Head clamps are used to lift reels of paper where the quality of paper does not warrant the considerable investment in vacuum clamps, where local technology does not support the maintenance of these complex machines, or where reels are not suitable for core probe lifting.

The pairs of clamps are placed diametrically opposite each other, on the top edge of the reel, and a chain joining the two clamps is hoisted to grip and lift the reels. It is customary to fit up to 12 head clamps with one frame, thus maximising crane capacity. Head clamps have several different safe working loads.