As individuals who enjoy doing things by ourselves, we all have a particular type of clamp in mind. However, there are actually many different types of clamps available, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. While some clamps excel at intricate woodworking projects like joining panels, others simply provide additional assistance in the workshop.
For a considerable period, certain woodworking instruments have gone unnoticed and undervalued. Among them is the clamp, a crucial component in almost all woodwork undertakings that call for the joining and fixation of parts. Interestingly, instances of the woodworking clamp being referenced are sparse.
There are numerous sizes, styles, and capacities of woodworking clamps available, and each type serves a particular function in securing the pieces for different projects. Identifying the most suitable clamp for a woodworking project can be difficult if one lacks experience in woodworking.
The purpose of this article is to provide assistance in determining which woodworking clamps are suitable for your projects. To achieve this, we have spotlighted the commonly used clamps, their characteristics, and advantages.
The versatility of clamps knows no bounds as their applications are numerous and you are bound to continuously uncover novel purposes for the tool.
A clamp that starts with the letter C.
Basic woodworking and automotive repair involve the use of various clamps, such as the C-clamp, which is named after its “C” shape. These clamps are typically comprised of a C-shaped frame, a fixed jaw, and a screw for tightening against flat surfaces.
C-Clamp with an extended throat.
When working with wood, gluing boards together, or doing automotive tasks, an extended throat C-clamp can be useful. It has longer jaws that can exert pressure deeper into the center of the workpiece.
F-clamps are tools used for clamping objects together.
Connecting wood pieces using joinery techniques, adhering their surfaces together, and securing them in place.
Similar to the C-clamp, the F-clamp derives its name from its resemblance to the shape of a letter. However, unlike the C-clamp which is secured by a stationary, curved frame, the F-clamp utilizes a movable component that glides along a linear portion within the frame to grasp the threaded screw.
F-clamps have the ability to expand their jaws and clamp larger materials than a C-clamp due to their larger throats, which allow for center clamping on bigger objects.
The device known as a clutch clamp can be described as follows:
Joining wood through the use of joinery, gluing boards together on their faces, and clamping workpieces in place.
A clutch clamp is designed similarly to the F-clamp, but it employs a clutch to secure the jaws. Releasing the jaw’s grip on the bar is possible by activating the clutch with your thumb. This function enables you to loosen the clamp using only one hand. However, both clamp types have a drawback of the straight bar bowing under pressure, which may affect the accuracy of wood joinery.
Clamp in parallel
Joining wood, gluing panels, handling big pieces of lumber.
Parallel clamps were developed to solve the problem of F-clamps and clutch clamps that tend to bow. They have a sturdy bar with two parallel clamping surfaces that provide complete contact with the workpiece. The clamping surfaces remain parallel when pressure is exerted, helping to keep glue-ups straight.
A long bar and jaws with an adjustment handle located under the lower clamp define a parallel jaw clamp due to the parallel orientation of the jaws. Through the use of a parallel jaw clamp, it is possible to secure three wooden pieces, where two objects are situated at a distance creating either a rectangular or square configuration.
In order to guarantee that the wood pieces are flush with each other, utilize the spacers in the clamp to distance them from the bar. Then, insert the workpieces into the clamp and secure them by turning the adjustment handle.
The device used to securely attach pipes is known as a pipe clamp.
Joining wood, gluing panels, handling sizable pieces of work.
A custom-cut section of galvanized or black steel pipe forms the base for a pipe clamp featuring two clamp ends. The clamp end on one side is threaded to fit the pipe’s threaded end, while the other slides over the pipe and is secured in position.
By using a larger pipe section, the length of a pipe clamp can be customized, thereby granting it similar advantages as a parallel clamp in joinery. Moreover, pipe clamps are more cost-effective.
Clamp triggered
Joining wood pieces through face gluing, securing workpieces, and operating with only one hand.
The trigger clamp resembles an F-clamp in both structure and task, except that it is customized for single-handed use by having one stationary jaw and one movable jaw. This is accomplished by utilizing a trigger mechanism that gradually exerts pressure by pushing the mobile jaw closer to the stable jaw.
