Choose the right size clamp for the work involved to avoid overloading a clamp that is too small.
Clamps are designed for temporary holding, so always remove them as soon as the job is finished.
When storing clamps, always keep them hanging in racks when not in use, never in laying in a drawer.
Before using a web clamp, be sure to inspect it for fraying or cuts before applying pressure. And discard the tool if any frays or cuts are found.
Use spring clamps only where moderate pressure is required.
Discard any clamp if its frame, screw or spindle is bent.
Do not use a wrench, pipe, hammer or pliers to tightening a clamp. A wrench should be used only on clamps designed to be tightened with a wrench.
Never use a C-clamp for hoisting anything.
C-Clamp
The most common type of clamp—consists of a C-shaped frame, made of either forged steel or cast iron, into which an adjustable screw is assembled to change the jaw opening.
The size of a C-clamp is measured by its jaw capacity—the dimension of the largest object the frame can accommodate with the screw fully extended. Most range in jaw capacity from 2” to 10”.
Also important is depth of throat, the distance from the center line of the screw to the inside edge of the frame. C-clamps range from 3/4" to 14".
Most have a sliding cross-pin handle or a wing nut that is used to tighten the screw.
Bar Clamp
Has a clamping device built on a flat bar, which is usually made of steel.
The length of the bar determines the capacity of the clamp, which is the dimension of the largest object that can be accommodated between its clamping jaws.
“Reach” is the distance from the edge of the bar to the end of the clamping jaws.
Screw pressure applies the final clamping load.
Bar clamps are used for clamping large objects, making them popular with woodworkers and hobbyists.
One-Handed Bar Clamp
These are bar clamps designed with a pistol grip to allow the user to tighten or loosen the clamp instead of screwing it.
Can be adjusted by using just one hand on a trigger switch.
Perhaps the most significant innovation to come about recently in the area of clamps.
Available in jaw openings from 6" to 50" and a variety of sizes.
Pipe Clamp
Can be mounted to standard threaded or unthreaded pipe to clamp boards together while gluing.
Clamping can be performed from one end or both, and jaws can be positioned at the ends or anywhere along the pipe.
Pipe clamps can also be quickly converted from a clamp to a spreader.
A hardened steel set screw holds the head firmly on the pipe, but is easily loosened. The 3/4" size has a crank handle, and depth from screw center to pipe is 11/16". The 1/2" size has a crosspin handle, with depth from screw center to pipe of 7/8".
Handscrew Clamp
Also called a cabinetmaker’s clamp, it consists of two hardwood clamping jaws adjusted to the work by two opposing steel screw spindles assembled into the jaws.
The jaws adjust to a variety of angles and come in a wide range of sizes up to 10”.
They are used for clamping wood, metal, plastic and fabrics.
Handscrew adaptors can be used to convert handscrews into miter clamps.
Also available are handscrew kits so woodworkers can make their own jaws.
Corner Clamp
Designed to hold miter or butt joints at a 90º angle.
They can be used for gluing picture frames, cabinets, molding and trim.
Spring Clamp
Similar to a clothes pin, this clamp consists of two metal jaws to which clamping pressure is applied by use of a steel spring.
They are designed for use with thin materials.
Spring clamps are versatile enough for home, hobby or professional use indoors or outdoors, holding round or odd-shaped objects.
They typically come with 1", 2" or 3" jaw openings
Web Clamp
Also called band clamps, they apply even clamping pressure around irregular shapes or large objects to hold tight by means of a spring-loaded locking fixture.
Commonly used on cylinder-shapes and to hold chair legs while gluing.
Hold-Down Clamp
Is the screw portion of a “C” clamp, designed to be secured onto any surface, with the screw used to apply clamping pressure.
Also available in locking models, similar to locking clamps.
Edging Clamp
Three-way clamp resembling a C-Clamp with a third screw located in the middle of the throat.
Used to apply pressure at a right angle to the side of the work surface.
Commonly used for installing molding and trim on furniture and countertops
Welding Clamps
Also called Locking “C”-Clamp or welder’s pliers.
A unique type of clamp ideal for holding work while welding.
Typical jaw opening sizes range from 2-1/8" to 8.”
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