Renfroe TL Installation guide

WARNING:
Before putting tool in service,
take to your immediate
supervisor.
Model TL/A Clamp
Application, Operation and Maintenance Manual
OM 211-TL/A
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. 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
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 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 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 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 CLOSED-LOCK OPEN” - 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 com-
petent to perform those specific duties.
QUALIFIED PERSON — A person
who, by possession of a recognized
degree in an applicable field or certifi-
cate of professional standing, or who,
by extensive knowledge, training, and
experience, has successfully demon-
strated the ability to solve problems
relating to the subject matter at hand.

MODEL TLA
VERTICAL LIFTING LOCKING
Model TLA: Auxiliary Lock
MODEL TL
VERTICAL LIFTING LOCKING
Model TL: Locking
Application TL/TLA
The model “TLA” is a vertical lifting clamp Incorporating a “Lock Open”
and a “Lock Closed” feature, and an auxiliary lock. The clamp is recom-
mended for turning of a single steel plate from horizontal to vertical to
horizontal through a hundred and eighty degree arc. Refer to Illustra-
tion A. The auxiliary lock prevents the lock handle from moving from
the “Lock Closed” position until the auxiliary lock button is manually
depressed. The “Lock Open”, “Lock Closed” feature facilitates attach-
ing and removing the clamp from the plate. Refer to Definition Pages for
explanation of “Lock Open”, “Lock Closed” clamp.
The Model “TL” is identical to the model “TLA” except that it does not
contain the auxiliary lock. The model “TL” is capable of turning a plate
from horizontal to vertical and back through the same ninety degree arc.
Refer to Illustration B.

For identification of component parts, refer to exploded view of clamp located
at the end of the Maintenance Section.
WARNING: When using the model “TL” to turn a plate from horizontal
to vertical, the operator must position the clamp so the lock handle is
always on the topside of the plate when the plate is in the horizontal po-
sition. Refer to the sections on operation and maintenance for the ap-
proved procedures in the operation and maintenance of this product.
Illustration A Illustration B

Operation TL/TLA
Step 1.
Before using any RENFROE clamp, refer to the Application Section to confirm
that the operation to be undertaken is an appropriate application for this prod-
uct.
Step 2.
Select appropriate capacity and plate thickness. The model designation, ca-
pacity, and plate thickness are stenciled on each clamp.
WARNNG: Never exceed rated capacity or use on plates that are not
within the range of plate thickness stenciled on the 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 pre-
sent 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, particularly in
the area of the jaw opening.
E. Inspect lifting shackle and all pins for wear and damage.
F. Lock spring must have definite amount of tension when the lock is moved
to the “Lock Closed” position without material in the clamp. Lock Pawl
must rest on body spacer sleeve.
G. On the model “TLA” the auxiliary lock button must have a positive spring
action that projects it out to engage the lock handle when the handle is
moved to the “Lock Closed” position.
H. Remove any clamp from service in need of repair.
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
a flexible sling between crane hook and clamp.

Step 5.
Move the lock lever to the “Lock Open” position. Gripping cam is maintained
in retracted position. Refer to Illustrations C and D.
Step 6.
Position clamp on plate being lifted.
WARNING: When using the model “TL” for lifting from horizontal to ver-
tical, the clamp must be positioned with the lock handle always on the

Do not allow inside of jaw opening to rest on edge of plate. Maintain 1/4”
clearance. Refer to Illustrations C and D, 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 E, F, G, H and J.

Step 7.
Make certain the gripping surfaces of the clamp are fully in contact with the
plate and not partially on and off the edge of the plate.
Step 8.
Place the lock lever in the “Lock Closed” position. Lock Pawl must rest on
body spacer sleeve. Spring now exerts force on gripping cam. One model
“TLA” make certain the auxiliary lock button projects from the housing and
fully engages the lock handle.
WARNING: Lift only when clamp is in “Lock Closed” position.
Refer to Illustrations C and D, Step 5 and Photograph K.

Step 9.
Commence lift.
WARNING: The operator should position himself away from and fully
clear of the member to be lifted. Plates being turned have a tendency to
slide. 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 L.
Step 10.
To remove clamp - after plate is fully supported and at rest in a stable posi-
tion, relax lifting force, keeping hands clear (depress auxiliary lock button on
the “TLA”) move lock handle to “Lock Open” position. Lift clamp from plate.
Refer to Illustrations C and D, and 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 missing
do not use clamp until it has been properly labeled.

For identification of component parts, refer to the exploded view of clamp lo-
cated after Step 12. Inspection Kits are available at no charge upon request
from the distributor or RENFROE. Kit contains:
RENFROE clamps are constructed so the wearing parts may be replaced 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. A visual inspection by the operator before and after each lift made by
the clamp.
B. Check the clamp to be certain the identification and warning tags are
present and legible.
C. Do not use the clamp if the tags are missing or illegible.
D. Inspect gripping surfaces for wear and defects. Gripping surfaces
must be sharp and free of foreign matter.
E. Inspect condition of body for wear, damage and distortion, particu-
larly in the area of the jaw opening.
F. Inspect lifting shackle and all pins for wear and damage.
G. Lock spring must have definite amount of tension when the lock is
moved to the “Lock Closed” position without material in the clamp.
Lock Pawl must rest on body spacer sleeve.
H. On the model “TLA” the auxiliary lock button must have a positive
spring action that projects it out to engage the lock handle when the
handle is moved to the “Lock Closed” position.
I. 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. 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
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)