
The plate or plates must not sag or buckle
when lifted using these clamps. These clamps are to be used
for lifting in the horizontal position only.
1. Pull back cam and install clamp on plate or plates so that
the plate or plates are fully inserted into the jaw opening.
After all the horizontal plate clamps to be used are
installed on plate, you are ready to lift.
2. After the plate or plates are at rest, pull back on cam to
remove the clamp from the plate.
Angle of lift
should not be
less than 60°
60°
WARNING:
WARNING:
WARNING:

13
Clamp Specific Operati g I structio s
(co ti ued)
“E” Clamp
Do not use the “E” clamp to turn a plate 180°
by going from horizontal through vertical to horizontal posi-
tion. Use the “E” clamp to turn a plate from horizontal to ver-
tical through 90° only with the pad leg (short leg) down.
Be sure this clamp is in the “locked closed”
position before making a lift. Under no circumstances should
the lock be opened while the clamp is under load.
1. Pull tension arm down to lock open, and
lower clamp onto plate to the full depth of
the throat. For horizontal lifts always place
the pad leg (short leg) underneath the plate.
2. Raise tension arm to upper position to lock
clamp onto plate. You are now ready to
make the lift.
3. To release plate, take load off clamp, lower
tension arm; cam should release, permitting
crane to lift clamp away. If cam sticks, tap
clamp body.
WARNING:
WARNING:

14
Clamp Specific Operati g I structio s
(co ti ued)
"SAC" Clamp
1. Attach the clamp to the plate so it is square with the plate
and the plate is inserted to full depth of throat.
For horizontal lift place pad leg under plate.
Position clamp so that the load is balanced.
For horizontal lifting with a double arm sling
and two clamps being used the angle
between the sling legs should not exceed 30°.
2. Turn the screw until the cam just touches the work and
the center rings are in contact with the plate. Ensure that
the cam is square on the plate. Tighten the screw with
the torque limiting handle supplied, hand tight only. You
are now ready to lift.
It is best to use a spreader
bar when two or more clamps are used for a
lift. If a double sling is used, be sure angle
between sling leg is 40° or less. And be sure
clamps are positioned in line of pull.
"Drum Lifter" Clamp
These clamps are to be used on steel drums
only, with the cams positioned on the outside of the drum.
Do not lift more than one drum per clamp.
1. Press down on the shackle to retract the cam. Place clamp
squarely on drum to the full depth of throat opening.
Release shackle so that cam engages drum. You are now
ready to make the lift.
2. To release drum, press down on the shackle and lift clamp
off drum.
WARNING:
WARNING:
WARNING:

15
Clamp Specific Operati g I structio s
(co ti ued)
"Twin Lifter" Clamp – used with drums between 17.5" and
25" (445 and 635 mm) in diameter
These clamps are to be used on steel drums
only, with the cams positioned on the outside of the drum.
Do not lift more than one drum per clamp.
1. Press down on the shackle to retract the cam. Place clamp
squarely on drum to the full depth of throat opening.
Release shackle so that cam engages drum. You are now
ready to make the lift.
2. To release drum, press down on the shackle and lift clamp
off drum.
"Hand Grips"
1. Press down on handle or eye nut to retract cams. Place
clamp squarely on plate to the full depth of throat opening.
Release handle or eye nut so that cams engage plate. You
are now ready to make the lift.
2. To release plate, press down on shackle or eye nut and lift
clamp off plate.
WARNING:
WARNING:

