Renfroe R Clamp Installation guide

WARNING:
Before putting tool in service, take to
your immediate supervisor.
Model R/RO Clamp
Application, Operation and Maintenance Manual
OM 480-R RO
RENFROE
Model R Model RO

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.
Operators
Manual
J.C. RENFROE & SONS,
INCORPORATED
of Jacksonville, Florida, has
been an international leader
in the manufacture and mar-
keting of Lifting Clamps for
over fifty years. RENFROE
products are manufactured
in Jacksonville, Florida. A
worldwide network of stock-
ing distributors provides a
readily available source of
supply and service.
J.C. RENFROE & SONS,
INCORPORATED
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 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.

OPERATING AIDS
(DO’S AND DON’TS)
1. DO Consult Operator’s Manual or RENFROE when in doubt.
RENFROE factory representatives are available upon request at no
charge to train and assist in establishing the proper use of RENFROE
products.
2. DO Lock clamp closed before lifting load. NEVER lift with lock in
open or “Lock Open” position.
3. DO Use safety hooks. NEVER use a hook that may release clamp.
4. DO Use correct clamp for job. NEVER use large capacity clamps to
lift light loads.
5. DO Use an adequate number of clamps to balance load. NEVER lift
loads that are not balanced.
6. DO Use clamps within their rated capacity. NEVER overload clamps.
7. DO Inspect clamp before each lift, follow inspection and maintenance
instructions outlined in this manual and use RENFROE replacement
parts to assure proper operation of the clamp.
8. DON’T Side load. NEVER lift from side with vertical clamp.
9. DON’T Lift over workmen. NEVER lift over Safety Areas or person-
nel.
10. DON’T Misuse. NEVER lift plate from bottom of plate stack.
11. DON’T Rush. Never lift more than one plate at a time with a vertical
clamp.
12. DON’T Improvise. Always use correct clamp for job. NEVER lift hori-
zontally with a vertical clamp.
13. DON’T Use clamp that has been overloaded.
14. DON’T Alter clamp. NEVER grind, weld or modify the clamp in any
manner.
15. DON’T attach clamp directly to crane hook, always use sling between
crane hook and clamp.
16. DON’T improvise. Always use correct clamp for the job. DON’T lift
plate horizontally with a vertical lift only clamp.
17. DON’T alter clamp. DON’T weld, grind 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 spe-
cifically 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 horizon-
tal 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. Dur-
ing the turning operation the edge of the
plate opposite the edge to which the
clamp is attached should always be in
contact with a supporting surface such
as a factory floor and the load on the
clamp not exceed one half rated capac-
ity 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 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.
WARNING: The capacity of all hori-
zontal 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 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 con-
tact 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 incor-
porating 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 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 the clamp.
OPERATING TEMPERATURES:
Unless specified under the Application
Section of the individual model, the
approved operating temperature of
RENFROE clamps is from zero de-
grees 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 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
retracted by pushing the lifting shackle
into body of clamp. Refer to the Op-
eration 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 re-
move pin from a greater distance from
clamp. Refer to the Operation Section
of specific 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
Section 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 addi-
tional 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 reasona-
bly foreseeable 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 em-
ployer’s representative as being compe-
tent to perform 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
matter at hand.

MODEL R
VERTICAL LIFTING LOCKING
MODEL RO
VERTICAL LIFTING LOCK OPEN ONLY
Application R/RO
The Model “R” is a vertical lifting clamp primarily used in the handling of heavy steel
plates in a wide range of plate thicknesses. Specific models are available for han-
dling “hot” plates, temperatures in excess of 200 Degrees F (+93 Degrees C). Re-
fer to Illustrations on next page. For all applications involving the handling of “hot
plates” refer to factory for written instructions.
The Model “R” incorporates a “Lock Open”, “Lock Closed” feature which facilitates
attaching and removing the clamp from the plate. The Model “RO” is available with
a “Lock Open Only” feature allowing the clamp to be “Locked Open”, lifted onto a
“Hot” plate and the lock released by use of a “Tag Line” attached to the locking pin
allowing the operator to be further away from the “Hot” plate. Refer to Definitions,
Page 2, for explanation of “Lock Open”, “Lock Closed” and “Lock Open Only”
clamps.
For identification of component parts, refer to exploded view of clamps located at
the end of the Maintenance Section.
WARNING: Refer to the section on operation and maintenance for the ap-
proved procedures in the operation and maintenance of this product.

