Description
The Urko steel lever clamp is a ratchet-operated F-type bar clamp with a clamping force of 8000 N and a throat depth of 90 mm. The movable jaw is tightened against the workpiece by pumping the lever handle, so no threaded screw is needed for tightening. The clamp is designed for professional use in holding metal workpieces during welding, assembly and machining.
The clamp consists of a galvanised steel bar, a cast fixed jaw attached to the end of the bar, and a jaw that slides along the bar with the lever mechanism built into it. The ratchet mechanism locks after every stroke of the handle, so the clamping force builds up in steps and the clamp does not loosen when the handle is released. The serrated edges of the bar hold the sliding jaw in place under load.
When tightening, the sliding jaw is pushed against the workpiece and the pump-action lever handle is then moved back and forth until the required clamping pressure is reached. The red release catch at the base of the handle opens the ratchet, which releases the clamping pressure so the jaw can be moved to a new position. There is no thread to turn, which speeds up repeated clamping in series work.
The clamping force is transferred to the steel pressure plate of the lever mechanism, which presses the workpiece against the fixed jaw. The clamp is available in three opening sizes, and all versions have the same 90 mm throat depth, the same lever mechanism and the same 8000 N clamping force. The lever clamp complements screw clamps in jobs where clamping is repeated often and tightening has to be fast.
Intended use and suitability:
The Urko steel lever clamp is designed for professional use in metalwork, welding and assembly, where the workpiece has to be clamped quickly and firmly.
- Welding and tack welding: The clamp holds steel plates, profiles and flanges in place during tack welding. The ratchet lock maintains the clamping pressure while the welder’s hands are needed for the torch and filler metal.
- Clamping to a welding table or workbench: One jaw is placed under the edge of the table and the other on top of the workpiece, so the workpiece stays in place during cutting, grinding and drilling. The 90 mm throat depth reaches from the edge of the table to the inside of the workpiece.
- Assembly and fitting: Structural parts, frames and brackets are clamped against each other before bolting, riveting or bonding. The pump-action handle increases the clamping force in steps until the parts are aligned.
- Machine shops and maintenance work: The clamp holds workpieces in place during machining, fitting work and repairs. For smaller and lighter clamping jobs, the Urko 4021-HA screw clamp 150 x 50 mm with swivel handle and the Urko one-handed quick clamp 300 x 80 mm, rotating are suitable.
Package contents:
- Lever clamp: 1 pc with the selected opening, lever handle and ratchet mechanism fitted.
Features:
- Ratchet mechanism: Locks after every stroke of the handle, so the clamping pressure is maintained after the handle is released and force can be added in steps.
- Pump-action lever handle: Tightening is done with a back-and-forth lever movement without turning a thread; the lever arm multiplies the force of the hand.
- Release catch: The red catch at the base of the handle opens the ratchet and releases the clamping pressure.
- Clamping force 8000 N: For clamping steel plates, profiles and flanges in welding and assembly.
- Galvanised steel bar: The zinc coating protects the bar against corrosion; the serrated edges hold the sliding jaw in place under load.
- Cast jaws: The fixed and sliding jaws are cast and have a blue coating.
- Steel pressure plate: Transfers the clamping force to the workpiece at the end of the lever mechanism.
- Plastic-coated handle: The red coating improves grip when pumping.
Technical specifications:
- Product type: lever clamp (F-clamp) with ratchet mechanism
- Clamping force: 8000 N
- Opening: 300, 400 or 500 mm
- Throat depth: 90 mm
- Tightening: pump-action lever handle and ratchet
- Release: release catch in the handle
- Bar: galvanised steel, serrated edges
- Jaws: cast construction, blue coating
- Handle: red plastic coating
- Manufacturer: Urko Tools, S.A., Eibar, Spain
Urko steel lever clamp instructions for use:
Clamping is done in five steps. Check the clamp before each use.
- Inspection: Make sure that the bar is straight, the serrations are clean and the ratchet locks when the handle is moved.
- Opening: Press the release catch and move the sliding jaw so that the workpiece fits between the jaws.
- Positioning: Place the fixed jaw on one side of the workpiece or the table edge and push the sliding jaw against the workpiece. Keep the jaws perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece.
- Tightening: Pump the lever handle until the workpiece is firmly clamped. Stop when the workpiece no longer moves: unnecessary tightening leaves a mark on thin sheet or soft material.
- Release: Support the workpiece and press the release catch. The clamping pressure is released and the sliding jaw can be moved.
Maintenance: Clean welding spatter, chips and dust off the bar and the lever mechanism. Lubricate the ratchet joints with light machine oil and store the clamp in a dry place.
Warnings:
- Crushing hazard: The 8000 N clamping force can cause a serious crush injury. Keep fingers away from between the jaws and the lever mechanism.
- Damage to the workpiece: The high clamping force can leave marks on thin and soft workpieces or deform them. Use a protective plate between the jaw and the workpiece where necessary.
- Not for lifting: The clamp must not be used for lifting or suspending loads or as an attachment point for lifting accessories.
- Not for load securing: The clamp is not a load securing device and must not be used to secure a load during transport.
- Inspection before use: A bent bar, a cracked jaw or a slipping ratchet is a reason to take the clamp out of service.
- No extension: The lever handle must not be extended with a pipe or any other extension.
- Welding: Parts of the clamp must not be welded to the workpiece. Wear safety glasses and gloves when welding and grinding.
- Children: Keep out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
What is the Urko steel lever clamp and how does it differ from a screw clamp? It is an F-type bar clamp that is tightened by pumping the lever handle, and its ratchet locks the clamping pressure. A screw clamp is tightened by turning a thread, which is slower when clamping is repeated.
How much clamping force does the lever clamp have? The clamping force is 8000 N on all openings.
What openings and throat depth does the lever clamp have? The opening is 300, 400 or 500 mm, and the throat depth is 90 mm on all versions.
How is the ratchet clamp opened? By pressing the red release catch at the base of the handle. Support the workpiece before releasing it.
Is the lever clamp suitable for clamping a workpiece to a welding table? Yes. One jaw is placed under the edge of the table and the other on top of the workpiece, and the clamp is tightened with the lever handle.
Can the clamp be used for lifting or load securing? No. The clamp is only intended for holding workpieces during machining and assembly.
Recycling instructions:
The Urko steel lever clamp is made mainly of steel and cast metal, and a clamp taken out of use is taken to metal recycling. The plastic coating of the handle is sorted into plastic or mixed waste if it comes off easily.
The product label on the bar and any packaging material are sorted according to local sorting instructions.
