If you are a craftsman then chances are very high that you come across clamps and make use of them severally in your regular tool activities. Clamps are a very versatile and important part of any tool, as with clamps you can easily and efficiently fasten your objects together during any project. This article will help you understand different types of clamps and to select an appropriate woodworking clamp or a general one for projects you may undertake.
What are clamps?
‘A clamp is a fastening tool that is designed to grip, secure, compress or support different articles.’
During many work applications pressure is placed on objects that cause movement, so clamps like devices are often needed to keep objects determinedly in place. Clamps make sure to prevent any separation or movement of objects during work application.
What are Clamps Used for?
It is a handy instrument and can be used for steadily holding a workpiece in place while carrying out work on it. Clamps are commonly used for various applications or projects including, metal working, wood working, drilling, filling, carpentry, painting or gluing, etc..
Are Woodworking Clamps Different from Other Clamps?
Clamps used for woodworking are slightly different from other clamps used for different projects. Usually in woodworking, sometimes we come across irregular shapes and sizes or need clamping on edges or between router table and workpiece. So, for these situations different types of wood clamps are needed. Moreover, there are many variables, such as joint angle, and desired clamp pressure, all of which dictate the type of clamp that you need to use.
Types of Clamps and their Uses
There are various kinds of clamps that are designed for different work projects. They make your work easier and help you in any kind of renovation either in your office or home. Moreover, clamp is a necessary tool for doing woodwork projects and without using this you cannot even make a single piece of item.
Here you can find different types of clamps, some of which have particular uses whiles, others are multipurpose that can be used in a variety of tasks. Through this article you will learn more about usage and working of clamps tools for your upcoming assignment.
1. Pipe Clamp
As the name proposes, these clamps are similar to parallel jaw clamps assembled with pipes (typically ¾“ or ½“ in diameter). They are effectively used to hold firmly large objects in place for gluing, so they’re also known as gluing clamps. Instead of a flat bar they’ve cylindrical shaped shaft with adjustable jaws. One jaw is movable and moves pipe up and down over a threaded shaft and the other jaw is made fixed by putting a wedge between pipe and the jaw.
They have special benefits like multiple-disk clutches, through which we can easily adjust the pipe length according to our need. They’ve great ability to hold large objects in place. They can also be used for speedy work or where we need much pressure.
2. C-clamps
C-clamp is also called G-clamp that has a shape like C curve, in which a large screw passes from one end to another. It is preferable for woodworking because it has a double-rolled thread which makes the clamping faster. It has a large handle which implies to increase holding pressure with less effort on materials so it avoids any fatigue during its use. It has moveable jaws which have opening range from 1-8 inches which make them suitable for versatile working in various projects.
They can be ideally used for holding two workpieces together or edge parts with a working table in any project. For large surfaces, sometimes we may need more than one clamp. Moreover, the screw part can easily hold onto rough surfaces with limited chance of damage on work surfaces using C-clamp because of its larger swivel/pivot pad.
3. Deep Throat C-Clamps
Deep Throat C-clamp is a good choice for the projects where we require extra deep clamping. In its construction dual clamp qualities are used such as deep C-clamp is used along with the combination of pipe and power clamps. It has a larger swivel and moveable t-handle which make it quick and easier for tightening of objects in various applications.
They’ve long life because of erosion resistance and added great power and speed during any work. They make excellent pressure on objects with a strong grip which make them more effective to hold materials without slipping off during woodworking or any other project.
4. Spring Clamps
They are also known as pinch clamps as they’ve shaped like pins used to hold clothes on wire. They’re handheld that work with tension springs and add an extra hand during your project. Once you have set the clamp in a place, springs provide reliable grip to hold two or more objects together with a non-slip feature. They added adequate pressure on the workpiece, so they are considered to be more suitable for working on hardwood.
They’ve various size ranges and are made up of metal with PVC covering over handles, so they provide safety from any injury during any work. Furthermore, the head of these clamps are loaded with flexible pads that protect objects from any damage during pressure and give maximum tension. They’re easy to operate with one hand. They can be used for multi purposes e.g. woodworking, jewelry making, carpentry or many other crafts.
5. Kant Twist Clamps
Here’s another type of clamp that is a favourite option among workers during welding, metal and wood work. This is a clever and small tool that is widely used to hold materials under different circumstances but most likely during metal and woodworking. It works similar to C-clamp but it can establish an angle to hold objects that are perpendicular to each other.
