During our discussion on the necessary tools for beginners in woodworking, we dedicated a portion of our time to talk about clamps. For any woodworking project, no matter how basic it is, the utilization of clamps will be necessary at some stage. These clamps should have a strong grip and be easily released. It is always advantageous to have a broad range of clamps available in different sizes and styles.
- Piece of wood held in place for cutting? Clamps
- Gluing planks together for a tabletop? Clamps
- Cauls to apply pressure across a span? Clamps
Three of the tasks where clamps will be required are just examples, and there are numerous others as well.
Spring Clamps For The Woodworking Shop
The last type of clamp mentioned in the beginner’s article was the spring clamp, which bears a resemblance to kitchen tongs or clothespins used for hanging laundry.
With great strength, the two arms of the clamp are held in place by a spring, exerting pressure. The rubber pads are located at the ends of the arms, where a workpiece would be gripped, ensuring a tight grip due to the tension provided by the spring.
The clamps are small in size, smaller than pipe or bar clamps, and are not appropriate for projects that involve gluing long or wide boards, such as doors or tabletops, which require larger clamps.
The most commonly used size for spring clamps is 6 inches. The measurement is taken from the tip of the rubber pads to the handle’s end. Using spring clamps requires a certain amount of hand strength, and as the sizes get bigger, more strength is needed to open and release them.
However, they are quick and simple to utilize and prove to be useful for a range of tasks. They are suitable for your gluing, fastening, or cutting requirements. Moreover, they are convenient for securing cords and extensions in a tidy manner at your workbench. Additionally, they are capable of supporting your laundry on the clothesline if needed.
The working mechanism of spring clamps is not particularly exceptional, and the theory behind it is relatively straightforward. The spring is responsible for keeping the arms in a closed position, while the rubber pads located at the ends of the arms securely hold onto the workpiece(s), cords, and so on. The clamping force is robust, and they prove to be highly effective for smaller clamping tasks.
A stop block can be used either to secure a table saw fence or a jig made for the table saw. They are simple to position and can be applied using only one hand.
Spring clamps can be purchased at a local hardware store or a big DIY store for as little as $1, depending on the size you need. However, if desired, you can spend more on them, but typically not exceeding $10. Additionally, you have the option to buy a set of spring clamps with various sizes. For instance, we found a set with 20 pieces ranging from ½” to 3″ for under $30.
Just like the other tools and accessories we collect in our woodworking shops, spring clamps are versatile and can be used for various clamping tasks. Having different sizes of spring clamps on hand increases the range of tasks they can be used for.
Spring Miter Clamps
When using the spring miter clamp, it is important to note that it is designed for a specific task – clamping miter joints during gluing. Although these clamps operate differently from standard spring clamps, they are equally effective. It is still required to exert some hand strength when using them, just like with spring clamps.
The spring miter clamp is made of metal and has an opening with a fixed width, thanks to its design and production. To reach both sides of the miter joint, a unique pair of pliers is employed to expand that fixed width opening. These pliers position the spring miter clamp on each side of the joint to apply pressure to both wooden pieces, ensuring a tight hold while the glue dries and sets.
Typically, a spring miter clamp set consists of several clamps and a specific pair of pliers designed for their application. The prices for these sets will be higher compared to regular spring clamps, which is to be expected. While it is possible to buy individual clamps, particularly larger ones for larger miter joint workpieces, sets are also available that include multiple clamp sizes along with the specialized pliers.
Types of Spring Clamps
There are different varieties of spring clamps that have their own distinct characteristics and advantages. A few of the frequently encountered types comprise:
Metal Spring Clamps
These clamps, which are known for their durability and strength, are typically constructed of metal, usually steel. They are available in a range of sizes and are suitable for heavy-duty purposes.
Plastic Spring Clamps
These clamps, which are made from high-quality plastic, are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. They are especially suitable for lighter-duty work, where metal clamps could be excessively heavy or potentially harm delicate surfaces.
