C-clamp (stagecraft)
In stagecraft, a c-clamp can refer to a number of different pieces of hardware, depending on its intended use.
Lighting and sound
In stage lighting and sound a c-clamp, also referred to as a pipe clamp, is used to attach a larger piece of hardware, such as a lighting instrument, a speaker, or a dimmer, to a pipe or batten. Newer c-clamps tend to be constructed of aluminum, although steel is also available.C-clamps function by affixing a bolt to the hardware they are to hold in place, such as through the yoke of a lighting instrument, and securely fastening this bolt to the clamp shaft. The open end of the clamp is then placed over the batten, and a bolt is tightened to secure the c-clamp. C-clamps for stage lighting fixtures usually also have a pan screw, which when loosened will allow the clamp shaft, and therefore the fixture, to be rotated 360 degrees while maintaining a secure connection to the batten.
Parts
- Clamp: the main body of the clamp, is typically either cast steel or aluminium and designed to sit overtop of a typical theatrical batten.
- Clamp Bolt: a long-threaded bolt designed to tighten down on a pipe, forcing it into the clamp.
- Spigot: a machined metal shaft that sits in the clamp and rotates freely through 360°. Used for attaching Stage lighting instrument or other fixture to the c-clamp.
- Pan Bolt: A small bolt through the side of the clamp, typically 1/4" or 3/8" which tightens down onto the spigot, preventing it from rotating.
- Yoke Bolt: A short 1/2" bolt which affixes the yoke of a fixture to the spigot.
Variations
- Pipe Clamp
- C clamp
- Trigger Clamp
- Cheeseborough / swivel coupler / double coupler and half-burger / half coupler
- Manfrotto Super Clamp