Just off the top of my head Pete, how about a design similar to a plate grab without the agressive serrations on the jaws. It would probably be cheaper to buy a plate grab and modify it rather than start fom scratch. Another thought would be a design along the lines of what they use to pull electrical cable guy wires sort of like an over center cam...Mike
Pete,
Agree with Mike...some off the shelf stuff available for modification. Check Reid Machine Tool Company or W.W. Grainger Industrial Supply for some ideas on available clamps.