Operation R/RO
Step 1.
Before using any RENFROE clamp, refer to the Application Section to confirm the
operation to be undertaken is an appropriate application for this product.
Step 2.
Select appropriate capacity and plate thickness. The model designation, capacity
and plate thickness are stenciled on each clamp.
WARNING: Never exceed rated capacity or use on material whose thickness is
not within the range of jaw opening stenciled on clamp. Lift only one plate on
each lift.
Always use a clamp with maximum plate thickness and rated capacity near equal to
the thickness and weight of the plate being lifted.
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
exploded 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. Some models of the “R” incorporate swivel jaws, while others incorporate die
blocks.
1. Swivel Jaws: Swivel jaws should turn freely. Inspect swivel jaw mounting
hole in body for elongation indicating overload or excessive wear.
2. Die Blocks: The retaining bolts must be tight and free of damage.
C. Inspection condition of body for wear, damage and distortion, particularly in the
area of the jaw opening.
D. Inspect lifting shackle and all pins for wear and damage.
E. Inspect locking mechanism and lock spring. The locking mechanism on the
model “R” is designed to select a spring tension for various ranges of plate thick-
nesses. The spring must have a definite tension when the spring is set in the
position of maximum tension without material on the clamp. Check spring for
distortion and damage. Spring coils should be in contact with the adjacent coils
when there is no tension applied to the spring. Lock handle and spring mecha-
nism should operate smoothly without binding.
F. Remove any clamp from service in need of repair.
WARNING: Replace shackles that are bent, show excessive wear at eye, and
have elongated eye and shackle pin hole.

Step 4.
The clamp is a component of the rigging used in lifting or transporting a plate.
It is important to use safe and adequate rigging. The lock is used to hold the
clamp in place until the gripping mechanism is actuated 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
sling between crane hook and clamp.
Step 5.
Model with “Lock Open-Lock Closed” feature: Move lock handle to “Lock
Open” position. Gripping cam is maintained in a retracted position. Refer to
Illustration A.
Model with “Lock Open Only” feature: Move gripping cam to the fully open
position and insert locking pin, maintaining gripping cam in retracted position.
Refer to Illustration B.
Illustration A

Step 6.
Position clamp on plate to be lifted. Always position clamp on plate so die
block (swivel jaw) is in contact with plate before locking mechanism is actu-
ated. Do not allow inside of jaw opening to rest on edge of plate. Maintain
1/2” clearance. Refer to Illustrations A and B, Step 5.
Position clamp so direction of force applied by the crane is in line with the lift-
ing shackle.
WARNING: Never exceed ten degree side-loading.
Refer to Photographs C, D, E, F and G.
Illustration B

Step 7.
Make certain the swivel jaw or die block and gripping cam are fully in contact
with the plate and not partially on and off the edge of the plate.
Step 8.
Model with “Lock Open-Lock Closed” feature: Place lock lever in “Lock
Closed” position. Refer to Illustration A, Step 5.
The Model “R” locks have multiple spring tensions for various capacities.
WARNING: Use proper spring tension for plate thickness being lifted.
Refer to Illustration H.
R 35 Ton—4” plate variation—two tension positions. First two inches of plate
thickness use maximum tension position. Second two inches of plate thick-
ness use minimum tension position.
Example: Clamp rated 1/4—4 1/4” plate thickness. Use maximum tension on
plate up to 2 1/4” thick. Use minimum tension of plate above 2 1/4” - 4 1/4”
thick.