The Spring Hand Clamp is a tool used to hold objects in place.
Securing workpieces and materials in place.
Spring hand clamps are clamps that apply pressure with a spring located at the hinge point, much like a chip clip. These handy clamps come in all shapes and sizes, as well as a variety of materials for different uses and strengths.
A clamp that can be tightened and released incrementally is called a ratcheting hand clamp.
Clamping objects in place.
The function of ratcheting hand clamps is alike that of spring hand clamps, with the exception being that instead of a spring, they use a ratcheting mechanism to apply pressure gradually.
The clamps used for bandy are referred to as bandy clamps.
Edge banding is glued onto woodworking.
Spring clamps with a band that spans the jaws are known as bandy clamps, which enables them to exert pressure towards the workpiece when placed on the edge.
A clamp with a gripping edge.
Applying edge banding to woodworking with glue.
The edge clamp, which has a firm grip, is equipped with two rubber-coated cams that are spring-loaded and serve to secure the workpiece. Positioned in between the two cams is a screw with a rotating head that can be adjusted to apply pressure against the workpiece’s edge. The clamp is tightly secured by applying opposing pressure through the cams and pivoting head.
12. Dual-Spindle Edge Clamps
The act of performing woodworking and attaching edge banding with glue.
One can use a specialized clamp called a dual-spindle edge clamp in conjunction with an F-clamp to clamp the edge of a workpiece. The F-clamp is applied to the workpiece with a jaw on top and one on the bottom, and the dual-spindle edge clamp is then inserted between the F-clamp and the workpiece. The frame of the edge clamp has a notch that enables it to exert pressure against the bar of the F-clamp.
Clamps for hoses.
Automotive repairs, water hoses, and fittings for pipes.
Hose clamps are metal straps equipped with screws, which are utilized to secure them around objects like water hoses or pipe fittings. Due to the wide range of sizes available, hose clamps can be used in diverse applications.
14. Clamps that utilize straps
Joining wood, crafting furniture, and handling non-uniform workpieces.
An irregularly shaped object can be secured by a strap clamp, which employs a textile strap to surround it tightly. A couple of adaptable plastic elements can be attached to the strap to guard the workpiece’s edges.
Clamps made of wood and screws that are manually operated with a hand crank.
The art of joining wood to create furniture.
Utilizing two threaded screws that oppose each other, wooden hand-screw clamps are a classic style of clamp with two identical wood jaws. The use of wood material helps to prevent damage to the workpiece surface.
A clamp that can be locked in place using a plier mechanism.
Securing workpieces.
Locking plier clamps are simply locking pliers that have a wider opening and flat clamping surfaces, instead of typical plier jaws. They are ideal for fast, short-term holds.
A clamp designed to hold two pieces of material at a 90-degree angle is called a Corner Clamp.
Building frames, boxes, and joining wood pieces together.
The purpose of a corner clamp is to provide pressure to the exterior of a 90-degree joint by employing threaded screws that feature pivoting heads while situated within the joint. This unique design grants the clamp the ability to maintain precise 90-degree angles. This is particularly useful when constructing boxes and frames.
A corner clamp is a tool that secures two pieces of material at a square or 90-degree angle. By exerting pressure on the objects, the clamps keep them taut throughout the joining procedure. Corner clamps come in a range of designs, such as aluminum alloy and other advanced varieties.
In case you frequently create 90 degree angles, it might be necessary to obtain more than one corner clamp for assistance with your work. The corner clamp proves effortless for binding workpieces, thanks to its design. Utilizing the corner clamp requires cutting the workpiece and positioning it into the clamp with the joining components firmly touching, followed by fastening the clamp with screws.
A frame clamp that squares itself.
Construction methods such as wood joinery, frame construction, and box construction.
