BeamClamp® Load Capacity Guide: Safe WOrking Loads by Model and Bolt Size

How BeamClamp® Load Ratings Work

Every BeamClamp® safe working load (SWL) is derived from physical load testing — not calculated estimates. All published loads carry a 5-to-1 factor of safety and are independently verified under Lloyd’s Register Type Approval. Types BA, BB, BF1, BG1, and BH1 also carry additional approval from DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik).

Before using the tables below, understand the two load types:

• Tensile SWL per bolt — the load the clamp can resist in the direction pulling the bolt out of the connection (perpendicular to the steel surface). This is the primary load type for suspension applications.
• Frictional SWL per 4 bolts — the clamping force that resists sliding along the steel surface. This applies when BeamClamps are used in pairs to connect two steel sections side by side. Where marked “X”, frictional load data is not published for that size.

For a primer on BeamClamp® types and how they work, see: What are BeamClamps® and How Do They Work?

Type BA and BB — Flat Flange BeamClamps®

Most Common Type

Types BA and BB are the most widely used BeamClamp® models, typically used in pairs to clamp two steel sections together on flat (parallel) flanges. BA has a recessed top to grip the bolt head. BB has a flat top for a nut and washer. Available in three tail lengths (short, medium, long) — SWL is identical across tail lengths for the same bolt size.

Approvals: Lloyd’s Register Type Approved | DIBt Approved | 5-to-1 Factor of Safety

Verified from the LNA 2024 Steel Connection Solutions Catalog. Recommended bolts: 3/8″ = M10 Grade 8.8/10.9 | 1/2″ = M12 Grade 5/8 | 5/8″ = M16 Grade 5/8 | 3/4″ = M20 A325/A490 | 1″ = M24 Grade 5&8 / 7/8″ A325.

For full model selection guidance, see: How to Select the Right BeamClamp for Wide Flange Beams

Type BBLN — Long Nose BeamClamp®

The BBLN is similar to the standard BB but features an extended nose that distributes more contact across the flange and positions clamping force closer to the web. Used where additional grip near the web is required.

Verified from the LNA 2024 Steel Connection Solutions Catalog.

Type BT and BW — Sloped Flange BeamClamps® (S-Beams, Crane Rail)

Types BT and BW are specifically designed with a 10-degree sloping nose for tapered steel flanges — including S-beams and crane rail. BT has a recessed top; BW has a flat top. Available in short and medium tail lengths.

5-to-1 Factor of Safety | Hot-dip galvanized

Verified from the LNA 2024 Steel Connection Solutions Catalog. Recommended bolts: 1/2″ = M12 Grade 5/8 | 5/8″ = M16 Grade 5/8 | 3/4″ = M20 A325/A490.

Type BK — Self-Adjusting Clamp for Flat and Sloped Flanges

The BK1 is a two-part self-adjusting clamp with a hemispherical washer that accommodates tapered steel up to 15 degrees and varying flange thicknesses. Ideal when flange thickness is unknown or changes across a project. Lloyd’s Register approved.

Verified from the LNA 2024 Steel Connection Solutions Catalog. Recommended bolts: 3/8″ = M10 Grade 8.8/10.9 | 1/2″ = M12 Grade 5/8 | 5/8″ = M16 Grade 5/8 | 3/4″ = M20 A325/A490 | 1″ = M24 Grade 5&8 / 7/8″ A325.

For a detailed overview of the BK1 model, see: What Is BeamClamp Type BK1 — and Why It’s Ideal for Sloped or Tapered Steel?

Type BE1 and BE2 — Adjustable Flat and Sloped Flange Clamps

BE1 and BE2 feature a socket screw at the back to fine-adjust for varying steel thicknesses — ideal when flange thickness is unknown or changes within a project. BE1 accommodates a wider bolt range (3/8″ through 1″). BE2 is available in 1/2″ and 5/8″ only.

Verified from the LNA 2024 Steel Connection Solutions Catalog.

Type BC and BD — Angle and Channel BeamClamps®

BC1 and BD1 hook over the upstanding flanges of angles and channels. They can be used together for channel-to-channel connections or combined with other clamping products for angle/channel applications. Tensile SWL only — no published frictional load for this type.

Verified from the LNA 2024 Steel Connection Solutions Catalog. Lloyd’s Register approved.

Type BL — C-Style BeamClamp® (Suspension and Lateral Loading)

The BL clamp grips steel directly without a location plate — used for clamping parallel steel sections, pressure vessel lids, and suspension applications. The central bolt can be replaced with threaded rod, eyebolts, or J-bolts. Tested for both tensile and lateral loads. Factor of safety: 3-to-1.

Verified from the LNA 2024 Steel Connection Solutions Catalog. Note: BL uses a 3-to-1 factor of safety (vs. 5-to-1 for other BeamClamp® types).

Type BY and BYP — High Friction BeamClamps® (Highest Load Ratings)

Highest SWL in the Range

Types BY and BYP are engineered for high-friction and high-tensile applications that exceed standard BeamClamp® capacities. Available in small and medium friction grades — medium provides significantly higher frictional SWL on both painted and galvanized steel. BYP uses a washer to fill the BY recess for a flat surface when needed.

