What is meant by clamps?

In event technology, clamps are load-rated fixing devices that grip a round truss tube or scaffold pipe to provide a safe attachment point for equipment. A clamp closes a jaw or half-shell around the tube and is tightened with a bolt, wing nut or spanner. Unlike woodworking clamps that press two workpieces together temporarily, rigging clamps such as half-couplers and hook clamps are designed to suspend lighting fixtures, moving heads and speakers overhead with a stated Working Load Limit and a built-in safety factor.

What are the three types of clamps?

The three most common clamp types in stage and event rigging are the half-coupler, the hook clamp and the swivel coupler. A half-coupler grips a single tube and offers a load-rated eye for shackles and slings, making it ideal for suspending fixtures. A hook clamp hooks over a tube and closes with a wing nut or quick-release lever for fast hanging of light fixtures. A swivel coupler joins two tubes at any angle for building custom frames and bracing. Each type carries its own Working Load Limit and tube diameter range.

What are clamps for holding things together?

Clamps for holding things together are gripping devices that bind or press objects so they stay firmly in place. In general workshops these include G-clamps, F-clamps and spring clamps used to hold timber or metal while glue sets or work is carried out. In event technology, however, clamps hold gear differently: rigging clamps such as couplers and hook clamps hold truss tubes together and secure lighting or speakers overhead. The key difference is that rigging clamps are load-rated for vertical suspension, while workshop clamps apply horizontal holding pressure.

What are clamps in the human body?

In medicine, clamps are surgical instruments used to compress blood vessels, tissue or tubing during procedures – a completely separate meaning from the hardware sold at LTT. LTT is a specialist for event technology, so the clamps in this category are rigging clamps and truss couplers used to suspend lighting fixtures, moving heads and speakers from truss on stages and at events. These clamps carry a defined Working Load Limit and are engineered to grip standard truss tube diameters safely overhead.

How do you use clamps correctly for rigging?

To use a rigging clamp correctly, first confirm the clamp's grip range matches your tube diameter – for example a 48–51 mm clamp on a 50 mm Naxpro-Truss FD31 tube. Open the jaw, position the clamp on the tube and tighten the bolt or lever to full thread engagement. Check that the combined weight of the fixture and accessories stays below the stated Working Load Limit, and always add a secondary safety such as a steel safety bond on flown fixtures. Inspect every clamp for cracks, bent frames or worn threads before use, and never overload it.

Which clamp brands are best for professional use?

For professional stage and event use, trusted clamp brands include Riggatec, Global Truss, Manfrotto, Doughty and Showtec. Riggatec is LTT's own accessory brand and offers half-couplers and hook clamps with clearly documented Working Load Limits. Global Truss and Alutruss provide couplers compatible with standard 50 mm truss, while Manfrotto and Doughty are renowned for precision grip and stage hardware. The best clamp for professional use always carries a stated WLL, TÜV SÜD testing and a tube diameter range that matches your truss system.

What does a rigging clamp cost?

The price of a rigging clamp depends on its type, load rating and material. Simple hook clamps for hanging light fixtures are the most affordable, while load-rated half-couplers and cast aluminium or steel swivel couplers with higher Working Load Limits cost more. At LTT you also benefit from free shipping from €69, a 3-year warranty and wholesale conditions for resellers. Rather than choosing on price alone, match the clamp's WLL, tube diameter and certification to your application – a correctly rated clamp is always the more economical choice over its service life.

Which clamp suits a 50 mm truss such as Naxpro-Truss FD31?

For a 50 mm truss system such as Naxpro-Truss FD31, FD34 or HD31, choose a clamp with a 48–51 mm grip range – this covers 50 mm truss tube and 48.3 mm scaffold pipe. Use a half-coupler with a load-rated eye when you need a certified suspension point for moving heads or speakers, or a hook clamp for fast hanging of lighter conventional fixtures. Always confirm the clamp's Working Load Limit exceeds the combined weight of your fixture and accessories, and never fit a 48–51 mm clamp to the smaller 35 mm FD21 tube or the larger 60 mm GS94 tube.

Clamps

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Manfrotto - 035FTC - Super Clamp without Stud

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