Toggle clamps are commonly used to hold workpieces in place. They are known as “toggle clamps” because they have a manually operated handle connected to a clamp that you “toggle” by pushing it down or pulling it up. Whether you’re trying to secure a wooden workpiece, a metal workpiece or a plastic workpiece, you may want to use a toggle clamp. Toggle clamps, however, often have different ratings for their respective hand force, clamping force and holding force.
What Is Hand Force?
Hand force refers to the pounds of force exerted by the handle. All toggle clamps have a handle. When engaged, the handle will apply hand force. Hand force is measured is pounds. Some toggle clamps have a hand force of 50 pounds, whereas others have a hand force of 100 or more pounds. Regardless, hand force is simply the amount of force or pressure exerted by the handle when the handle is engaged.
What Is Clamping Force?
When shopping for a toggle clamp, you may notice that many of them have a clamping force. Clamping force refers to the pounds of force exerted by the clamping component. There are different types of toggle clamps, some of which feature a different design than others. Nonetheless, they all have a clamping component. The clamping component is typically found on the bottom of a spindle. It consists of an arm that presses down on the workpiece. Clamping force is the amount of force or pressure exerted by the clamping component onto the workpiece.
What Is Holding Force?
Finally, toggle clamps have a holding force. Holding force is similar to clamping force. When you engage the handle on a toggle clamp, it will exert both clamping force and holding force. Clamping force is the amount of force exerted by the clamping component, whereas holding force is the amount of force that the clamping component can withstand while keeping the toggle locked. If the clamping component is exposed to too much pressure, the toggle may unlock, meaning the workpiece will no longer be secured.
In Conclusion
If you’re going to buy a toggle clamp, you should consider its hand force, clamping force and holding force. Most toggle clamps feature a hand force, clamping force and holding force. Hand force is the amount of force exerted by the handle when engaged. Clamping force is the amount of force exerted by the clamping component. Holding force is the amount force the clamping component can withstand without the toggle becoming unlocked.