Renfroe DWS User manual

WARNING:
Before putting tool in service,
take to your immediate
supervisor.
Application, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Model DWS
OM 211-DWS
RENFROE

This Operator’s Manual covers the Application, Operation and
Maintenance of this RENFROE product. Operator’s Manuals for
other current RENFROE products are available upon request. Di-
rect Requests to J.C. Renfroe & Sons, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida
32201.
Operators
Manual
J.C. RENFROE & SONS,
INCORPORATED
of Jacksonville, Florida, has
been an international leader in
the manufacture and marketing
of Lifting Clamps for over fifty
years. RENFROE products are
manufactured in Jacksonville,
Florida. A worldwide network
of stocking distributors pro-
vides a readily available source
of supply and service.
J.C. RENFROE & SONS, IN-
CORPORATED
Jacksonville, Florida 32201
Telephone: [phone]
Toll Free: 1-800-874-8454
Fax: [phone]
www.jcrenfroe.com
Copyright © 2001 J.C. Renfroe & Sons, Inc.

THIS PUBLICATION SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUSLY
PUBLISHED AND/OR DISTRIBUTED INFORMATION
BY MANUFACTURER AND/OR ITS DISTRIBUTORS
WITH RESPECT TO APPLICABLE RENFROE
PRODUCTS AND SUBJECT MATTER DESCRIBED OR
CONTAINED HEREIN.
NOTICE OF EXCLUSION OF WARRANTY
RENFROE HAS HEREIN SET FORTH IN
CONSPICUOUS LANGUAGE AN EXCLUSION OF
ANY WARRANTY EITHER EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED, WHICH IS NOT SPECIFICALLY AND
PARTICULARLY CONTAINED HEREIN. PLEASE
REFER TO THAT STATEMENT FOR
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY J.C. RENFROE &
SONS, INC.
WARNING:
Prior to selection, operation and/or maintenance of
RENFROE products, read and understand the information
provided in this manual.
The understanding and use of the Definitions are im-
portant in determining the limitations and proper application
of RENFROE products.
Failure to review and utilize recommended applica-
tions, operation and maintenance instructions may result in
serious injury to operator and others.

OPERATING AIDS
(DO’S AND DON’TS)
1. DO read and understand the Operators Manual before using the clamp
2. DO Consult Operator’s Manual or RENFROE when in doubt.
3. DON’T Lift over workmen DON’T lift over Safety Areas or personnel.
4. Do attend a factory training class for establishing proper use of Renfroe
Products.
5. DO Lock clamp closed before lifting load. DON’T lift with lock in open or
“Lock Open” position.
6. DON’T Use a connection that may release the clamp.
7. DON’T attach clamp directly to crane hook. DO use a flexible connection
between crane and clamp shackle. DON’T use heavy flexible connection.
8. DO use correct clamp for job. DON’T use large capacity clamps to lift light
loads.
9. DO Use an adequate number of clamps to balance load. DON’T lift loads
that are not balanced.
10. DO Use clamps within their rated capacity. DON’T overload clamps
11. DO Inspect clamp before each lift, follow inspection and maintenance in-
structions outlined in this manual and use RENFROE replacement parts to
assure proper operation of the clamp
12. DON’T Use clamp that has been overloaded. DO refer to pre-lift inspection
in Operators Manual
13. DON’T Side load with a straight shackle clamp. DON’T lift from side with
vertical clamp
14. DON’T Misuse. DON’T lift plate from bottom of plate stack.
15. DON’T Rush. DON’T lift more than one plate at a time with a vertical clamp.
16. DON’T Improvise. Always use correct clamp for job. DON’T lift plate hori-
zontally with a vertical lift only clamp.
17. DON’T Alter clamp. DON’T grind, weld or modify the clamp in any manner.

