Laying tools: how to choose clamps and screeding systems

To lay paving, paving blocks, kerbs and slabs you need two families of tools: those that prepare the bed (screeding and levelling systems) and those that handle the pieces (clamps, handles, lifters, laying machines). The choice is made on two numbers: the capacity, which in the collection ranges from 60 to 2500 kg, and the gripping range, i.e. how large a piece the tool can grip, from a few millimetres up to 1000 mm.

The types

• Laying clamps: they grip paving blocks, kerbs or covering elements. They can be mechanical or hydraulic, like the Probst HVZ-LIGHT hydraulic clamp and the BVZ kerb transport clamp.
• Clamps for concrete barriers: for heavy traffic-divider elements, like the BSZ-H Probst.
• Laying machines: they are used to lay paving blocks with the help of a vehicle, like the VM-X-PAVERMAX.
• Screeding and levelling systems: dragged over the bed of sand or grit to obtain an even surface, for example the UltraSCREED / POWERPLAN PP levelling screed and the LEVELKING LK accessory.
• Lifters and handles: for large slabs, like the Pavan 3225 lifter, and handles for concrete steps and kerbs.
• Accessories: plumb-line supports, stake extractors, laying trolleys and side closing profiles, like the Prosupport Profile A/B.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Capacity (kg): from 60 to 2500 kg. Consider the weight of the heaviest piece and do not exceed the limit.
• Gripping range (mm): minimum and maximum opening, for example 0-300, 0-550 or 660-1000 mm. Measure the pieces you have to lay.
• Internal height and clamp length: they indicate what height of piece fits and how long the clamp is.
• Working width: for screeding systems it ranges from 300 to 7000 mm depending on the model.
• Tool weight: from under 3 kg to over 100. A heavy tool tires whoever uses it all day.
• Material: aluminium, polypropylene, polyethylene, rubber, galvanised metal.
• Model and code: spare parts fit only the model they are designed for, so keep the code.

To get your bearings: start from the piece, not from the tool. Weigh and measure the most demanding paving block, kerb or slab, then look for a capacity and a gripping range that cover them with a margin. If laying is occasional, a simple tool is enough; if it is your daily work, it pays to choose a hydraulic clamp or a machine that reduces the effort of the people working.

Common mistakes

• Exceeding the capacity. Clamps and devices are used within the stated capacity.
• Choosing a clamp with the wrong gripping range. The piece slips or does not fit.
• Levelling without guides. Screeding systems are set on the guides at the required level.
• Fitting spare parts not designed for the model. It can compromise safety.
• Attaching the clamp to an unsuitable carrier. Clamps and devices are attached to the carrier and used within the stated capacity.

Frequently asked questions

How do you use a screeding system?

It is set on the levelling guides at the required level and dragged over the bed of sand or grit before laying.

Manual or hydraulic clamp?

The manual one is fine for light pieces and occasional laying; the hydraulic one for heavy pieces and series work.

How do I choose the gripping range?

Measure the smallest and the largest piece you have to lay: the clamp must cover both.

All the tools are in the Laying products and accessories collection: to choose the tool suited to your pieces, request a quote or advice from the AMES technicians.