Renfroe RSC Installation guide

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

Operators
Manual
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. Direct Requests to J.C. Renfroe &
Sons, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida 32201.
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 provides a
readily available source of sup-
ply and service.
J.C. RENFROE & SONS, INCOR-
PORATED
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.
WARNING:
Prior to selection, operation and/or maintenance
of RENFROE products, read and understand the infor-
mation provided in this manual.
The understanding and use of the Definitions are
important in determining the limitations and proper appli-
cation of RENFROE products.
Failure to review and utilize recommended appli-
cations, operation and maintenance instructions may
result in serious injury to operator and others.
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.

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 single
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 specifi-
cally 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 turn-
ing operation the edge of the plate oppo-
site the edge to which the clamp is at-
tached should always be in contact with
a supporting surface such as a factory
floor and the load on the clamp not ex-
ceed one half rated capacity of clamp—
refer to illustrations 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 gener-
ally multi-legged slings with the con-
necting point of the slings being ap-
proximately centered between the dis-
tance separating the clamps. Refer to
illustrations shown below. WARNING:
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 exerted on the
clamps, Never exceed the rated ca-
pacity 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 han-
dled using non-marring clamps incorpo-
rating 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. WARNING:
For applications not covered by the
above information, secure written
recommendations from RENFROE.
RATED CAPACITY: The rated capacity
of a RENFROE product is based on the
product being in “new or as new” condi-
tion 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 re-
duce the rated capacity. Shock loading
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 maxi-
mum 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 clamp.
OPERATING TEMPERATURES:
Unless specified under the Application
Section of the individual model, the ap-
proved operating temperature of
RENFROE clamps is from zero degrees
Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius) to a maximum
of 200 degrees Fahrenheit (+93 de-
grees Celsius). The minimum and
maximum temperatures apply to both
ambient and the material being handled
by the clamp. WARNING: Secure
written authorization from RENFROE
before 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 Cel-
sius). The exact application and tem-
peratures of the plates to be handled
are critical in selecting the proper
model. WARNING: Secure written
instructions from RENFROE for all
hot lift applications.
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 removing of
the clamp from the member being han-
dled.
“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 unlocked position
the force exerted by the spring is re-
laxed and the gripping cam may be re-
tracted 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 Mod-
els 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 install-
ing the clamp on a plate or member.
The Model FRD contains individual
“Lock Open” and “Lock Closed” mecha-
nisms that must be operated separately.
Refer to the Operation Section of spe-
cific models of the “Lock Open-Lock
Closed” clamps for additional 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 notice 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
foreseeable danger in the proper use
and possible reasonable misuse of
RENFROE products described in this
manual.

DESIGNATED PERSON — A person se-
lected 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 professional
standing, or who, by extensive knowledge,
training, and experience, has successfully
demonstrated the ability to solve problems
relating to the subject matter at hand.

MODEL RSC
ROTATING SCREW CLAMP
APPLICATION RSC
The Model RSC Clamp is a vertical lift clamp capable of lift and turn
operations from the horizontal through 180 degree arc. The sus-
pended load may also be rotated 360 degrees about the vertical axis.
Refer to Illustrations A & B next page. Side loading is limited to 10 de-
grees from the vertical axis. Refer to additional instructions in the Op-
erations Section. The adjusting screw is used to accommodate vari-
ous thicknesses of material and to facilitate attachment of the clamp to
the member to be lifted. Refer to Definitions Pages for explanation of
“Locking Screw” clamp. For identification of component parts, refer to
the detail drawings of the clamp at the end of the Maintenance Sec-
tion.
WARNING: Refer to the sections on Operation and Maintenance
for the approved procedure in the Operation and Maintenance of
this product.

OPERATION
Step 1.
Before using any RENFROE clamp, refer to the Application Section to
confirm that the operation to be undertaken is a n appropriate application
for this product.
Step 2.
Select the appropriate capacity and thickness range. The model desig-
nation, capacity and thickness range are stenciled on each clamp.
WARNING: Never exceed rated capacity or use on a member
whose thickness is not within the range of the jaw opening sten-
ciled on the clamp. Lift only one member on each lift.
Step 3.
Inspect each clamp before each use.
WARNING: Do not use if clamp is in need of repair.
If in doubt, refer to the Maintenance Section for detailed maintenance
instructions and detailed drawings for clamp 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. The screw cup and swivel
jaw should turn freely. Set screw must not protrude from either the
screw cup or the swivel jaw..
D. Screw should turn freely. Inspect for wear and damage. Internal
springs must hold swivel jaw and screw cup in “Centered” position
with the gripping surfaces at 90 degrees to the length of the screw.
WARNING: Do not use clamp unless springs are in place and are
holding the swivel jaw and screw cup at 90 degrees to the length of
the screw.

