What are clamps and hooks used for?

Truss clamps and hooks are specialised fastening devices used to attach lighting fixtures, sound equipment, stage elements and technical installations to aluminium truss structures. Clamps wrap around truss tubes and lock in place with threaded bolts, providing secure mounting points with load capacities up to 750 kg. Hooks offer faster, tool-free mounting for lighter equipment. Both are essential in concert production, exhibition construction, theatre rigging and event technology, enabling technicians to build safe, reliable overhead installations that comply with DGUV Regulation 17 safety standards.

What types of clamps are available?

Professional truss clamps come in several types: Half clamps wrap around one side of the truss tube and are ideal for attaching individual fixtures, with WLL ratings typically between 250–750 kg. Double clamps grip the tube from both sides, providing superior stability for heavy equipment such as line-array speakers. They're available in fixed 90° and rotating 360° versions. Quick-release hooks and self-lock mechanisms offer tool-free mounting for lighter loads (50–150 kg). Super clamps feature adjustable jaws that grip varying tube diameters, making them versatile for mixed truss systems or improvised rigging points.

Which clamp size do I need for my truss system?

Clamp size depends on your truss tube diameter, which is typically either 35 mm or 50 mm in professional systems. Naxpro-Truss FD21-24 series uses 35 mm tubes with 2 mm wall thickness, while FD31-44 and HD31-44 series use 50 mm tubes. Your clamps must match the tube diameter precisely – a 35 mm clamp will not fit a 50 mm truss. Check your truss specifications or measure the tube diameter directly. Also consider the load capacity (WLL) you need: half clamps range from 75 kg to 750 kg, while double clamps typically offer 500–750 kg capacity for heavy-duty applications.

How do I install truss clamps safely?

Safe clamp installation begins with selecting hardware that matches your truss tube diameter (35 mm or 50 mm) and exceeds your load requirements with a safety factor of at least 5:1 for static loads and 10:1 for dynamic loads. Position the clamp on a clean, undamaged section of tube, ensuring the clamping surfaces make full contact. Tighten the bolt or wing nut firmly – hand-tight for quick setups, but use a spanner for maximum clamping force on heavy loads. Inspect the clamp visually before each use, checking for cracks, thread damage or deformation. Always comply with DGUV Regulation 17 requirements, which mandate inspection by a qualified person before use.

What does a truss clamp cost?

Truss clamp prices vary by type, load capacity and brand. Basic C-hooks for lightweight applications start around €3–5. Half clamps with moderate load capacity (250 kg WLL) typically cost €8–15, while heavy-duty half clamps with TÜV certification and 750 kg WLL range from €15–25. Double clamps with rotating mechanisms and maximum load ratings cost €20–40. Premium brands such as Riggatec, Doughty and Naxpro-Truss command higher prices but offer superior build quality, longer service life and reliable TÜV certification. For professional applications, investing in certified hardware is essential for safety and regulatory compliance.

What's the difference between half clamps and double clamps?

Half clamps wrap around one side of the truss tube and secure with a single bolt, making them ideal for attaching individual fixtures with moderate loads (typically 250–750 kg WLL). They're easy to install and can be added to existing truss structures without disassembly. Double clamps grip the tube from both sides, distributing the load more evenly and providing superior stability for heavy equipment such as line-array speakers or structural connections. Double clamps are available in fixed 90° configurations for perpendicular mounting and rotating 360° versions for infinite angle adjustment. Choose half clamps for most general-purpose mounting tasks and double clamps for maximum load capacity and stability.

Are TÜV-certified clamps required for professional use?

Yes, TÜV certification is essential for professional event rigging in Germany and is recognised internationally as the gold standard for safety. TÜV testing confirms that a clamp meets stringent material, strength and fatigue-resistance standards. In Germany, DGUV Regulation 17 (formerly BGV C1) mandates the use of certified rigging equipment for any installation where failure could result in injury. While the UK has its own health-and-safety framework, equipment certified to German TÜV and DGUV standards meets or exceeds most national requirements. Using non-certified hardware in professional applications exposes you to legal liability and, more importantly, puts crew and audience at risk.

Which brands offer the best truss clamps?

Premium truss clamp brands include Riggatec, Naxpro-Truss, Doughty, Global Truss and Prolyte. Riggatec and Naxpro-Truss are manufactured in Germany by LTT with TÜV certification and rigorous quality control, offering excellent value for professional applications. Doughty is a long-established UK brand known for innovative designs and robust construction. Global Truss and Prolyte are internationally recognised for their comprehensive rigging systems and wide product ranges. All these brands invest in precision manufacturing, high-grade aluminium alloys and stainless-steel fasteners that resist corrosion and maintain clamping force over thousands of setup cycles. Choose based on your existing truss system, load requirements and budget.

Clamps & hooks

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