R 50 Ton—6” plate variation—three tension positions. First two inches of
plate thickness use maximum tension position. Second two inches of plate
thickness use intermediate tension position. Third two inches of plate thick-
ness use minimum tension position.
Example: Clamp rated 6” to 12” plate thickness use maximum tension on
plates 6” to 8” thick. Use intermediate tension on plates above 8” to 10” thick.
Use minimum tension on plates above 10” to 12” thick.
R 75 Ton and R 100 Ton—6” plate variation—four tension positions. First
one and one-half inches of plate thickness use maximum tension position.
Second one and one-half inches use next to maximum tension position. Third
one and one-half inches of plate thickness use next to minimum tension posi-
tion. Fourth one and one-half inches of plate thickness use minimum tension
position.
Example: Clamp rated 8” to 14” plate thickness use maximum tension on
plate 8” to 9 1/2” thick. Next to maximum tension position on plates above 9
1/2” to 11” thick. Next to minimum tension position on plates above 11” to 12
1/2” thick and minimum tension position on plate above 12 1/2” to 14” thick.
Spring now exerts force on gripping cam.
WARNING: Lift only when clamp is in “Lock Closed” position.
Models with “Lock Open Only” feature: Remove lock stop pin, permitting grip-
ping mechanism to engage plate. Refer to Illustration B, Step 5.
Apply a lifting force to the lifting shackle until gripping surfaces of the clamp
are in full contact and exerting a force on the plate.
WARNING: A constant force must be maintained on the lifting shackle
throughout the entire operation.
Step 9.
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 person-
nel are clear of the area of the lift. Never stand under or near a member
being lifted.

Step 10.
To remove clamp:
Model with “Lock Open-Lock Closed” feature: After plate is fully supported
and in a stable position, relax lifting force, keeping hands clear, move lock
handle to “Lock Open” position—lift clamp from plate. Refer to Illustration A,
Step 5.
Model with “Lock Open Only” feature: After plate is fully supported and at rest
in a stable position, relax lifting force, move gripping cam to retracted position
by manually operating shackle—insert lock stop pin—lift clamp from plate.
Refer to Illustration B, Step 5.
Step 11.
Inspect clamp. Remove from service if in need of repair.
WARNING: In the event the stenciling is worn and not legible or the tag
containing the model, capacity or other pertinent information is miss-
ing—do not use clamp until it has been properly labeled.
Maintenance R/RO
Inspection Kits are available at no charge upon request from the distributor 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 deter-
mines 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 mini-
mum 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 warn-
ing tags are present and legible.
• Do not use the clamp if the tags are missing or illegible
• Inspect master link and link chain legs for wear and damage.
• Inspect circular body of clamp for wear, distortion and damage.
• Inspect lock handle mechanism for wear, distortion or damage.
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 ex-
hibits excessively worn parts or is damaged, the clamp should be in-
spected 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 inspection 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 desig-
nated 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 determination as to
its fitness to make a lift. At this time the condition of the clamp should
be noted and recorded. After inspection 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 In-
spection 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 Pe-
riodic Inspection by a Qualified Person.
Repair (replacement of worn parts)
During regular maintenance when replacing parts that are worn a re-
cord 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)

Inspection Procedures
Step1.
Verify the identity of the clamp by checking the identification plate on the clamp
body. If the identification plate is missing or not legible an RFID chip (Radio
Frequency identification Device) is embedded in the clamp body or a clamp
component. If the identification plate is missing and the RFID chip is unavail-
able call the Renfroe factory for instructions on returning the clamp for recertifi-
cation.
Step 2.
Completely disassemble clamp.
Step 3.
Remove all dirt, grease and other matter than may inhibit proper inspection 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 determining damage to the clamp or components.
B. Inspect shackle pin guide slots located inside of body. Guide slots must be
smooth and free of indentions to prevent shackle slide from hanging.
C. Inspect all pin holes for wear and elongation.
D. Inspect inside jaw opening for displaced metal and distortion.
E. Inspect clearance of lock handle assembly mounting hole for wear. Clear-
ance with shaft of lock handle assembly should be minor.
F. Some models of the “R” incorporate swivel jaws, while others incorporate
die blocks.
1. Swivel Jaw (round): Inspect swivel jaw mounting holes for elongation
and wear. Swivel jaw must turn freely. Remove clamp body from service when
Swivel Jaw Mounting Hole dimensions equal or exceed those listed below.
Rated Mounting Mounting
Capacity Hole Dia. Hole Depth
Tons Inches Inches
35 3.545 .900
2. Die Block (Rectangular): Inspect die block mounting holes and
retaining bolts for distortion and damage. Die blocks must fit snugly
in body recess.
WARNING: Replace clamps containing fractures, elongated swivel jaw or
die block mounting recesses, distorted jaw openings and clamps with
worn and rough shackle pin guide slots and jaw opening with displaced
metal. Refer to exploded view.