D. Inspect condition of the body for wear and damage, particularly on
the inside of the jaw opening.
E. Inspect condition of the lifting shackle and shackle screw for wear
and damage. Shackle yoke must pivot freely about the shackle
screw. Shackle eye must rotate freely about the shackle yoke.
F. Remove from service any clamp in need of repair.
Step 4.
The clamp is a component of the rigging used in the lifting and trans-
porting of members. It is important to use safe and adequate rigging.
WARNING: Improper or excessively heavy rigging may interfere
with the operation of the clamp and its ability to maintain proper
position on the member. Never attach crane hook directly to the
clamp. Always use a flexible sling between the crane hook and
the clamp.
Step 5.
Position clamp on the member to be lifted. Do not allow inside of the
jaw opening to rest on the member to be lifted. Maintain 1/4” clear-
ance. Refer to Illustration C on the following page.
Position clamp such that the direction of force applied by the crane is
in line with the lifting shackle.
WARNING: On Model RSC never exceed ten degrees side load-
ing.
Refer to Illustrations D and E on the following pages.
WARNING: Do not use clamp unless springs are in place and are
holding the swivel jaw and screw cup at 90 degrees to the length
of the screw.

Step 6.
Tighten screw making certain that both gripping surfaces are parallel
to the surface of the member being lifted and are not partially on and
off the edge of the member. Refer to Illustration C. Using handle pro-
vided, tighten the screw by applying 40 pounds of force. Do not over
tighten. For applications where the member is repeatedly lifted, repo-
sitioned, or tension in the lifting force relaxed, always recheck torque
on the adjusting screw and

the clamp’s position on the member before resuming lift.
WARNING: Apply required torque on screw. Do not over tighten.
Step 7.
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. Do not
permit the member being lifted to contact adjacent structures or
equipment.
Step 8.
To remove clamp (after load is fully supported and at rest in a stable
position) relax lifting force and loosen screw. Lift clamp from plate.
Step 9
Inspect clamp. Remove from service if clamp is in need of repair.

WARNING: In the event the stenciling is worn and not legible or
the tag containing the model, capacity, and other pertinent infor-
mation is missing, do not use the clamp until it has been properly
labeled. Renfroe will replace at no charge.
Inspection Kits are available at no charge by request from a distributor
or RENFROE. Inspection Kits contain: Lifting Clamp Inspection Re-
port Forms, Inventory and Maintenance Record Cards, Danger Tags
and monthly Inspection Stickers.
RENFROE clamps are constructed so the wearing parts may be re-
placed by installing individual parts or by using RENFROE Repair Kits
containing all parts generally replaced due to normal wear.

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 Schedule
meets and/or exceeds the ASME inspection recommendations.
Before using a clamp operators should be trained by a qualified
person to visually inspect a lifting clamp that will include but not be
limited 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 smooth and free of foreign matter. The screw
cup and swivel jaw should turn freely. Set screw must not pro-
trude from either the screw cup pad or the swivel jaw pad.
• Screw should turn freely. Inspect for wear and damage. Inter-
nal springs must hold swivel jaw and screw cup in “Centered”
position with the gripping surfaces at 90 degrees to the length of
the screw.
WARNING: Do not use clamp unless springs are in place and are
holding the swivel jaw and screw cup at 90 degrees to the length of
the screw.
• Inspect the condition of the body for wear, damage and
distortion, particularly in the area of the jaw opening.
• Inspect condition of the lifting shackle and shackle screw for
wear and damage. Shackle yoke must pivot freely about the
shackle screw. Shackle eye must rotate freely about the
shackle yoke.
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 determination as to its fitness to make a lift. At this time the
condition of the clamp should be noted and recorded. After in-
spection by the qualified person it may be decided that a peri-
odic 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 condi-
tion 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. See the table
below.
Normal Service-One Year
Heavy Service-6 Months
Severe Service-3 Months

Warning: If any hazardous condition is found that may cause
injury 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)

Model M Periodic Inspection Procedures
Step 1.
Verify the identity of the clamp by checking the I. D. plate on the clamp
body. If the I. D. plate is missing or not legible an RFID chip (Radio Fre-
quency Identification Device) is embedded in the clamp body or a clamp
component. If the I. D. plate is missing and the RFID chip is unavailable
call the Renfroe factory for instructions on returning the clamp for recerti-
fication.
Step 2.
Completely disassemble clamp.
Step 3.
Remove all dirt, grease, and other matter that may inhibit proper inspec-
tion of the clamp body or clamp components.
Step 4. BODY
A. Inspect welds for fractures. RENFROE recommends a dye
penetrant or similar method of detecting indications on the
clamp. If an indication is found it may be necessary to use a
magnetic particle, ultrasonic or similar methods for determin-
ing damage to the clamp or components.
B. Inspect surfaces of the body plate that come into contact with
the shackle yoke for wear, damage or distortion.
C. Inspect shackle screw hole for wear and elongation.
D. Inspect inside of swivel jaw block for displaced metal, frac-
tures, or distortion. Inspect condition of wave spring retaining
groove. Groove must be free of displaced metal, foreign mat-
ter or worn edges.
E. Inspect inside of screw block for worn threads, fractures, and
displaced metal.
WARNING: Replace clamps containing fractures, elongated holes,
distorted jaw openings, distorted and worn threads, jaw openings
with displaced metal, or damaged spring retaining grooves.
Step 5
SCREW
A. Inspect for distortion, damaged threads and wear.
B. Inspect for fractures, particularly in the area where the screw cup
mounts and on the opposite end where the hole is provided for the
handle.