DEFINITIONS
VERTICAL LIFT: The lifting of a sin-
gle plate or member in which the lifting
force exerted by the rigging is directly
above and in line with the lifting shackle
as shown in the illustration below.
VERTICAL TURN/LIFT: A vertical
turn/lift clamp is a vertical lifting clamp
specifically intended to turn a single
plate or member thru a ninety degree
(90°) arc and back to vertical thru the
same ninety degree (90°) arc or from
horizontal to vertical to horizontal thru a
one hundred and eighty degree (180°)
arc. Refer to Application Section of
specific Turn/Lift clamps for further
detail. During the turning operation the
edge of the plate opposite the edge to
which the clamp is attached should al-
ways be in contact with a supporting
surface such as a factory floor and the
load on the clamp not exceed one half
rated capacity of clamp—refer to illus-
trations shown below.
HORIZONTAL LIFT: Clamps (used
in pairs or multiples) are attached to the
side edges of a plate or bundle of plates
positioned horizontally to the floor
level. The rigging attached to clamps is
generally multi-legged slings with the
connecting point of the slings being
approximately centered between the
distance separating the clamps. Refer
to illustrations shown below. WARN-
ING: The capacity of all horizontal
clamps is based on a sling angle of
sixty degrees (60°). See illustration
below. Sling angles less than sixty
degrees (60°) increase the load ex-
erted on the clamps, Never exceed
the rated capacity of a single clamp.
STEEL PLATES: Unless otherwise
specified, lifting clamps are manufac-
tured to handle hot-rolled steel plates
whose Brinell Hardness does not ex-
ceed 300. WARNING: Do not lift
plates with coatings or mill scale that
prevent the gripping surfaces of the
clamp from making positive contact
with the base metal.
For applications not covered by the
above information, secure written rec-
ommendations from RENFROE.
FINISHED AND POLISHED
PLATES: Steel plates in this category
have other than hot-rolled surfaces such
as stainless steel, etc., are generally
handled using non-marring clamps in-
corporating smooth gripping surfaces.
WARNING: For applications using
clamps with serrated gripping sur-

faces on finished or polished plates,
secure written recommendations
from RENFROE.
STRUCTURAL MEMBERS—
FABRICATED SECTIONS: Unless
otherwise specified, clamps described
as capable of handling structural mem-
bers and fabricated sections are limited
to hot-rolled steel whose Brinell Hard-
ness does not exceed 300. WARN-
ING: For applications not covered
by the above information, secure
written recommendations from
RENFROE.
RATED CAPACITY: The rated capac-
ity of a RENFROE product is based on
the product being in “new or as new”
condition and represents the maximum
load the product is to be subjected to
when utilized in the manner described
in this manual. Wear, misuse, abuse
and other factors relating to usage may
reduce the rated capacity. Shock load-
ing and the factors listed must be taken
into consideration when selecting a
RENFROE product for a given applica-
tion.
PLATE THICKNESS: The minimum
and maximum plate thickness a clamp
specified for handling plates is capable
of lifting. WARNING: Never use a
clamp for lifting a plate where the
plate thickness is less than or greater
than the minimum and maximum
stenciled on the clamp.
JAW OPENING: The minimum and
maximum thickness of a member of
clamp specified as having a JAW
OPENING is capable of handling.
WARNING: Never use a clamp on a
member whose thickness is less than
or greater than the range of jaw
opening stenciled on the clamp.
OPERATING TEMPERATURES:
Unless specified under the Application
Section of the individual model, the
approved operating temperature of
RENFROE clamps is from zero degrees
Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius) to a maximum
of 200 degrees Fahrenheit (+93 degrees
Celsius). The minimum and maximum
temperatures apply to both ambient and
the material being handled by the
clamp. WARNING: Secure written
authorization from RENFROE be-
fore using clamps in temperatures
other than shown.
“HOT LIFTS”: The Model R and S
clamps are available in modifications
that are capable of making lifts where
the temperatures of the member being
lifted exceeds 200 degrees Fahrenheit
(+93 degrees Celsius). Depending on
conditions a lift may exceed 1000 de-
grees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius).
The exact application and temperatures
of the plates to be handled are critical in
selecting the proper model. WARN-
ING: Secure written instructions
from RENFROE for all hot lift appli-
cations.
LOCKING CLAMPS: Locking clamps
are divided into the categories listed
below. With the exception of the
“Locking Wedge” and “Locking
Screw” type the purpose of the locks
are to facilitate the attaching and re-
moving of the clamp from the member
being handled.
“LOCK CLOSED” - an overcenter
spring loaded mechanism in which the
spring exerts a force on the gripping
cam when the lock handle is moved to
the “Lock Closed” position. When the

