Suction Base Grounding Clamp with Adjustable Spring Arm

A welding ground and temporary hold-down solution for smooth, non-porous surfaces where magnets cannot be used.
SHT-GSH250 Suction Base Grounding Clamp provides a convenient way to establish a welding ground on large aluminum, stainless steel, and other smooth, non-magnetic workpieces. Instead of relying on a magnetic ground or finding an exposed edge for a conventional clamp, the manual vacuum base attaches directly to a smooth, non-porous surface.

The SHT-GSH250 also features an adjustable spring-loaded hold-down arm with up to 5" of vertical adjustment, allowing it to temporarily hold sheets, panels, and other workpieces while maintaining a reliable grounding connection.

Why Choose the SHT-GSH250?

• Works Where Magnets Can't: Ideal for aluminum, stainless steel, and other non-magnetic materials.
• 40 lb Suction Hold: Manual vacuum base provides up to 40 lb of holding force on smooth, non-porous surfaces.
• 300A Rated: Copper grounding connections are rated for welding applications up to 300 amps.
• Dual-Purpose Design: Functions as both a welding ground and temporary hold-down clamp.
• 0–5" Adjustment: Spring-loaded arm provides up to 5" of vertical positioning.
• No Edge Access Required: Mounts directly to the workpiece instead of requiring access to an exposed edge.
• No Drilling Required: Vacuum attachment provides temporary positioning without permanently modifying the workpiece.
• Copper Grounding Connections: Designed for efficient current transfer and reliable electrical contact.
• Quick Repositioning: Manual vacuum pump and quick-release valve make setup and repositioning easier.
• Reinforced Aluminum Guard: Helps protect the suction body during shop and fabrication use.

Ground Non-Magnetic Workpieces

Traditional magnetic welding grounds require a ferromagnetic surface to attach. That can create a problem when working with aluminum, many stainless steels, and other non-magnetic materials.

The SHT-GSH250 solves this by using a manual vacuum base instead of a magnet. The suction base attaches directly to a smooth, non-porous area of the workpiece, allowing you to position the ground where it is needed without relying on magnetic attraction.

40 lb Suction Holding Capacity

The manual vacuum base provides up to 40 lb of holding force when properly attached to a suitable smooth, non-porous surface.

This allows the SHT-GSH250 to provide secure temporary positioning without drilling holes, permanently mounting hardware, or accessing the edge of the workpiece.

Important: Suction performance depends on the condition, smoothness, cleanliness, and porosity of the mounting surface. Always confirm that the base is securely attached before welding or using the hold-down arm.

Adjustable 0–5" Hold-Down Arm

The spring-loaded arm provides a 0–5" vertical adjustment range for temporarily holding sheets, panels, tubing, and other workpieces against a suitable work surface.

The adjustable design also helps position the grounding contact securely against the material, allowing the SHT-GSH250 to perform both grounding and temporary hold-down functions from one setup.

All-Copper Grounding Connections

The SHT-GSH250 uses copper grounding connections to provide efficient current transfer and reliable electrical contact during welding.

The grounding system is rated for welding applications up to 300 amps, making it suitable for a wide range of fabrication, repair, and production welding applications.

Product Dimensions

Common Applications

• Aluminum welding
• Stainless steel fabrication
• Large sheet metal
• Panels and flat workpieces
• Non-magnetic materials
• Fabrication tables
• Temporary workpiece positioning
• Production welding
• Maintenance and repair
• Applications where workpiece edges are difficult to reach

Works Where Magnetic Grounds Can't

The SHT-GSH250 is especially useful when a magnetic ground is not an option. Large aluminum sheets and many stainless steel workpieces do not provide the magnetic attraction needed for a conventional magnetic welding ground.

As long as the workpiece provides a suitable smooth, non-porous surface, the GSH250 can attach directly to the material using vacuum force.

Grounding & Hold-Down in One Tool

How to Use

1. Choose a smooth, clean, non-porous area of the workpiece.
2. Position the suction base flat against the surface.
3. Operate the manual vacuum pump until the base is securely attached.
4. Adjust the spring-loaded arm to the required position.
5. Position the copper grounding contact securely against clean conductive material.
6. Connect the welding ground lead.
7. Confirm the suction base, workpiece, and electrical connection are secure before welding.
8. When finished, use the quick-release valve to release the vacuum and reposition or remove the tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SHT-GSH250 used for?
The SHT-GSH250 combines a welding ground and temporary hold-down clamp in one tool. It is particularly useful on smooth, non-magnetic workpieces where a magnetic welding ground cannot attach.

Can I use it on aluminum?
Yes. Aluminum is one of the main applications for the SHT-GSH250 because the suction base does not require magnetic attraction.

Can I use it on stainless steel?
Yes, provided the surface is sufficiently smooth and non-porous for the vacuum base to establish a secure hold.

How strong is the suction base?
Strong Hand Tools rates the SHT-GSH250 for up to 40 lb of suction holding force on a suitable surface.

How much welding current can it handle?
The copper grounding connections are rated for welding applications up to 300 amps.

How far does the hold-down arm adjust?
The spring-loaded arm provides a 0–5" vertical adjustment range.

Does the workpiece need to be magnetic?
No. The SHT-GSH250 uses a vacuum base rather than a magnet, making it useful for aluminum, stainless steel, and other non-magnetic materials.

Does the surface need to be smooth?
Yes. The vacuum base requires a smooth, non-porous surface to establish and maintain suction.

Do I need access to the edge of the workpiece?
No. One of the main advantages of the SHT-GSH250 is that the suction base can mount directly to a suitable area of the workpiece without requiring edge access.

How do I remove or reposition it?
The manual vacuum system includes a quick-release valve for releasing the suction so the tool can be removed or repositioned.

What is the acceptable temperature range?
Strong Hand Tools lists a maximum tolerable temperature range of 68°F to 140°F.