The grip<\/strong> department<\/strong><\/a> is a vital part of the filmmaking process, and as any grip will tell you, one of the vital\u00a0tools found on every set is the trusty clamp<\/strong>. These clamps come in various sizes and shapes \u2014 we’re going to take a look at the four main types. \u00a0We’ll also cover where, when, and how you would use them on set.<\/p>\n Before we get to the clamps, let’s run over the job of the grip<\/a>. To put it simply, a grip is a production technician who oversees lighting and rigging. Grips are led and directed by the key grip<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Grips perform two main functions on set. The first is to provide support for the electrical department<\/strong> when setting up the production lighting. Secondly, they provide support for the\u00a0camera department<\/strong> for rigging, and even the operation of camera rigs.<\/p>\n The standard clamp for all grips is the pony<\/strong> clamp,\u00a0<\/strong>or as it’s more commonly known, the A-clamp<\/strong>. This is the “do everything” clamp. They can be used for mounting gels to a light \u2014 just be sure the clamps have rubber so you don’t ruin the gels. You can also use them to mount reflectors, sound blankets, or material for a cyc wall<\/a>. Professional grips usually have quite a few of these available at all times.<\/p>\n The super clamp, also known as the mafer<\/strong>, is an incredibly powerful clamp to have on set. This clamp can bite down on pipes and poles, allowing grips to mount lights in tight or awkward position. This clamp also comes with the ability to utilize interchangeable mounts, allowing you to mount the clamp to a C-stand \u2014 or even to mount a camera, as seen up top.<\/p>\n The C-clamp is a classic hardware tool.<\/strong> However, the C-clamps most handymen use are quite different from the C-clamps used on set. As seen in the image above, a grip’s C-clamp has spuds welded to the back edge of the clamp that allow for mounting to a C-stand. The clamp also utilizes U-shaped plates, which give you the ability to attach this clamp to just about any surface.<\/p>\n The final clamp we’re going to look at is the Cardellini.<\/strong> This clamp has two angled jaws that can tighten onto any flat or round surface. As you can see in the image above, this clamp is\u00a0mounted to a C-stand and then clamped onto a reflector for lighting. Another great thing about these clamps is that they have rubber pads on the inside of the angled jaws. Because of this, you can be sure\u00a0the clamp isn’t marking up the surface of whatever you’re clamping to.<\/p>\n If you’d like a visual breakdown of these production clamps (and a few more as well), check out this extensive clamp tutorial from The Slanted Lens<\/a>. It’s loaded with useful expert information; all of your clamp questions will be answered.<\/p>\nSo, What Are Grips?<\/h3>\n
1. Pony A-Clamp<\/h3>\n
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![\"4](\"https:\/\/pbblogassets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Pony-A-Clamps.jpg\" "\\"4")
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\n\u00a02. Super Clamp<\/h3>\n
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![\"4](\"https:\/\/pbblogassets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Super-Clamp.jpg\" "\\"4")
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\n\u00a03. C-Clamp<\/h3>\n
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![\"4](\"https:\/\/pbblogassets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2016\/05\/C-Clamp.jpg\" "\\"4")
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\n4. Cardellini Clamp<\/h3>\n
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![\"4](\"https:\/\/pbblogassets.s3.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Cardellini-Clamp.jpg\" "\\"4")
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