handle is moved to unlocked position
the force exerted by the spring is re-
laxed and the gripping cam may be
retracted by pushing the lifting shackle
into body of clamp. Refer to the Opera-
tion Section of specific models of
“Lock Closed” clamps for additional
details. Typical “Lock Closed” clamps
are Models DG, FR and M.
“LOCK OPEN ONLY” - normally used
on “Hot Lift” clamps and consists of a
manually operated “Lock Stop Pin” that
is inserted when gripping cam of clamp
is retracted and removed when clamp is
positioned on the plate. Tag line may
be used to permit operator to remove
pin from a greater distance from clamp.
Refer to the Operation Section of spe-
cific model of “Lock Open Only”
clamps for additional details. Typical
“Lock Open Only” clamp is the Model
RO.
“LOCK OPEN-LOCK CLOSED” - an
over-center spring loaded mechanism in
which the spring exerts a force on the
gripping cam when the lock handle is
moved to the “Lock Closed” position.
When the handle is moved to the “Lock
Open” the gripping cam is maintained
in the retracted position for ease in in-
stalling the clamp on a plate or mem-
ber. The Model FRD contains individ-
ual “Lock Open” and “Lock Closed”
mechanisms that must be operated
separately. Refer to the Operation Sec-
tion of specific models of the “Lock
Open-Lock Closed” clamps for addi-
tional details. Typical “Lock Open-
Lock Closed” clamps are Models FRD,
R, S, SD, SEA, SX, TL, TLA and the J-
Series.
“LOCKING WEDGE” - is a fluted
steel wedge that is driven in place with
a
hammer. The body of the wedge is
positioned in a slot in the clamp body
with the fluted edges contacting the
member to which the clamp is being
attached. Refer to Operation Section
of specific models of the “Locking
Wedge” clamps for additional details.
Typical “Locking Wedge” clamps are
Model A1, B1, B2 and PB.
”LOCKING SCREW” - “Lock Screw”
clamps depend on manually adjusting a
screw to hold the gripping surface in
place for lifting and removing the
clamp from member being lifted. Refer
to Operation Section of a specific
model of “Locking Screw” clamps for
additional details. Typical “Locking
Screw” clamps are Models AC, ACP,
NM, PC, SCP and SCPA.
NON-LOCKING: “Non-Locking”
clamps have no mechanisms to aid in
attaching or removing clamp from
member being lifted. It is necessary to
have position of clamp maintained on
the member being lifted until a properly
applied force is exerted to the lifting
shackle. Refer to Operation Section of
specific models of the “Non-Locking”
clamps for additional details. Typical
“Non-Locking” clamps are Model AST,
ASTL, BD, HR, HDR and WHSR.
WARNING: A pointing out and no-
tice of danger. The purpose of a
“WARNING” is to apprise the operator
and all other affected persons of the
existence of danger of which he should
be but may not be aware and to enable
the operator to protect himself and oth-
ers where applicable against such dan-
ger. An attempt is made herein to warn
against reasonable and reasonably fore-
seeable danger in the proper use and
possible reasonable misuse of
RENFROE products described in this
manual.

DESIGNATED PERSON — A person
selected by the employer or the employer’s
representative as being competent to per-
form those specific duties.
QUALIFIED PERSON — A person who,
by possession of a recognized degree in an
applicable field or certificate of profes-
sional standing, or who, by extensive
knowledge, training, and experience, has
successfully demonstrated the ability to
solve problems relating to the subject mat-
ter at hand.

MODEL DWS
HORIZONTAL LIFTING
LOCKING CLAMP
APPLICATION
The Model DWS is a horizontal lifting clamp intended to be used in
pairs, sets of pairs, or in a tripod arrangement for transporting plate
horizontally. Refer to Illustrations A, B and C. The Model DWS in-
corporates a “Lock Closed” feature which facilitates attaching the
clamp to the member being lifted and make it an ideal horizontal lock-
ing plate clamp. Refer to definition pages for explanation of “Lock
Closed” clamp.
For identification of component parts, refer to the exploded view of the
clamp located at the end of the Maintenance Section.

