Secure Loads & Suspend Safely: Bison Beam Clamps Explained
In rigging and lifting setups, having a sturdy, adaptable anchoring point is just as critical as the hoist itself. Bison Lifting Equipment’s beam clamps provide a reliable way to suspend hoists, equipment, or structural loads from a wide variety of steel beams. Whether you need to hang a hoist or actually lift a beam, these clamps offer flexibility, safety, and strength.
What Is a Beam Clamp & Why Use It?
A beam clamp (also called a girder clamp) is a device that grips the flange of a structural beam, allowing you to:
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Suspend a hoist or rigging hardware from a beam where no fixed eye-bolt or anchor point exists
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Lift a beam itself (in reversal), when used in pairs or more
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Provide a portable, adjustable anchor point that moves or repositions with minimal effort
Compared to welding or bolting, beam clamps save time, preserve beam integrity, and make your lifting system modular.
Key Features of Bison Beam Clamps
Bison’s beam clamps are thoughtfully engineered for safety, usability, and durability:
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Adjustable jaw opening to match beam flange widths
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Forged steel construction for strength and toughness (drop-forged) (beatonindustrial.theonlinecatalog.com)
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Zinc-plated thread & handle to resist corrosion (bisonlifting.com)
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Powder-coated finish for added durability and protection from wear (bisonlifting.com)
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Hand tightening only — do not use cheater bars or pipes, which can damage the threads (bisonlifting.com)
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Certified to ASME B30.20 standard, and supplied with inspection certificates (bisonlifting.com)
Because of the hand-tightening design and structural demands, proper inspection and fitment remain crucial for safe operation.
Tonnage Options & Specifications
Bison offers beam clamps across a wide capacity range. Below is a summary of common models and their key specs:
| Capacity | Model / SKU | Beam Opening (Flange Width) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Ton | BC010 | 2.76″ – 8.66″ (bisonlifting.com) | Ideal for lighter hoists or moderate loads |
| 2 Ton | BC020 | 2.76″ – 8.66″ (bisonlifting.com) | Slightly heavier duty anchor |
| 3 Ton | BC030 | 3.15″ – 12.60″ (bisonlifting.com) | More flexibility on beam widths |
| 5 Ton | BC050 | 3.15″ – 12.60″ (bisonlifting.com) | For heavier lifting or multiple hoists |
| 10 Ton | BC100 | 3.54″ – 13.39″ (bisonlifting.com) | High-capacity rigging anchor |
| 15 Ton | BC150 | 3.54″ – 16.54″ (bisonlifting.com) | For very heavy structural loads |
| 20 Ton | (unnamed in main site) | 3.54″ – 16.54″ (bisonlifting.com) | Highest standard capacity listed in spec sheet |
These variants let you match your beam clamp to both load and beam geometry. The Bison “Beam Clamps 1 – 20 TON” specification sheet shows detailed dimensions for all models. (bisonlifting.com)
Best Practices & Use Cases
Common Use Cases
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Suspending electric chain hoists or manual hoists where no permanent anchor is available
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Installing temporary rigging for maintenance, inspection, or retrofit jobs
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Lifting or relocating beams or structural elements when used in pairs or sets
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Creating adjustable anchors in fabrication shops or job sites
Safe Use Tips
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Always inspect clamps, threads, and beam surfaces before each use.
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Match capacity: use a clamp rated above your intended load.
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Tighten by hand only — using bars or leverage tools can strip threads. (bisonlifting.com)
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Check beam flange compatibility — ensure your beam’s width is within the clamp’s jaw range.
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Follow inspection schedules — wear, fatigue, and deformation over time can reduce safety margins.
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Use in pairs or multiples when lifting beams or distributing load laterally.
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Avoid side load — clamps are designed for vertical or near-vertical loading along the beam’s plane.