Lever arms are available in a variety of styles. In addition to traditional single-arm and two-arm styles, there are clamping levers. Also known as clamping handles, they allow for quick and easy adjustments via clamping. What are clamping levers exactly, and how do they differ from traditional lever arms?
Overview of Clamping Levers
Clamping levers are control levers that require an up-and-down clamping action. They feature a threaded rod — or a threaded hole for some styles — that’s connected to a handle-like lever.
You can use a clamping lever by manually tightening the threads, followed by pushing the handle-like lever down. Assuming it has a threaded rod at the base, you can twist the clamping lever into a threaded hole. If the clamping lever has a threaded hole, on the other hand, you’ll need to attach it to a threaded rod. Regardless, installation is a breeze. Just tighten the threads by matching it with a threaded hole or threaded rod, after which you can push the handle-like lever down.
Pulling the handle-lever lever up, conversely, will release the clamping lever. The serration will separate from the threaded hole or threaded rod.
A typical clamping lever features the following parts:
- Handle-like lever
- Threaded hole or threaded rod
- Spring-loaded serration
Clamping Levers vs Traditional Lever Arms
They may look similar, but clamping levers aren’t the same as traditional lever arms Whether it’s a single-arm, two-arm or even a four-arm style, all traditional lever arms require a turning action. After connecting a traditional lever arm to a machine or piece of equipment, you’ll need to turn it.
Traditional lever arms feature a simpler design. They are still available in threaded and unthreaded styles, but they don’t require an up-and-down clamping action; you just need ot turn a traditional lever arm to use it, whereas clamping levers must be pushed down to fully engage the machine or equipment with which they are used.
Common Features of Clamping Levers
Most clamping levers are made of stainless steel or aluminum. Both of these materials, of course, offer a high level of protection against rust and corrosion. You can use clamping levers outdoors or in humid environments without fear of them succumbing to rust or corrosion.
You can find clamping levers with plastic handles. They are typically still made of stainless steel or aluminum, but they feature a plastic handle for improved ergonomics. Rather than gripping a metal handle, you can grip a softer and more ergonomic plastic handle.