The push pull handle of a straight-line action clamp is easy to operate and moves the plunger of the clamp in and out along its axis. Almost all these clamps can be locked in two positions, allowing you to use them as either push or pull clamps.

Several base mounting options are available including flange, narrow flange, solid and straight.

Some models have threaded bodies for thru-hole mounting.

An additional locking mechanism is available on some models, an innovative safety feature that adds a secondary lock to the clamp to ensure that the over-center locking condition is maintained and protected against unintentional opening.

Push pull clamps are available in a variety of types to accommodate a wide range of load ratings (100–16,000lbf. [445N-71,2kN]). Some of the available types of push pull clamps are:

• Compact models
• Heavy Duty models with 50% more holding capacity
• Solid base models with high holding capacity and compact design
• Low profile models
• Anti-slip models
• Narrow base models for tight spaces
• Flanged or straight base models
• Hold open models
• Thru-hole mounting models with threaded body
• Adjustable stroke models to hold and position various part sizes

Pneumatic push pull clamps are used to apply pressure in a straight-line action. Use these clamps to wedge your workpiece up against a rail or pair with another push pull clamp to apply force against each other in a vise-like application.

Light-duty pneumatic power clamps utilize the same basic design and operation as manual hold-down or straight-line toggle clamps but are operated pneumatically. They retain the desirable toggle-lock safety feature, so they stay mechanically locked even with a total loss of air pressure. Holding capacities are a function of the cylinder/clamp/pressure combination.

The units are usually self-contained and require only a pressure source hook-up.

Some push pull toggle clamp models are also equipped with a magnetic piston ring for end position sensing using optional switches that send signals from the power clamp to a programmable controller or electronic device.

> Standard steel

> Stainless steel

One of the most important criteria for selecting push pull action toggle clamps for your workholding solution is how to calculate exerting or clamping force and holding capacity. The formulas are like those for manual toggle clamps. They are also easy to understand and apply.

Most toggle clamp manufacturers provide data tables that provide a jig or fixture designer with the parameters necessary to select the best push pull clamp model for their workholding application.

Manufacturer data tables typically show several product parameters. Among the more important are:

• EF: AF = Exerting Force: Applied Force (pushing/pulling)
• HC = Maximum Holding Capacity (lbsf)

Manufacturer data tables for pneumatic power push pull action toggle clamps typically show maximum holding capacity at a specific maximum calculated exerting force. Note that holding capacities are a function of the cylinder/clamp/pressure combination.

Reminder: the HC or holding capacity listed for each push pull or straight-line action toggle clamp refers to the maximum external force that the clamp can safely resist in its locked position without incurring any permanent deformation.

Push pull clamps are found in several manufacturing industries including aerospace, automotive, food and packaging, consumer goods and other industrial markets.

Push pull clamps are an absolute must for any jig, assembly, tooling fixtures and movable bases.

Some of the more common applications for push pull action toggle clamps are:

• Fixturing
• Testing
• CNC Machining
• Plastic injection molding
• Soldering
• Gluing
• Tensioning devices
• Forged steel (base and handle)
• Welding
• Woodworking 

While many types of clamps are used in jigs and fixtures, the most commonly used are toggle clamps. They are available in manual, pneumatic and hydraulic versions and come in a wide variety of configurations, sizes, and holding capacities.

Regardless of how they are operated, the primary feature of toggle clamps is that they lock in position securely, are quick acting and can be quickly turned on or off by an operator.

In this article, we talked about push pull action toggle clamps. We discussed clamping mechanism details, manual and powered clamp types, available material types, things to consider when selecting a push pull action clamp and applications for push pull clamps.

Finally, most push pull action toggle clamp manufacturers provide data tables that provide a jig or fixture designer with the parameters necessary to select the best push pull clamp model for their workholding application.