Shez Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 I'm looking to swap out some hook clamps on some S4s that will sometimes be rigged on the top of a truss. Half couplers are not ideal as when under-rigging, you can't just hook it straight on to a bar. Are quick triggers the best option here? Anything else that's good for rigging in any orientation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J Pearce Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 Trigger clamps work well. Do check their rated orientation - for example the Doughty Twenty clamp isn't rated for over-rigging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathanhill Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 Doughty recommend that the plane of the load is vertical for both the Quick Trigger and Trigger clamp. The manual for both shows the clamps used in a traditional under rigging position. Doughty definitely warn against using the Quick Trigger as side loaded. The Trigger clamp has a reduced SWL when side loaded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskers Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 Century C Clamp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shez Posted June 29, 2017 Author Share Posted June 29, 2017 Century C ClampUrgh vile thing. And a great way to punch a hole in the truss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alistermorton Posted June 29, 2017 Share Posted June 29, 2017 Doughty recommend that the plane of the load is vertical for both the Quick Trigger and Trigger clamp. The manual for both shows the clamps used in a traditional under rigging position. Although the catalogue page shows the trigger clamp used for both under and over slinging without recommending against, unlike the quick trigger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DNT Posted June 30, 2017 Share Posted June 30, 2017 I'm looking to swap out some hook clamps on some S4s that will sometimes be rigged on the top of a truss. Half couplers are not ideal as when under-rigging, you can't just hook it straight on to a bar. Are quick triggers the best option here? Anything else that's good for rigging in any orientation? Global Truss clamps are much cheaper than Doughty and are available in both quick trigger and trigger (coupler) type. Whether you use Doughty or other brands, I suggest the coupler type if they need to be uprigged at times. Both types will hang on the bar for "normal" use, but the coupler type need both hands to bring the arm up and secure it, while the quick version needs only one hand to secure it, but is not suitable for uprigging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryson Posted June 30, 2017 Share Posted June 30, 2017 Century C ClampUrgh vile thing. And a great way to punch a hole in the truss. Literally the worst thing about working in lighting in North America, these things. :huh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunray Posted June 30, 2017 Share Posted June 30, 2017 <br /><br />Century C Clamp<br /><br />Urgh vile thing. And a great way to punch a hole in the truss.<br />Are these a casting with a clamping bolt from the bottom at 45ish degrees?I once replaced some truss which had loads of holes from these, H&S man insisted they were changed as the hole was pulled outwards when the clamp was removed and a nasty sharp mess was left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shez Posted July 1, 2017 Author Share Posted July 1, 2017 That's them. Their only advantage is their ability to work with a wider range of bar diameters than most other clamps. Everything else about them is horrible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskers Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 That's them. Their only advantage is their ability to work with a wider range of bar diameters than most other clamps. Everything else about them is horrible. Agree, can damage truss but for odd pipes, roof trusses or direct on the back of a set unbeatable! Always 6 in my handy box Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunray Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 The problem I saw with them: the bolt didnt hit the 50mm truss square on, so it is only the edge of the thread that makes contact. As they are tightened, they either move sideways or grind an elliptical hole.When we replaced the truss, we also replaced the bolts with some that had a smooth rounded end and the thread started a tad from the end. After that they tended to put a big dent in the truss and twist round as tightened.One guy I work with will only use [half]couplers on light gauge tube/truss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonkiDonki Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 After reading this thread I had a look at the Global Truss range and found the Smart coupler which looks interesting.Does anyone have experience with these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rab_ Posted July 18, 2017 Share Posted July 18, 2017 After reading this thread I had a look at the Global Truss range and found the Smart coupler which looks interesting.Does anyone have experience with these? It's only one guy's opinion - I haven't used them myself - but I had to listen to a 10 minute rant about these things one coffee break. Problems getting them attached (difficult to access the attachment bolt?), springs popping out and being impossible to find. That sort of thing. Like I say, second-hand opinion, but one very annoyed contractor, so I'd seriously consider getting a sample to play with before investing any wider, if it was me. Or at least get some reassurance from someone on here who's used them - the guy I had to listen to might just be an idiot ;) Cheers, Rab. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Johnstone Posted July 18, 2017 Share Posted July 18, 2017 Quick triggers or standard triggers are your best option here, and it's a standard clamp to find on most fixtures these days.They'll be the easiest to use for over rigging S4s on a truss, half couplers are a PITA for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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