Are you looking to buy a cam lever? Also known as clamping levers, they offer an ergonomic and effective way to make adjustments. After screwing a cam lever into an object, you can pull the handle to perform a clamping action.
#1) Mount Types
Cam levers are available in different mount types. Some of them are mounted with a threaded stud, whereas others are mounted with a threaded hole. Both types allow for clamping-based adjustments, but they have different installation or mounting requirements. Stud-type cam levers feature a bolt-like threaded stud, which you can screw into a threaded hole. Threaded hole-style cam levers, on the other hand, have a threaded hole, which you can twist onto a threaded stud.
#2) Material
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a cam lever is the material. Like with other industrial levers, cam levers are available in different materials. Some of them are made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, whereas others are made of thermoplastic. Steel cam levers are known for their strength and durability. Aluminum cam levers are lightweight and corrosion resistant. Finally, plastic cam levers are inexpensive and also corrosion resistant.
#3) Clamping Force
You should consider the clamping force when choosing a cam lever. This metric represents the force — typically measured in kilonewtons (kN) — that’s applied when you pull the handle and engage the lever. Some cam levers have a clamping force of 4.0 kN, whereas others have a clamping force of 8.0 kN. The higher the clamping force, the greater the force it will exert on the object with which it’s used.
#4) Size
Don’t forget to consider the size when choosing a cam lever. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cam lever. Whether it features a stud or threaded hole, it must match the object with which it’s used. If the cam lever is too big or small, you won’t be able to properly mount it. You can avoid headaches such as this by choosing a cam lever in the right size.
#5) Design
Finally, you should consider the design when choosing a cam lever. Some cam levers are more ergonomically designed than others. They feature subtle grooves that contour to the shape of your hand, which makes them easier to use. Cam levers should also be long enough so that you can fully grip them without slipping your hand.