A very typical application for beam clamps is their ability to be attached or suspended from ceilings, frames and beams – particularly in commercial buildings – to secure pipes, electrical ducts or cables, HVAC ducts, cable trays and other materials. In some instances, a beam clamp is used to connect a channel to existing structural supports or beams or frames installed by contractors.
What Are Beam Clamps?
Beam clamps come in a wide variety of styles to meet a range of application needs, including direct channel attachment to the beam and channel suspension via threaded rod support. The majority of beam clamps are designed to be used in pairs, with a single clamp on each side of the beam providing secure support. Some beam clamps have been adjusted, such as a j-bolt, to be used on their own.
Since not all structural supports are made the same, many beam clamps are designed to accommodate a variety of beam types and profiles by adding different flanges or screws.
Contractors have come up with several creative terms to describe the various types of beam clamps available, some more widely embraced than others. Here’s is a short summary of the most common styles of beam clamp:
What Are The Different Types Of Beam Clamps?
Window Clamps
Consist of a piece of bent metal, with a channel-sized ‘port’ cut to one side and a set screw fixed to the other; the channel is squeezed through the ‘box’ and snuggled to the beam by means of a set screw.
U-Bolt Clamps AKA Window Clamps
Lock the channel to the beam with a 3/8 U-bolt that is threaded on both ends. The U-bolt separates the channel and the beam with a piece of bent metal and is fixed with hex nuts. Some U-bolt clamps attach the channel to the underside of the beam and some to the inside.
J-Bolt Clamps
Are simply modified u-bolt clamps, instead of locking a beam channel using a pair of u-bolt clamps, the j-bolt clamp plate has been adapted to accommodate a 3/8 hook that secures the opposite side of the beam so it can be used as a single, stand-alone clamp.
Here are some important considerations to evaluate when selecting the correct beam clamp for your application:
Where do you want to install your channel?
On a beam (below or inside) or on a threaded rod?
Which size channel do you want to support?
(especially relevant for “u-bolt clamps”)
Do you need to purchase single beam clamps or pairs of clamps?
Clamps that have been designed to be used in pairs are usually sold individually.
If the threaded rod canal is suspended, what size do you use?
Clamps are manufactured with different hole sizes to match the most common rod sizes – some give threaded (tapped) or plain (untapped) holes.
Some Of The Tiger Beam Clamps We Sell
Tiger Beam Clamp
Quick and versatile rigging point for hoisting equipment with a range of 1 tonne to 10 tonne. Highly flexible and great for pulling, lifting or as an anchor point. Has a unique operating temperature of between -50°C and +50°C. This beam clamp also has 5:1 factor of safety and an optional locking device.
Tiger Heavy Duty Beam Clamp with Shackle
This beam clamp has a range of between 1.0t and 30.0t, it’s quick and easy to use and great for use as a rigging point or hoisting equipment. It is suitable for lifting and varying angles across the beams and up to a 90° side loading position with no deration. It’s highly flexible and the multidirectional adjusting screw spindle ensures a high clamping force. Suitable for use on beams with a width range of between 75mm to 457mm. These beam clam units exceed all the requirements within BS EN 13155:2003+A2:2009 and AS4991 guidelines.
Other Beam Clamps Available
Xona Beam Clamp
Yale Beam Clamps
Yale YC ‘Standard’ Beam Clamp
Yale BA Bulb Bar Anchors
Camlok Beam Clamps
Camlok SC92 Beam Clamp with Shackle
You can see all of our available beam clamps by visiting our beam clamps online shopping page or by clicking here. RHT is a lifting equipment specialist and all lifting clamps are available to purchase directly through us on our website, fast delivery is available.