Load ratings are published for two surface conditions: painted steel and galvanized steel.

Verified from the LNA 2024 Steel Connection Solutions Catalog. Recommended bolts: 1/2″ BY = M12 Grade 5/8 or A325 (use BYP) | 5/8″ BY = M16 Grade 5/8/A325/A490 | 3/4″ BY = M20 A325/A490 or Grade 5&8 (use BYP).

Type BM — One-Piece Self-Adjusting BeamClamp®

The BM is a one-piece self-adjusting clamp that works on both parallel and tapered flanges. Ideal for varying or unknown flange thicknesses. The 5/8″ RF version (BM1G16_RF) is seismic rated — the only BeamClamp® model with a seismic load designation. Lloyd’s Register approved.

Verified from the LNA 2024 Steel Connection Solutions Catalog. Negative grip values indicate the BM can accommodate flanges thinner than the clamp body — a unique capability in the BeamClamp® range.

BeamClamp® Model Quick Selection Guide

Use this table to identify the right starting model for your application before consulting the full load tables above.

Important Considerations Before Specifying BeamClamp® Loads

The SWL tables above are reference tools. Before finalizing any specification, review the following:

• Surface finish matters for frictional loads. Galvanized steel consistently produces higher frictional SWL than painted steel — particularly significant for Type BY/BYP applications.
• Tensile vs. frictional loading are different failure modes. Do not add tensile and frictional loads together — they apply to different connection configurations.
• Bolt grade affects clamping force. Always use the recommended bolt grade for each model. Under-graded bolts will not develop the published SWL at the specified torque.
• The host beam must be rated for the applied load. BeamClamp® SWL is the capacity of the clamp — not the capacity of the beam it clamps to. A licensed structural engineer must verify the existing steelwork can carry the applied load.
• Packing pieces may be required. For BA, BB, BT, and BW, packing pieces (BF1, BG1, BH1 short; BF2, BG2 long) ensure the clamp seats at the correct angle on tapered flanges.

For a broader overview of connection best practices, see: 5 Best Practices for Steel Connection Design and Common Structural Connection Mistakes Engineers Should Avoid.

For information on third-party approval programs referenced above, see: Bolt Certifications Explained: What ICC, DIBt, and Lloyd’s Approvals Actually Mean.

For AISC guidelines on bolted connection design, see the AISC 360 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can a BeamClamp® hold?

BeamClamp® tensile safe working loads range from 281 lbs (Type BA/BB, 5/16″ bolt) to 7,524 lbs per bolt (Type BY, 3/4″ bolt, medium friction). The maximum load depends on the model, bolt size, and connection type. All loads carry a 5-to-1 factor of safety and are verified by Lloyd’s Register Type Approval. See the full tables above for model-by-model data.

What is the safe working load of a BeamClamp®?

Safe working load (SWL) is the maximum load a BeamClamp® can carry under normal service conditions after the factor of safety has been applied. For BeamClamp®, a 5-to-1 factor of safety is applied to all published loads — meaning the actual tested failure load is five times higher than the published SWL. The exception is Type BL, which uses a 3-to-1 factor of safety.

What is the difference between tensile SWL and frictional SWL?

Tensile SWL is the load resistance perpendicular to the steel surface — pulling the clamp away from the beam. Frictional SWL is the resistance to sliding along the steel surface when two sections are clamped side by side. These two load types apply to different connection configurations and should not be added together.

Do BeamClamp® load ratings include a factor of safety?

Yes. All published BeamClamp® SWL figures have a 5-to-1 factor of safety already applied (3-to-1 for Type BL). The loads in the tables are the safe working loads — not the ultimate failure loads. No additional safety factor needs to be applied to the published SWL values for standard applications, though project-specific engineering review is always recommended.

Which BeamClamp® model has the highest load capacity?

For tensile loading, the Type BY (medium friction, 3/4″ bolt) achieves the highest published tensile SWL at 7,524 lbs per bolt. For suspension loads at the nose, the BL (1″ bolt) reaches 7,718 lbs per pair. For frictional loads on galvanized steel, the BY (medium, 3/4″ bolt) reaches 7,733 lbs per 2 bolts.

Is there a seismic-rated BeamClamp®?

Yes. The BM1G16_RF is a seismic-rated version of the Type BM self-adjusting clamp. It has a published tensile SWL of 640 lbs per bolt at 43 ft-lb torque. For seismic-rated blind bolt connections to HSS, see BoxBolt® Type C, which carries ICC seismic approval.

Need Engineering Support for Your BeamClamp® Specification?

LNA Solutions provides free engineering support for BeamClamp® specifications — from simple load verification to full 2D/3D design detailing for complex projects. Our team regularly provides CPD seminars for design engineers and can support projects of any scale.

All load data verified from the LNA 2024 Steel Connection Solutions Catalog. For current availability, additional models, and project-specific engineering, contact LNA Solutions.