Nylon Spring Clamps
Nylon clamps, like plastic clamps, are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, but they provide higher durability and strength compared to regular plastic clamps.
Ratcheting Spring Clamps
These clamps have a ratcheting mechanism, which enables you to exert greater pressure without exerting excessive hand force. They are ideal for tasks that necessitate a controlled and precise clamping pressure.
Miniature Spring Clamps
These clamps, as their name implies, are smaller in size and are ideally suited for intricate tasks or projects that demand a gentler approach.
Common Uses for Spring Clamps
This section aims to provide a comprehensive explanation and examples of various common uses for spring clamps, showcasing their versatility in a wide range of applications.
Holding Pieces Together While Glue Dries
One way in which spring clamps are commonly used is to secure pieces together until the adhesive hardens. This is especially helpful when fastening two materials with glue in woodworking or other crafts. By exerting consistent pressure on the joint, the spring clamp guarantees a sturdy bond after the glue has dried.
Securing Workpieces for Cutting or Drilling
During cutting or drilling operations, spring clamps are useful for securing workpieces. For example, when using a jigsaw to cut wood, spring clamps can be used to hold the wood firmly to the workbench, minimizing the chance of inaccuracies or accidents due to the workpiece moving while cutting.
Keeping a Tarp in Place
Spring clamps also have a practical application in securing tarps or other coverings, particularly in outdoor settings. Tarps serve to safeguard equipment, materials, or work areas from various weather conditions, but the wind and other variables can lead to their displacement or loosening.
Holding Fabric or Paper in Place During Sewing or Crafting Projects
Spring clamps can be useful tools for sewing, quilting, or other crafting projects that require working with fabric or paper. For instance, when sewing a hem on fabric, spring clamps can securely hold the folded edge, facilitating the maintenance of an even and straight seam.
Assembling Small Furniture or Cabinetry
When you are building small furniture or cabinetry, spring clamps can be employed to keep the different parts in position as you put them together. This is especially useful when dealing with pieces that need accurate alignment, like doors or drawers, as the clamps make sure that the components stay in the right place while you fix them with screws or other fasteners.
Stabilizing Objects for Photography
When working in photography, spring clamps are useful for keeping objects, props, or backdrops stable during a shoot, preventing them from moving or shifting. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with lightweight or delicate items.
You can fully utilize these invaluable tools in your DIY projects, hobbies, and professional work by comprehending the common uses of spring clamps and acknowledging their versatility.
Here are some tips and techniques for utilizing Spring Clamps effectively.
Follow these tips and techniques to maximize the benefits of using spring clamps.
- Use the right size: Always choose a clamp that is the appropriate size for your project. Using a clamp that is too large or too small may result in inadequate pressure or damage to the workpiece.
- Apply even pressure: When using multiple clamps, ensure that they apply even pressure across the workpiece to prevent warping or uneven bonding.
- Protect delicate surfaces: If you’re clamping a delicate surface, place a piece of soft material, such as cloth or cardboard, between the clamp and the workpiece to prevent damage.
- Avoid over-tightening: Applying too much pressure can cause damage to your workpiece or even break the clamp. Adjust the clamping pressure as needed for your specific task.
Proper Maintenance and Storage
In order to ensure your spring clamps stay in good working condition and last longer, adhere to these maintenance and storage tips.
- Clean clamps after use: Wipe down your clamps with a clean, dry cloth after each use to remove any dust, debris, or adhesive residue.
- Lubricate metal parts: Apply a light coating of oil to metal parts, such as springs and pivot points, to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
- Store clamps properly: Keep your clamps in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Organize them by size and type for easy access and to prevent damage.
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Spring clamps can be considered as indispensable tools for DIY enthusiasts, handymen, hobbyists, and professionals due to their ability to provide swift and effortless clamping options for a diverse array of uses.
To ensure long-term usefulness of your spring clamps, it is important to comprehend the various types of spring clamps, select the appropriate one according to your requirements, and adhere to proper usage, safety, and maintenance instructions.
