The difference between a Domino Clamp and a twistlock

We have had a few enquiries from people trying to gain a better understanding of the difference between a twistlock and a Domino Clamp and whether they can be used as an alternative for each other.

It is important to understand the difference, as despite their apparent similarities, they do very different jobs, with little or no crossover between them in terms of their function.

In this blog we are going to cover the similarities and differences for you.

How are a container twistlock and a Domino Clamp similar?

• Twistlock and Domino Clamps work by inserting a moving part into the inside of a corner casting and rotating so they cant come back out again.
  
  
• Both are very strong and can be reused on your shipping containers time and time again.
  
  
• Domino Clamps and twistlocks are specifically designed to attach to the corner castings of an ISO shipping container, and won't work with other corner fittings. 
  
  
• Neither the Domino Clamp nor twistlock will damage your shipping container if used correctly.
  
  
• Both are designed to work outside for long periods of time and are suitably protected from the elements.
  
  

What is a Twistlock for containers?

Made from heavy pieces of cast steel, weighing in at around 4.8 kilos, twistlocks have two wedges which rotate using a locking lever. 

A twistlock’s sole purpose is for stacking containers, though there are similar versions with just one wedge and a large flat plate for bolting to the floor, which are used to secure containers to the ground or to a flatbed container truck. 

The twistlock drops into the top of the corner casting of a shipping container and then another container is lowered on top so this top wedge enters the underside of the bottom casting.

The lever is then moved to one side and the wedges rotate inside the corner castings, locking the containers together to prevent them coming apart. The twistlock simply prevents them from separating; it does not pull the two containers together, so some movement between the two stacked containers is still possible.

Twistlock alternative? What is a Domino Clamp?

Drop forged from steel and then zinc and xylan coated to provide weather resistance, Domino Clamps also use corner castings as their attachment points but do not use the stacking holes to do so. They can be used in the shield or stadium hole on the corner casting.

Domino Clamps tighten up with a 10mm hex key, which rotates a plate not dissimilar from the one on a twistlock, but this time, pulling it in tight into the inside of the casting, so that the clamp is firmly attached to the outside. See how this works in under 60 seconds...

Once installed, there is no movement possible between the Domino Clamp and the shipping container, so you can use the four M12 threaded holes to attach almost anything to the container such as lighting, CCTV, stairs or cladding.

Conclusion: How are the twistlock and the Domino Clamp different?

For more ingenious container solutions, useful information and offers delivered direct to your inbox, sign up to our information email 📨 or subscribe to our YouTube channel 📺