G Clamps

[Steve Hart]

Hi,
I am currently using a giraffe stand for me lights, spinmaster 3's x 2 and a few other scanners. Do you guys think it would be ok to get some g clamps on hang them on the frame. This will speed things up when setting up and packing away.

[CRAZY K]

Hi,
I am currently using a giraffe stand for me lights, spinmaster 3's x 2 and a few other scanners. Do you guys think it would be ok to get some g clamps on hang them on the frame. This will speed things up when setting up and packing away.

I use a Giraffe Goal Post Stand for Weddings and hang Floodlights, Dynatwins and Moonflowers with metal clamps.

I still have to unscrew the clamps on mine--

There are some with quick release fittings--not sure how god they are--Daz is the expert I believe.

CRAZY K

[Thames Valley Discos]

look on here for some good clamps
http://www.ultimate1.co.uk/hardware_accessories.htm

[Steve Hart]

Aye thats what I do at present, i'm trying to reduce the time it takes to set me gear up. Everything else is not too bad just the lights take the time screwing them on...

[Thames Valley Discos]

invest in one of these
http://www.ultimate1.co.uk/Mobile%20Rig.htm
or better still one of these
http://www.ultimate1.co.uk/DJSPRO.htm
then pre wire the bars.

[TONYTIGER]

Aye thats what I do at present, i'm trying to reduce the time it takes to set me gear up. Everything else is not too bad just the lights take the time screwing them on...

I think this has been covered before ,i use the prolight ones were one bit stays on the bar and the spigot is on the fixture then you just click them in there was some talk about how safe they were but i have used them for 18months and have no issues hang fixtures up to about 15kgs i think they are about a £5 each.

[CRAZY K]

I think this has been covered before ,i use the prolight ones were one bit stays on the bar and the spigot is on the fixture then you just click them in there was some talk about how safe they were but i have used them for 18months and have no issues hang fixtures up to about 15kgs i think they are about a £5 each.

Waiting for Daz on this---I think he had troubles with Pro light?

Wouldnt you have to use a safety chain with a plastic quick release though-- to be safe.

Im not thinking of injuries here--just writing off an expensive piece of kit especially if its Martin or an expensive make--:eek:

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

They weren't very safe when the inserts were plastic, but they have now been changed to metal so should be fine. I'd still be using safety bonds with them though.

[Steve Hart]

Cheers for that, anyone got a link where I can get these type of clamps from? :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Cheers for that, anyone got a link where I can get these type of clamps from? :)

Most places sell them and this is what they look like. http://www.htfr.com/more-info/MR196602

[TONYTIGER]

They weren't very safe when the inserts were plastic, but they have now been changed to metal so should be fine. I'd still be using safety bonds with them though.

Yep agree with that i have the metal ones and hang some quite heavy scanners on them ok so far if they do fail in will be on by head literally.

[CRAZY K]

Yep agree with that i have the metal ones and hang some quite heavy scanners on them ok so far if they do fail in will be on by head literally.

Is it quicker overall if you use safety belts/chains with quick release clamps as opposed to a standard clamp with a wing nut?

CRAZY K

[Corabar Entertainment]

Whatever you use to hang your lights you should be using safety wires/chains anyhow

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Whatever you use to hang your lights you should be using safety wires/chains anyhow

Agreed and Alan, it is quicker using the quick clamps as you leave them on the fixture rather than having to undo everything.

[CRAZY K]

Agreed and Alan, it is quicker using the quick clamps as you leave them on the fixture rather than having to undo everything.

Appreciated Daz-- but what about the safety chains?

How long do they take to install and take down after?

See my point?

Is it actually any quicker overall?????????

CRAZY K

[Vectis]

How long do they take to install and take down after?

Should have them irrespective of primary fixing method :eek:

Sometimes I cheat and use black releasable cable ties as a secondary "loop" as these are quicker than the proper wire connectors, but only under time pressure and on lighter effects such as dynamos.

G-clamps are generally about 20 seconds per effect quicker than using the screw-through-the-bar approach and the quick clamps are about 20 seconds quicker again IMHO.

So if hanging say 6 lights you can probably save 3-4 minutes.

Generally though I tend to add the additional safety chains & tie down the cables etc. AFTER everything's been set up and checked for operation whilst background music is playing, so no real effect on set-up time.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Appreciated Daz-- but what about the safety chains?

How long do they take to install and take down after?

See my point?

Is it actually any quicker overall?????????

CRAZY K

Yes it is. Safety chains are already attached to the fixtures, so just need looping round the bar.

[TonyB]

Apart from the time saving I find it easier using G Clamps. You don't have one hand trying to support the light and bolt while the other one is fiddling trying to get the nut on. Just hang the lights and tighten the clamp.

Likewise taking them down, just loosen the clamp and lift off.

[rob1963]

Apart from the time saving I find it easier using G Clamps. You don't have one hand trying to support the light and bolt while the other one is fiddling trying to get the nut on. Just hang the lights and tighten the clamp.

Likewise taking them down, just loosen the clamp and lift off.

I do the same...it's quick & easy.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I do the same...it's quick & easy.

Not if you are using quite a few lights and the clamps have to come off to fit in cases. :(

[Vectis]

Only ones I have a problem with are datamoons; everything else stays clamped up in the case.

I bought some lightweight & smaller ones for dynamos from craplins but otherwise I use the standard G clamps throughout.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Only ones I have a problem with are datamoons; everything else stays clamped up in the case.



The trouble is (and I've said this before), manufacturers don't make cases that fit the clamp as well.

[TonyB]

Not if you are using quite a few lights and the clamps have to come off to fit in cases. :(

Same as Vectis, the ones on the datamoons have to be removed but its not my job, my roadie does all the lighting while I look after the sound.

I bought the clamps to make his life easier so he can't complain. :D

[rob1963]

Not if you are using quite a few lights and the clamps have to come off to fit in cases. :(

I know what you mean, Darren.

I recently roadied for someone with more lights than me, and he had the problem of the lights not fitting in their cases with the clamps on.

:rolleyes:

[Vectis]

Very odd.

All of my stuff apart from a couple of hardly-used items is flightcased and only my datamoons don't fit. Dynamos, dynarolls, stormbirds, TFT screens, lasers they all fit fine. Maybe its the type of clamp? I had to find some smallish ones for my dynamos. Don't fly moving heads but if I did there'd be room in the prolight iMove5 cases I keep them in.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I know what you mean, Darren.

I recently roadied for someone with more lights than me, and he had the problem of the lights not fitting in their cases with the clamps on.

:rolleyes:

Ah, but that has changed now. ;)

Different cases and different clamps.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

All of Don't fly moving heads but if I did there'd be room in the prolight iMove5 cases I keep them in.

I'm not sure how you work that out? I did fly the moving heads and have the official cases and there was nowhere to leave the clamp on so they fitted in. :confused: