Toggle clamps are commonly used to hold workpieces in place. Consisting of a handle, a pivot point or spindle, a clamping arm, base plate and clamping pad, they work by applying pressure to workpieces. As you engage the handle, the clamping arm will pivot and apply pressure. While they are all used to hold workpieces in place, however, toggle clamps are available in different styles, such as vertical and horizontal.
What Are Vertical Toggle Clamps?
Vertical toggle clamps are characterized by a vertically oriented handle. The handle typically lies flat and parallel with the clamping arm by default. Pulling the handle up engages the clamping mechanism. The pivot point will essentially pull the clamping arm, thereby applying downward pressure onto the workpiece. They are known as “vertical toggle clamps” because they feature a vertical handle when engaged and applying pressure.
What Are Horizontal Toggle Clamps?
Horizontal toggle clamps, on the other hand, are characterized by a horizontally oriented handle. They feature all of the same parts as their vertical counterparts, and they are used for the same purpose of securing or holding workpieces in place. Horizontal toggle clamps simply have a horizontal, upright handle when engaged and applying pressure.
Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Toggle Clamps
All toggle clamps have a handle with a pivot point, which allows them to pull the clamping arm and apply downward pressure. But the orientation of the handle may vary depending on whether it’s a vertical or horizontal toggle clamp. Vertical toggle clamps have a vertical handle when engaged and applying pressure, whereas horizontal toggle clamps have a horizontal handle when engaged and applying pressure.
Both styles of toggle clamps offer a simple and effective workholding solution. They can typically apply 100 to 1,000 pounds of clamping force. Horizontal toggle clamps, however, take up less space.
If there’s little or no overhead space, you may want to choose a horizontal toggle clamp. You can easily engage the handle, which will lie flat and parallel with the clamping arm. Vertical toggle clamps, in comparison, require more overhead space. There must be enough space above the workpiece to accommodate the vertically oriented handle.
In Conclusion
If you’re planning to buy a toggle clamp, you should consider the orientation of the handle. Some people prefer vertical toggle clamps, whereas others prefer horizontal toggle clamps. They can both apply significant pressure to hold workpieces in place.