Clevises are vital parts used across many industries, connecting components securely and flexibly. They find common use in rigging, construction, and machinery. Choosing the correct size is crucial for safety and performance. Balancing load capacity with fit can be challenging, but making the right choice impacts overall effectiveness and safety.
Clevis Dimensions
| Clevis No. | Max Tap Size (U) | Max Pin Size (P) | Eye Dia. (D) | Nut Thickness (N) | Throat Depth (A) | Leg Width (W) | Leg Thickness (T) | Safe Workng Load | Typical Wt w/Pin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5/8 | 3/4 | 1-7/16 | 5/8 | 3-7/8 | 1-1/16 | 5/16 | 3,500 lbs | 1.5 lbs |
| 2-1/2 | 7/8 | 1-1/2 | 2-1/2 | 1-1/8 | 4 | 1-1/4 | 5/16 | 7,500 lbs | 2.5 lbs |
| 3 | 1-3/8 | 1-3/4 | 3 | 1-5/16 | 5 | 1-1/2 | 1/2 | 15,000 lbs | 5.0 lbs |
| 3-1/2 | 1-1/2 | 2 | 3-1/2 | 1-5/8 | 6 | 1-3/4 | 1/2 | 18,000 lbs | 8.0 lbs |
| 4 | 1-3/4 | 2-1/4 | 4 | 1-3/4 | 6 | 2 | 1/2 | 21,000 lbs | 11.0 lbs |
| 5 | 2 | 2-1/2 | 5 | 2-1/4 | 7 | 2-1/2 | 5/8 | 37,500 lbs | 21.0 lbs |
| 6 | 2-1/2 | 3 | 6 | 2-3/4 | 8 | 3 | 3/4 | 54,000 lbs | 32.0 lbs |
| 7 | 3 | 3-3/4 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 3-1/2 | 7/8 | 68,500 lbs | 53.0 lbs |
Allowable Pin and Tap Size Combinations
| Tap | 1/2 | 5/8 | 3/4 | 7/8 | 1 | 1-1/4 | 1-1/2 | 1-3/4 | 2 | 2-1/4 | 2-1/2 | 2-3/4 | 3 | 3-1/4 | 3-1/2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1/2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 5/8 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2-1/2 | 2-1/2 | 2-1/2 | 2-1/2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 3/4 | – | – | 2-1/2 | 2-1/2 | 2-1/2 | 2-1/2 | 2-1/2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 7/8 | – | – | – | 2-1/2 | 2-1/2 | 2-1/2 | 2-1/2 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1 | – | – | – | – | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1-1/8 | – | – | – | – | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3-1/2 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1-1/4 | – | – | – | – | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3-1/2 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1-3/8 | – | – | – | – | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3-1/2 | 3-1/2 | 4 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1-1/2 | – | – | – | – | – | 3-1/2 | 3-1/2 | 4 | 4 | 5 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1-5/8 | – | – | – | – | – | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | – | – | – | – |
| 1-3/4 | – | – | – | – | – | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | – | – | – | – |
| 1-7/8 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | – | – | – | – |
| 2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | – | – |
| 2-1/4 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| 2-1/2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 2-3/4 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | – |
| 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 7 | – | – | – | – |
Understanding the Anatomy of a Clevis
Before diving into size charts, it’s crucial to understand the basic parts of a clevis and how they function together. A clevis typically includes a pin, a U-shaped body, and holes.
Each component plays a role in ensuring secure connections. For instance, standard clevises are straightforward, while adjustable shackles offer more flexibility but may have different strength profiles.
Balancing the type and size of clevis with your specific needs can be challenging. Factors like load capacity and material quality impact the clevis’s strength and durability, highlighting the importance of selecting the right clevis for your application.
How to Measure a Clevis for Replacement
If you’re replacing a clevis, accurate measurement is key to ensuring compatibility and safety. Begin by measuring the clevis pin diameter using a caliper, then measure the inner width of the U-shaped body to confirm it matches the pin size.
Next, measure the overall length of the clevis to ensure a proper fit. Essential tools for these measurements include a caliper and a ruler.
Common mistakes to avoid include not accounting for wear and tear, which can alter dimensions, and neglecting to measure all critical parts. Balancing precision with these factors ensures you select a clevis that maintains safety and functionality in your application.
Selecting the Right Clevis for Your Project
To make the best choice, consider your project’s load requirements, environment, and usage frequency. Key factors include the material of the clevis, its load rating, and any relevant safety considerations.
For instance, agriculture may require rust-resistant materials, while marine environments demand high corrosion resistance. Additionally, balancing durability with cost is crucial; choosing a clevis with the right specifications ensures reliability and longevity.
Adhering to best practices, such as regular inspections and proper maintenance, helps maintain performance. Each decision impacts overall effectiveness, highlighting the importance of aligning your clevis choice with your specific needs and conditions.
FAQ
1. What materials are commonly used for clevises, and how do I choose the right one?
Answer: Clevises are typically made from materials like steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Steel clevises offer high strength and durability, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications, while stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance for marine or outdoor environments. Aluminum clevises are lighter and suitable for applications where weight is a concern. Choosing the right material depends on your project’s load requirements, environmental conditions, and whether you need resistance to rust or corrosion.
2. How do I determine the correct clevis size for my application?
Answer: To determine the correct clevis size, measure the clevis pin diameter, inner width of the U-shaped body, and overall length. Compare these measurements to the specifications of your equipment to ensure a proper fit. It’s also essential to consider the load rating of the clevis to match it with your project’s load requirements. Use a caliper for precise measurements and check the size chart to ensure compatibility. If in doubt, consult the manufacturer or a professional to ensure you select the right size.
3. What are the common mistakes to avoid when measuring a clevis for replacement?
Answer: Common mistakes include neglecting to measure all critical dimensions, such as the pin diameter, inner width, and overall length. It’s also important to account for wear and tear that may have altered the clevis’s dimensions over time. Another mistake is failing to match the load rating of the new clevis with your application’s requirements. To avoid these issues, use accurate measuring tools, double-check measurements, and ensure the new clevis meets the same or higher load capacity as the old one.