Vestil BC series - Manual (Page 8)

Step 4: Engage the beam with the tongs. Turn the handle clockwise until the clamp firmly grasps the beam.
Each clamping arm is formed to include an interior notch. These notches receive the top of an I-beam. Tighten
the clamp until the top of the beam contacts all four of the clamping arms within the notches as shown in photos 3
and 4. The angled teeth (circled in photo 5) allow the clamping arms to engage the underside of the top of an I-
beam. Adjust the position of the tongs to allow all 4 teeth to make solid contact with the beam.
Firm contact between
beam and notches in
the clamping arms.
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4 3
5
Step 5: Test the balance of the beam in the clamp. Grasp the hoist hook to stabilize the lift (see photo 6), and
raise the beam just a few inches from the ground (or other supporting surface). The beam is improperly balanced
if it slides or hangs lower on one side. If improperly balanced, return the beam to the ground/supporting surface
and immobilize it. Reposition the clamp to improve balance by moving the clamp slightly towards the end that
hung lower during the test; then raise the object again to see if the beam is balanced. DO NOT proceed to the
next step until the load is properly balanced and stabilized. DO NOT use the tongs if you cannot achieve a
balanced hold of the beam; use a different device to lift and move the beam.
¾ If a single clamp cannot balance the beam, use a combination of two or more clamps. For instance, you
could connect a chain sling to the hoist hook, and attach a beam hook to each end of the sling via safety
hooks. Afterwards, retest the balance of the beam according to the process described in Step 5. Raise the
beam ONLY after achieving proper balance.
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This end of the beam hangs lower than the other.
Return the beam to the ground/supporting
surface and reposition the tongs by moving them
closer to this end.
6