Horizontal Plate Lifting Clamps

Horizontal Plate Lifting Clamps are designed to grip and lift steel plates and flat material in the horizontal position. The clamp's jaw engages the edge of the plate, applying pressure through a cam or screw mechanism to create a secure friction grip that holds the plate flat during lifting and transport.

Horizontal plate clamps are one of the most efficient ways to handle plate material — the operator positions the clamp, engages the jaw, and lifts. No slings, no rigging wrap, no threading hardware through holes. This speed advantage makes horizontal clamps the standard tool in steel service centers, fabrication shops, and any operation that moves plate stock regularly.

All horizontal plate clamps supplied by Amick meet ASME B30.20 specifications. Proper use requires following several critical safety rules: never use a plate clamp at less than 20% of its rated capacity, lift only one plate at a time, and ensure the plate surface is clean and free of oil, grease, scale, or paint at the grip point. The clamp's jaw opening must match the thickness of the plate — using a clamp on material outside its rated thickness range is unsafe.

Amick supplies horizontal plate clamps and provides inspection and repair services from our Pittsburgh facility. Clamp jaws, cam surfaces, and springs wear over time and must be inspected regularly to maintain safe gripping performance.

Amick Rigging and Racing provides a wide selection of lifting clamps from top brands, including Safety Clamp, JC Renfroe, Crosby IP, and Terrier.

Fast, efficient plate handling — horizontal clamps with inspection and repair from Amick in Pittsburgh. Call 412-429-1212.

Type

Horizontal plate lifting clamps — cam-actuated or screw-type jaw engagement.

Applications

Steel service centers, fabrication shops, structural steel operations, shipyards, manufacturing, and any facility that regularly handles flat steel plates, sheet material, or structural flat stock. Used for loading/unloading, in-plant transfer, and production line feeding of plate material.

Exceptions

Never use at less than 20% of rated capacity — insufficient load weight means insufficient clamping force, which can result in the plate slipping from the clamp. Lift only one plate at a time. Plate surface must be clean, dry, and free of oil, grease, loose scale, or paint at the grip area. Do not use on stainless steel or aluminum unless the clamp is specifically rated for those materials. Ensure the plate thickness is within the clamp's rated jaw range. Inspect jaw surfaces, cam mechanisms, springs, and pivot points before each use. Annual periodic inspections are required per ASME B30.20. Remove from service if jaw teeth are worn smooth, if the cam or locking mechanism does not engage fully, or if any structural component shows cracks or deformation.