WARNING: The rated capacity is based on a sling angle of 60 de-
grees. Refer to Illustration D. Sling angles less than 60 degrees in-
creases load on the clamps. Refer to Operation Section, Step 3,
Chart E, for corrected loading of clamp with sling angles less than
60 degrees. Always use an adequate number of clamps to assure a
balanced load. Never exceed the rated capacity of a single clamp.
Never use on a plate or a bundle of plates that are not able to sup-
port themselves without sagging. Refer to Illustration D.
WARNING: Refer to the section on Operation and Maintenance
for the approved procedures in the Operation and Maintenance of
this product.
OPERATION
Step 1.
Before using any RENFROE clamp, refer to the Application Section to
confirm the operation to be undertaken is appropriate for the product.
Step 2.
Select appropriate capacity and jaw opening. The model designation,
capacity and jaw opening are stenciled on each clamp. Use of sling
angles under 60 degrees decreases the rated capacity. Refer to Chart E.
WARNING: Never exceed rated capacity or use on material whose
thickness is not within the range of jaw opening stenciled on clamp.
Always use clamps with maximum jaw opening and rated capacity
near or equal to the thickness and weight of the section being lifted.

Always use clamps with maximum jaw opening and rated capacity
near or equal to the thickness and weight of the section being lifted.
CHART E RATED CAPACITY IN TONS
Model/ Sling Angles
Capacity 60º 45º 30º
DWS 1/2 Ton 0.5 0.35 0.25
DWS 1 1/2 Ton 1.5 1.05 0.75
DWS 3 Ton 3.0 2.1 1.5
WARNING: Always use an adequate number of clamps to assure
a balanced load. Never use on plate or bundle of plates that are not
able to support themselves without sagging or stacked without edge
being even. Refer to Illustration D and F.

Step 3.
Inspect clamp before each lift.
WARNING: Do not use if in need of repair. If in doubt, refer to
Maintenance Section for detailed maintenance instructions and ex-
ploded view of the clamp for part identification.
A. Check the clamp to be certain the Identification and warning
tags are present and legible.
B. Do not use the clamp if the tags are missing or illegible
C. Inspect gripping surfaces for wear and defects. Gripping surfaces
must be sharp and free of foreign matter.
D. Inspect condition of body for wear, damage and distortion, particu-
larly in the area of the jaw opening.
E. Inspect lifting shackle and all pin holes for wear and damage.
F. Lock spring must have a definite amount of tension when lock is
moved to the “Lock Closed” position without material in the clamp.
G. Remove any clamp from service in need of repair.
Step 4.
A clamp is a component of the rigging used in lifting or transporting a
member. It is important to use safe and adequate rigging. The lock is
used to hold the clamp in place until the gripping mechanism is actu-
ated by a force applied to the lifting shackle.
WARNING: Improper or excessively heavy rigging may interfere
with the operation of the clamp and its ability to maintain a proper
position on the plate. Never attach crane hook directly to the
clamp - always use a flexible sling between crane hook and clamp.

Step 5.
Move lock to “Open” position. Refer to Illustration A.
Illustration A
Step 6.
Position clamp on member to be lifted.

Step 7
Position clamp so direction of force applied by the crane is in line with
the lifting shackle.
WARNING: Never exceed ten degree side-loading.
Refer to Photographs C, D and E.
Step 8.
Make certain the lower jaw and gripping cam are fully in contact with
the member being lifted, and not partially on and off the edge of the
member.

