What are Hanging Clamps?

Hanging Clamp

A hanging clamp can be used for storing blueprints or other large documents, so they're available when you need them. Blueprint hanging clamps have also been called “drawing sticks,” “plan clamps,” and “plan sticks” by people who work in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries. And because they can be used to store plan sets, these blueprint clamps are good to have and use. They’re an important part of any hanging file system, which is an excellent way of keeping blueprints secure. They can hold your drawings in place so they can be filed in a clothesline-like fashion, but their length can’t be adjusted. That's why the type of hanging clamp you need will depend on the types of documents you want to store.

Hanging Clamp Sizes Explained

It’s not hard to choose the hanging clamp size you need. While their length can’t be adjusted, blueprint clamps can hold a set of drawings together in the same way as a binder would. They will clamp together according to the thickness of your blueprint set. So whether you want to secure one or 100 drawings, it will compensate for the thickness. But because the length of blueprint hanging clamps can’t be adjusted, you’ll have to buy a set based on the length you need. This is what will ultimately drive your decision on what type of clamp length you need to buy.

Blueprint clamps come in the following lengths:

18-inch
24-inch
30-inch
36-inch
42-inch

A 30-inch hanging clamp is one of the most popular, because it adds a little more room (or “play”) on each end of a 24-inch document. And because you don’t have to use the entire length of the clamp, you can hang a variety of drawing sizes on the same set. Just remember that most blueprint hanging clamps come in cartons of six. So if you need twelve of them, you’ll need to purchase two cartons. But you should also double-check the quantity of every carton you buy, because not all of them are sold in that quantity. Each clamp will come with a label on one end, which can be used to identify a particular set. And they will snap into a hanging file system, which you’ll have to purchase separately. Blueprint stands will usually include hangers, but they won’t include blueprint hanging clamps. Most hanging file systems will hold twelve clamps, but some of them will hold eighteen. Just read the description on each one, so you can be sure.

Quality Hanging Clamps from Engineering Supply!

If you’re looking for a place to build your next hanging file system, Engineering Supply has everything you need. We have a broad selection of blueprint clamps, as well as a number of options for storing large documents. We carry all of the standard hanging clamp sizes, and all of them come from top-rated manufacturers. With our storage solutions, you can keep your office neat and organized. So if you’re looking for a way to store any blueprint or large document, be sure to look at what we have in our store. We’re sure you’ll be able to find a solution that’s right for you!