The structure of a self-squaring frame clamp includes two V-shaped bars that are joined together at the center by a screw with threads. The bars have two brackets each that can shift 90 degrees. To secure a square workpiece such as a picture frame, it is put on top of the two Vs with brackets in each corner. By tightening the threaded screw, the two V’s come closer, fastening the corners and making the piece square.
The clamp that can be switched on and off is called a toggle clamp.
Securing objects onto surfaces for work operations.
A workpiece can be held securely in place by a toggle clamp that is affixed to a work surface. This type of clamp has a single jaw that exerts force on the upper section of the workpiece, ensuring that it remains firmly attached to the work surface.
A device used for securing a fence is called a fence clamp.
Clamping workpieces to tool guides.
Similar to a toggle clamp, a fence clamp is utilized to keep a workpiece stable. However, in contrast to a workbench, a fence clamp is affixed to a tool that has a fence, like a miter saw or table saw. While fence clamps can be employed for various purposes, they are frequently utilized to situate stop blocks to expediently replicate cuts.
21. Bench Clamp
The Bench Clamp is designed to secure the workpiece in place during your project by using the bench as a stationary jaw. Its purpose is to provide stability while you work so you won’t be impeded by movement. Metal is the primary material used for these clamps, and they come in various sizes and styles.
To prepare the workpiece, insert the drill collar into the neck of the first bench clamp and fasten the clamp to the bench’s edge. This will place both the workpiece and the workbench within the jaws of the clamp. Apply force to the clamps to secure the workpiece firmly in place for usage.
22. Bench Vise
A workbench has a heavy-duty tool attached to it called a bench vise, with its jaws facing upward. The bench vise has a broad surface area on its jaws, which provides a firmer grip on big workpieces. It has a fixed and a movable jaw that you can adjust by tightening or loosening to fit your specific project.
The ease of using a bench vise depends on the type of vise you choose. In the case of portable bench vises, you will need to attach the device to your workbench before use. To prepare the vise for use, turn the bar to open the jaws. Once you have positioned your workpiece, tighten the jaws to hold it securely in place.
23. Cabinetry Clamp
Cabinetry clamps function as aligners to keep two adjoining cabinets flush and secure. This enables you to attach the face frames together by screwing them, while also ensuring that the cabinet edges and face frames remain flush.
In order to utilize the cabinetry clamp, ensure that the face frames of two cabinets are aligned and then grasp the clamp. By rotating the adjustment bar, you can tighten it like any other clamp, enabling you to securely mount the cabinets to the wall and achieve even surfaces.
24. Wood Screw Clamp
Wood Screw clamps, which consist of two screws and bars forming the jaws, have been utilized for an extended period. By using the handles to turn the screws, you can expand the jaws, enabling you to hold surfaces that are not parallel. Due to its wooden material, the clamps exert a minimal amount of pressure, ensuring that your workpiece does not get dented.
Position the material amidst the wooden bars of the clamp, then rotate the adjustment bars until it secures firmly. Next, utilize a bench clamp to fasten the wood screw clamp, preventing any movement of the workpiece and the clamp.
25. Drill Press Clamp
Drill press clamps serve as useful accessories for securing the workpiece to the drill press table when drilling. Ensuring the material stays firmly in place with the drill press clamp is crucial to avoid any shifting that may compromise the precision of your drilling.
The quick-release lever makes it simple to use, saving time when setting up material in the clamp. Insert the screw bar into the drill press and secure it by screwing on the washer. Rotate the screw at the back to loosen the clamp jaw, then position the item underneath it. The clamp is tightened by pressing the handle to secure the material.
26. Flooring Clamp
For easy installation with minimal adjustments, carpenters need the tongue and groove boards securely in place.
Floor installers can use the flooring clamp to secure tongue and groove boards, facilitating an error-free installation process. This clamp is capable of holding up to 10 boards simultaneously. Nonetheless, its functionality is limited to specific projects.
Insert the strap into the clip and tug it a short distance. Tighten the strap by ratcheting the bar. Before securing the first end of the clamp to the initial board’s edge and the second end to the final board’s edge, ensure that the initial two rolls of the floor plank have been glued.
