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Filmmaking Dictionary: Letter C / Cardellini Clamp
What Is a Cardellini Clamp?
A Cardellini clamp is an adjustable grip clamp with shaped, padded jaws that can grip suitable flat, round or square objects. Many models have a baby mounting pin for compatible lighting or grip accessories. Cardellini is a brand name, although crews often use the name as shorthand when asking for this style of clamp.
The clamp can provide an attachment point where a conventional stand would be awkward, or hold a piece of material as part of a grip setup. The exact model matters: jaw opening, shaft length, pin arrangement and mounting options are not identical across the range.
Centre-Jaw and End-Jaw Models
On a centre-jaw model, the fixed jaw sits nearer the base of the mounting pin. An end-jaw model places the fixed jaw at the end of the shaft, which can help it reach into different positions or leave more shaft available when holding an object. The names describe construction, not interchangeable load ratings.
Choose the configuration around the actual attachment and the direction of the load. A clamp that fits around a surface is not necessarily suitable for the work planned there.
How Crews Use It
- Attaching a compatible small fixture or accessory to an appropriate support.
- Holding a bounce card, mirror or piece of material within a planned grip setup.
- Creating a mounting position where a stand would enter the frame or obstruct access.
- Helping position an object during tabletop, product or insert photography.
For example, a tabletop setup may need a small reflection card close to a product. A clamp can hold the card while the grip adjusts its angle, leaving the camera’s view and the performer’s working area clear.
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The Mounting Surface Matters
The clamp is only one part of the attachment. A strong clamp on weak scenery, a loose furniture component or a slippery finish does not create a dependable support. Check the condition and suitability of the object being gripped, the jaw contact and the direction in which the equipment will pull.
Padded jaws can reduce marking, but they do not guarantee that a painted, polished or delicate surface will remain undamaged. Agree on acceptable attachment points with the responsible department or location representative before clamping to finished property.
Load, Reach and Securing
A fixture mounted directly on a pin presents a different load from the same fixture extended on an arm. Increasing the offset increases the turning effect on the attachment. Use the instructions and ratings for the specific model and configuration; do not apply a single capacity to every clamp and every setup.
Check jaw pads, the shaft, the tightening mechanism and the mounting interface before use. The manufacturer warns against over-tightening and using tools to tighten its clamps. Overhead work also requires the appropriate secondary securing method and an assessment of the complete rig by the responsible crew.
Cardellini vs Other Grip Hardware
A Cardellini is a clamp, while a C-stand provides freestanding support. A baby pin describes a mounting interface, not the clamp that carries it. Keeping those names separate makes equipment requests more precise.
Give the grip the intended task, the surface and the equipment being supported. “A clamp for this small lamp on this approved rail” supplies more useful information than requesting a brand name without explaining the setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it clamp to any surface?
No. Jaw shape and opening only establish whether it can fit. The surface, grip, load direction and complete attachment still determine suitability.
Does a baby pin mean every fixture will fit safely?
No. The fixture needs a compatible receiver, and its weight, orientation and securing arrangement must suit the clamp and support.
Are all Cardellini clamps the same?
No. Models differ in size, jaw arrangement and mounting details. Confirm the actual model rather than relying on the name alone.
Related Terms
- Grip — the department working with support and light control.
- Key Grip — the head of the grip department.
- Baby Pin — a common lighting and grip mounting interface.
- C-Stand — freestanding grip support.
- Bounce Board — material used to redirect light.
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