!#44# Clamps Are One Of The Most Versatile Devices You Can Have In Your Toolbox

!±8± Clamps Are One Of The Most Versatile Devices You Can Have In Your Toolbox

It might surprise you that clamps have been with us for thousands of years. Early Egyptians used a type of clamp in the construction of the pyramids. Since then these tools have evolved into many different variations, yet the basic principle of the clamp remains unchanged. In this article I'll cover some of the more common clamps used today for wood and metal work.

The Versatile "C" Clamp.

Probably the most recognizable of the clamps, these tools typically come in sizes ranging from 1 - 8 inches. These sizes denote the maximum opening width. The depth to the back of the clamp ranges from 1 inch to about 4 inches, depending on the size of the tool. There also larger sizes available, but the smaller ones are most commonly used for everyday work.

Using a "C" clamp is fairly simple, but a tip to remember is to use scrap wood between the clamp jaws and the surface of the material you are working on. These protective pads also serve in distributing pressure uniformly. The ball joint at the foot of the clamp is designed to swivel so that work which is not uniformly flat may still be securely clamped.

Spring Clamps - The Simplest Of All

These handy devices are the simplest to use for light-duty work where high clamping pressure is not required. These tools range in size from a little over 4 inches to about 9 inches, with jaw openings from just under an inch to 3 inches. They are perfectly suited when you need to apply many clamps quickly, such as when you are working with fast-setting adhesives. The better ones come with vinyl-covered jaws to protect the work from marring.

Bar and Pipe-Bar Clamps

These tools, commonly called cabinet or furniture clamps, are manufactured two ways: With jaws mounted on a flat steel bar in lengths from 12 inches up to 48 inches; and with jaws designed to fit ½ inch to 1 7/8 inch pipes.

Using this clamp is easy. Set the fixed jaw against one side of the work and slide the movable jaw against the other. Recent designs allow you to use one hand to complete all the necessary steps to secure the clamp against the work.

No matter the size of the job there is probably a clamp that can be utilized to make things easier. From its humble beginnings this tool has proven to be indispensable for any serious do-it-yourselfer.