Clamping handle range expanded

WDS Components has increased its array of clamping handles to offer what it says is the UK’s widest range of styles, with in-stock availability throughout.

Clamping handles, also known as clamping levers, provide a quick, adjustable method of clamping a wide variety of applications, typically involving metal tubing or sheet metal. The UK supplier’s expanded offer also includes fixed, non-adjustable levers, and features a variety of designs and colours.

Obstructions overcome

The advantage of the lever’s design is that its operation achieves a secure clamp, even with surrounding obstructions or in confined spaces when 360° rotational tightening isn’t possible. Clamping handles operate by lifting the body of the handle and rotating it to the desired location, with release of the mechanism providing a fast, secure method of clamping.

The handle spins freely to move to the operator’s choice of position, enabling tightening within the environment’s constraint of movement. Functioning in a similar way to a ratchet, indexing variants are also available that add precision with clamping to defined positions.

Tightening a clamp on a machine or jig

The levers are frequently used to tighten a clamp on a machine or a jig and they can also be used for non-industrial applications, providing a fast and safe way of tightening office equipment, through to camera tripods. Fixed, non-adjustable handles are also available for applications that require a secure grip, without a need for clamping.

New releases to the range include soft tip clamping levers that enable clamping and avoid marking. Designed to reduce damage or wear when clamping, a choice of nylon or brass soft tips is available.

WDS’ extensive range includes an L handle style, as well as ball knob grips and T handles. The handle inserts are mainly constructed from stainless steel with a choice of handle material, including die cast zinc, aluminium, thermoplastic and reinforced glass fibre handle. “These robust materials ensure long-term, corrosion free use.,” says WDS Components.

Around 100 inch-size options

A wide variety of handle and thread sizes are also available and, in addition to male and female inserts, clamping handles are now also offered in inch-size UNC threads for the North American market. Around 100 inch-size options cover the most commonly required.

The handles are also available in various standard RAL colours including blue, green, yellow, orange and red join grey and black to suit a wide range of settings, from industrial to residential.