Plate Clamps Service
The Importance of Plate Clamp Inspections
Plate clamps play a vital role in lifting and securing heavy steel plates—but misuse or wear can lead to serious accidents. Canadian law requires annual inspections and certifications by qualified professionals to ensure safety and compliance.
At Hercules Crane and Lifting Supplies, we provide ASME B30.20-compliant inspections, testing, maintenance, and certification services for all types of plate clamps. Whether in one of our fully equipped shops or directly at your site, our trained professionals are ready to assist.
Expert Safety for Below-the-Hook Equipment
ASME B30.20 outlines strict safety and performance standards for plate clamps and other below-the-hook devices. Our technicians are certified to detect issues like jaw wear, spring damage, and locking mechanism failure—offering repairs and documentation to ensure your equipment stays safe and legal.
Detailed Rigging Services We Offer
Chain Sling Service
Inspection, repair, load testing, and certification for all grades of alloy chain slings.
Wire Rope Sling Service
Visual inspections, NDT, proof testing, and re-tagging for wire rope slings.
Web Sling Service
Thorough examination of synthetic web slings for cuts, abrasions, and chemical damage.
Round Sling Service
Inspection of polyester round slings, checking for core damage and cover integrity.
Plate Clamp Service
Functional testing and certification for all types of plate lifting clamps.
Hoist Service
Maintenance, repair, load testing, and certification for manual, electric, and pneumatic hoists.
Lifting Magnet Service
Inspection, pull testing, and certification for permanent and electro-permanent lifting magnets.
Beam Clamp Service
Ensuring the structural integrity and load capacity of various beam clamp types.
Spreader Bar Service
Certification and maintenance for custom and standard spreader and lifting beams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common queries about our rigging inspection and certification services.
How to Use Plate Clamps Safely
- Select the correct plate clamp for the job. There are clamps for vertical, horizontal or universal (multi-directional) lifting. Clamps are also rated for the thickness of the plate they are designed to lift
- Refer to the manufacturers’ operating instructions
- Plate clamp Inspect visually before each lift
- Lift one plate at a time unless using clamps and methods approved otherwise
- Use two or more clamps to balance a long or flexible load
- Install the clamp (or clamps) over the centre of gravity of the plate.
- When using a vertical type of plate clamp, use a locking device to prevent accident loosening
- Use horizontal types of plate clamps in pairs.
- Use clamps within their rated capacity and flange width.
- Lock a clamp closed before lifting a load.
- Use a sling between the clamp and the crane or hoist hook.
- Use non-marring (rubber pad) clamps in pairs when lifting finished and polished plates
- Lift smoothly; avoid jolts
- If the use of a tag line is necessary, attach it to the clamp before lifting the plate
How to Inspect the Exterior of a Plate Clamp
- Follow the clamp manufacturers’ maintenance recommendations
- Inspect internal and external surfaces for forging or weld fractures, wear and distortion
- Check all pin holes for wear
- Inspect the throat (clamp opening) width. At zero grip, the cam should be in full contact with the pad
- Measure the width of the throat. If the measurement at the base, where the pad is located is greater than at the top, the body has been overloaded. Replace the clamp and tag the defective clamp and remove it from service.