Allen,
I am glad I started keeping a folder on yours, and others neat ideas for getting things done. Tonight at work I am going to fab up something similar to your table top clamp. Unfortunately we have had several incident where the lift truck operators are hitting something with the squeeze attachments (carton and appliance clamps). In the process they bend the aluminum paddles (the paddles move towards each other and clamp the appliance or other products). The paddles are made out of 1/2" thick aluminum and are approx 4'x4-1/2', and have a rubber backing to help grip the product.
When we do a PM on the equipment we have to do pressure and alignment checks on the squeeze attachment. If the paddles are bent and can not be corrected using shims, we have to order a new paddle. These paddles are quite pricey. I really think your clamping method using the bottle jack will allow us to take enough of the bend out of the damaged paddles to put them back into use. We have tried using the weight of a forklift or yard truck to get some of the bend out, but this is some very strong aluminum, and we can not get the paddle anywhere near flat let alone going past the bend a little to allow for spring back. We may have to get some heavier chain or cable, and a bottle jack larger than our 20 ton............we will see what we come up with. If this works, this is going to save a big chunk of money from our department budget..............thanks for the great ideas.
Hello Pat, I hope it works out for you. Just keep in mind to be very careful not to be in the line of fire if any of the parts give out. Lots of stored energy in a set-up such as this, so please be very careful. Good luck and best regards, Allan
Two tarp straps attached to each end/side of chain from jack helps hold it in place and slows down the impact if the chain slips under pressure. Second use an all position hydraulic jack or porta-power for all position clamping.
Look at a chain sling table to see the difference the angle of the chains make on the aparent load, and size things accordingly.
Along with keeping out of the "line of fire" draping a strong, heavy tarp or mover's blanket over the chains slows them down a whole lot if something gives way.
Thank you for all the information. I kind of got side tracked with a bunch of break downs. When I get back to work after my scheduled days off, I need to look for a source that sells the heavy forged type of plate hooks. Right now the only ones I can find are the type that are basically bent heavy sheet metal. Anyone have an idea where I could find the forged type....thanks.
Dave,
Thank you for the idea of covering the chains. We have several of those heavy blankets that movers use that I think would work nicely.
Allen,
Thank you very much for the link. I picked out a couple of hooks that would work for my intended purpose and submitted the parts order.
Awesome Pat, keep us informed on how things work out for you. As well, consider all of the additional safety points that everyone has contributed and good luck on your repairs. Best regards, Allan