The tactical positioning of the handle is constructed in such a way that evades any twisting while tightening any object. Typically they’re cost-effective and made up of steel or some other alloy. For woodworking they are quite good to clamp a number of workpieces.
6. Locking Clamps
This clamp is a modified form of mole wrench, made up of a combination of C-clamp and plier. It has working similar to Sheet metal clamps with C-shaped enlarged profile jaws which make it the ultimate good option for clamping tools. As compared to other clamps, it is mostly used to clamp large objects. It has a firm and secured grip on larger objects due to its jaws design that have square shape and large opening. The features in this clamp allow it to work quickly in order to tighten and clamp materials together by inserting pressure on the lever without putting any extra effort.
They have two main advantages;
- Firstly, using one hand we can easily engage and disengage the clamp.
- Secondly, it contains adjustable grip.
Locking clamps can easily be used for holding tapered or irregular work pieces. They are popular for woodworking, metalworking and welding projects.
7. Bar, F, or Sliding Clamps
Bar clamp is considered more suitable to clamp larger objects during wood or other working projects because of its wide range of jaws opening. It comes in a variety of styles with adjustable long length of bars with flat surfaces that help the user in bigger projects without compromising on the stability of objects they are working on.
Moreover, its large handles added more traction and stability for wide projects. It is a useful tool for heavy-duty work because of its extensive metal bar surfaces that make it suitable for holding large work pieces together effectively. It is cost effective and has variety in its types (sash clamp, T-bar clamp and pipe clamp) so; user can buy any of these clamps according to his needs. Moreover, heads of clamps are also available, which can allow you to construct your own bar clamp.
8. Ratchet Action Bar Clamps
This tool is also known as band clamp that is largely used for woodworking in order to hold irregular and oddly shaped work pieces. It has the benefit of firmly holding soft as well as hard wood objects in their places without causing any damage in them.
It is constructed in such a way that it can easily be used as a one-handed clamper and also can change into a spreader clamp. Mostly, it has 12 inches opening jaws capacity with throat depth 1/3 to 3 inches which makes it suitable for efficiently holding the objects. Moreover, it has many other distinguishing features such as resilient and soft plastic pads, comfortable grip and quick release lever which make it desirable for DIY jobs, crafts, hobby, woodworking and other model projects.
9. Quick Action Clamps
Recently, another popular clamp for instant clamping in woodworking is Quick action clamp. Like F-clamper, it is also easily and quickly used in order to hold two or more materials together. This clamp is one-handed that provides you fast and powerful clamping without any hassle.
It has adjustable clamp capability, so it provides a great job where you need to change clamp capacity. It is most likely used for woodwork as well as other clamping projects.
10. Parallel Clamps
This clamp is more suitable for glueing the objects during any project. It has parallel jaws with wide opening capacity and makes 90° angle with the bar. So, this clamp is used to make square assemblages. This is somehow similar to the F-clamp which contains a short rod that slides over the surfaces which make it more suitable for metal as well as woodworking.
It has a wide distribution area of parallel vertical jaws that provide an adequate amount of pressure to the objects and increase the amount of clamping activities. You can buy different lengths of these clamps according to the size of your materials. Mostly, it is used to fix objects on roomy surfaces like doors and table tops.
Conclusion
Clamps are essential and largely used tools for woodworking, metal working and other various operations. Although many of us are not completely aware of different varieties of clamps available in the market, we can choose to make our work easier. If you are unable to detect which clamp is more appropriate for your project then the above list of 10 types of clamps can make you eligible for desired clamping activities. For different materials and projects different types of clamps work, the same clamp can help you in one or two projects but not suitable for all.
Some clamps have the same features with slight differences in their use for example; Deep throat clamp and C-clamp carry out the same jobs, but Deep throat clamp has more deep reachability as compared to C-clamp. Same as, if you are looking for cost-effective clamp for your small clamp projects then spring clamp is more suitable for you. Furthermore, quick action clamp and F-clamp both are used for clamping where you need varying clamping capacity e.g. for heavy and irregular shapes projects.
Whatever your need is, first you must make sure which type of clamping projects you are working on before you buy it. This article will help you to select an appropriate clamp for woodworking or other projects you may undertake.