Step 9.
Place the lock lever in “Lock Closed” position. Lock handle body must
rest on body spacer. Spring now exerts force on gripping cam. Refer to
Illustration B.
Step 10.
Commence lift.
WARNING: The operator should position himself away from and
fully clear of the member to be lifted. Do not commence lift until all
personnel are clear of the area of the lift. Never stand under or near
a member being lifted.
Refer to photograph G.
B

Step 11.
To remove clamp - after member is fully supported and at rest in a sta-
ble position, relax lifting force, move lock handle to “Open” position,
lift clamp from member
Step 12.
Inspect clamp. Remove from service if in need or repair.
WARNING: In the event the stenciling is worn and not legible or
the tag containing the model, capacity or other pertinent informa-
tion is missing - do not use clamp until it has been properly labeled.
Inspection Kits are available at no charge upon request from the dis-
tributor or RENFROE.
Kit contains:

Maintenance Program for Renfroe Clamps Manufactured from Steel
The severity of service to which the clamp is subjected in the work place
determines the frequency and type of inspection procedure required for
the clamp. The frequency and type of inspection is determined by the
clamp owner. Renfroe acknowledges the ASME B30.20 safety standard
which sets forth minimum inspection requirements for “Below-the-
Hook” lifting devices and the Renfroe Recommended Inspection Sched-
ule meets and/or exceeds the ASME inspection recommendations.
Before using a clamp operators should be trained by a qualified per-
son to visually inspect a lifting clamp that will include but not be lim-
ited to the following:
Every lift Inspection:
A visual inspection by the operator before and after each lift made by the
clamp.
• Check the clamp to be certain the Identification and
warning tags are present and legible.
• Do not use the clamp if the tags are missing or illegible
• Inspect gripping surfaces for wear and defects. Gripping sur-
faces must be sharp and free of foreign matter.
• Inspect condition of body for wear, damage and distortion,
particularly in the area of the jaw opening.
• Inspect lifting shackle and all pin holes for wear and damage.
• Lock spring must have a definite amount of tension when lock
is moved to the “Lock Closed” position without material in
the clamp.
• Remove any clamp from service in need of repair.

WARNING: Do not use the clamp if in need of repair.
If, during the every lift inspection, the operator believes the
clamp exhibits excessively worn parts or is damaged, the clamp
should be inspected by a qualified person who will make a de-
termination as to its fitness to make a lift. At this time the con-
dition of the clamp should be noted and recorded. After inspec-
tion by the qualified person it may be decided that a periodic
inspection procedure is necessary.
Frequent Inspection:
A visual inspection (see every lift inspection) by an operator or other
designated person timed according to the clamps service class.
· Normal Service: monthly
· Heavy Service: weekly to monthly
· Severe Service: daily to weekly.
If, during the frequent lift inspection, the operator believes the
clamp exhibits excessively worn parts or is damaged the clamp
should be inspected by a qualified person who will make a de-
termination as to its fitness to make a lift. At this time the con-
dition of the clamp should be noted and recorded. After inspec-
tion by the qualified person, it may be decided that a periodic
inspection procedure is necessary.
Periodic Inspection:
A recorded inspection by a qualified person as described in the Periodic
Inspection Procedure below timed according to the clamps service class.
· Normal Service: annual
· Heavy Service: semi-annual
· Severe Service: quarterly.
If during any inspection a condition is found which leads to a
periodic inspection then the next periodic inspection is due
from the time the clamp is returned to service. For example un-
der a Normal Service schedule, one year from the time the
clamp is returned to service.
Renfroe recommends that a periodic inspection be conducted if any
hazardous condition is found.

Warning: If any hazardous condition is found that may cause in-
jury to the operator or other personnel then the clamp should be
subjected to a Periodic Inspection by a Qualified Person.
Repair (replacement of worn parts)
During regular maintenance when replacing parts that are
worn a record should be made of the parts replaced. After the
replacement of worn parts clamps need not be load tested.
Repair (replacement of damaged parts)
During a repair in which parts are replaced due to damage a
record should be made of the repair. At this time the clamp
should be marked with the following information as per the
ASME B30.20 requirements:
· Name and address of the repairer
· Repairer’s unit identification
· Clamp weight (if altered)
· Rated load (if altered)
· ASME BTH-1 Design Category (if altered)
· ASME BTH-1 Service Class (if altered)
RENFROE clamps are constructed so the wearing parts may be re-
placed by installing individual parts or using RENFROE Repair Kits
containing all parts generally replaced due to normal wear.