16
Clamp I spectio , Mai te a ce a d Repair
It is important to establish a regular procedure for clamp
inspection. Campbell clamps are built to withstand rough
treatment. The clamp body and its components should be
free of grit, dirt, sludge and mud. Frequency of inspection
will depend upon the amount of use the clamp receives,
and may vary from one department or area to another. The
current revision of ASME B30.20, Below-the Hook Lifting
Devices, the national standard for plate lifting clamps,
details the inspection, testing, and maintenance of clamps
in its Structural and Mechanical Lifting Devices Chapter.
Please refer to this chapter for the frequency and details of
inspection not included below. The cam, pad and overall
condition of a Campbell clamp should be inspected by the
operator at every lift. More detailed inspections should be
made by a person familiar with the requirements of stan-
dard ASME B30.20 periodically with the interval dependent
on the use of the clamp. Detailed inspections should be
recorded to provide the basis for continuing evaluation of
the clamp. A sample inspection form is shown below.
Inspection Procedure
Cams and Pads: These are the parts likely to receive
most wear. Replace the cam and pad if the crown of any
one (1) tooth is worn or chipped more than 50% along its
length.
NORMAL WORN

17
Inspection Procedure, (continued)
Clamp Body: Check for cracked welds and obvious
distortion. Any cracked welds and/or distorted sideplates
are primary indicators of clamp overloading and/or
excessive sidepull and the clamp should be replaced.
Do not weld the clamp body, as this may
destroy the original heat treatment.
Linkage and Shackle Inspection: Any cracks, bending,
elongation of rivet holes or obvious distortion is cause for
replacement of linkage components. Do not attempt to
correct any bending or distortion of parts.
Rivets: Replace when cracked, bent or excessively worn.
Rivets may require replacement when a very loose
connection is detected. Linkage should normally be free
working. Should a rivet hole in the shackle, radius link or
connecting link become stretched or enlarged (usually
resulting from overloading), those parts should be
replaced. It is advisable to replace the rivet as well. To
replace any worn parts, drive rivets out over a relief
opening, such as a small section of pipe or the opening in
a vise.
Do not weld or substitute bolts for rivets.
Check connecting links to ascertain that they are not bent.
NORMAL WORN
WARNING:
WARNING:

18
Inspection Procedure, (continued)
Springs: “GX” and “GXL” clamps are equipped with a
torsion spring, and testing for replacement is simple. The
spring should be of sufficient strength to hold the cam
against the pad. If it is not, the spring should be replaced.
“GXL” clamps are equipped with additional springs which
should be replaced if they appear deformed, or if they fail
to open and close locking mechanism. In the case of the
“E” clamp, the spring should be replaced if it fails to pro-
vide initial pressure at near zero grip. Any springs with
cracks should be replaced.
SAC Clamp Screws: Any screw with distorted or worn
threads or a ball head that will not allow free rotation of
the cam should be replaced.
Chains: Chains supplied with clamps should also be
inspected carefully. To do this, use a Campbell wear
gauge. Inspect chains link by link, checking for distorted,
stretched or cracked links,
nicks or gouges,
pitted links and excessive
wear of bearing surfaces
and barrels.
P.O. Box 728 Apex, NC 27502-0728 USA www.cooperhandtools.com
CHT08-11678/PRINTED 01/09 USA © 2009 COOPER INDUSTRIES, LLC
WORN
Distributed by:

19
Campbell®
Ma uel de l’opérateur
de pi ces à tôles
Pince à tôles GX
Pince à tôles SAC
Pince à tôles E
Pince à tôles GXL

20
Aperçu gé éral sur les
pi ces à tôles Campbell®
Les pinces à tôles Campbell (auparavant Merrill®) sont réputées
et utilisées à travers le monde pour le levage, le convoyage et le
positionnement de feuillards, de tôles, d’assemblages soudés et
de structures. En tenant compte de leur capacité, plus la charge
est élevée, plus la prise sera serrée. Les pièces sont estampées
pour la résistance, la fiabilité et la longue durée d'utilisation,
d'autre part toutes les pinces à tôles subissent un essai
individuel de tension. Des pièces de remplacement sont
disponibles en cas de besoin. Si vous avez des doutes sur la
pince à tôles la mieux adaptée à votre application, veuillez
contacter votre distributeur Cooper Tools.
Modèle de pince à
tôles « GX »
Pince à tôles avec came
à réglage vissable Pince à tôle « E »
avec verrouillage