The carpenter's clamp is a special clamp designed to hold work items or parts for a short time in order to simplify their attachment to the base.
What is a clamp for?
Clamps are specialized carpentry clamps designed to fix individual elements.
Especially such a tool is relevant for carpentry and plumbing.
In practice, the tool is used in a variety of manipulations. You can’t do without it when gluing individual elements made of wood. Since for a quality connection, individual elements need to be compressed for 24 hours, which is simply impossible to do manually. For such situations, the acquisition of either independent production joiner's clamp will be the best way out.
Types of clamps
Today, such a tool can be made from various materials in several variations. Usually the manufacture of a clamp requires wood or metal. When installing the specified device in the right place, you can not hold individual parts, but work fully with other tools.
The simplest version of the carpentry clamp involves the presence of a pair of moving components and a frame for them. The work of the tool is carried out by means of additional clamps and levers. With the help of which the force is selected, the parts are compressed and they are fixed.
There are also quick-clamping structures representing the lever type. These are specialized clamps.
Their peculiarity is that the clamping occurs instantly, but this will require a certain force to be applied.
There are varieties of carpentry clamps. Depending on the mechanism installed in them and its features, they are:
- Corner structures.
- Screw installations.
- Quick release devices.
- Assembly structures.
- Hand clamps.
When choosing a particular tool, it is important to take into account your own needs in the upcoming work. They differ in the working stroke, the maximum distance between the parts. The more these characteristics, the more versatile such a tool will be in practice.
How to make a carpenter's clamp with your own hands
This tool can be purchased at any specialized store. But if you wish, you can collect homemade clamp, with the required dimensions.
Professionals often lean towards self-collection of these devices. In this case, it turns out to design a tool that will cope with individual needs when performing certain tasks by the master.
Angular structures
This type of tool is used to hold individual elements of similar or different dimensions. A carpenter's clamp will allow you to connect them to each other in the position that is required.
In practice, in most cases, angle-type devices are used during welding of metal structures. They ensure their connection and retention strictly at a right angle.
To assemble the device yourself, you need to prepare:
- Corner steel on 40 mm.
- Hardened studs with pre-threaded threads.
- Nut.
- Taps.
- Steel plates 40 mm.
- Drill.
- Bars.
- Device for welding.
It is necessary to weld the prepared corners to the steel plates, strictly observing the right angle. At the next stage, worm nodes are fixed on each side. Here it is important to correctly determine the size of the working gap so that it matches future workpieces.
Experts advise, if it is supposed to work with structures of various sizes, it is worth assembling several carpentry clamps. The reason is that the fixation is the worse, the more travel the knob has.
At the end of the stud, a stop is organized immediately after it itself is screwed into the working nut.
Moreover, the stop itself should be able to spin along the hairpin.
A hole is made at the back of the collar. A metal rod will be placed here, which will take on the function of a lever.
This is the simplest design, which even an inexperienced master can independently assemble. But it will be very useful in practice.
Pipe
The most difficult welding option in practical implementation is the end connection of individual pipes. For its implementation and significant simplification, pipe clamps. They guarantee correct connection individual sections.
It is not difficult to make the indicated device on your own. You will need a couple of steel plates, as well as a suitable corner. To ensure the desired fixation, threaded studs are provided in the fixture itself.
Despite its apparent simplicity, this device in practice demonstrates high efficiency.
Other options for carpentry clamps
There are other types of carpentry clamps. They are used depending on the specific production needs within the framework of certain manipulations.
If you gently quickly fix medium-sized elements, a device in the form of a caliper will do. To make it yourself, a sheet of plywood and a few bars are enough, along with additional elements- stud and nut.
An emphasis is attached to the main rail on one side. A recess is made in it, where the mechanism itself will be placed. When the bracket is in the desired position, you need to fix the part by turning the knob on the pin.
The simplest, but no less effective in practice version of the clamp is assembled from a nut equipped with a lock, steel studs, a pair of wooden blocks, thrust washers and nuts.
In order for the clamp to play the role of a full-fledged vice, it is worth initially making several sets with similar characteristics.
When performing individual manipulations, the constituent elements of the structure must be kept on the surface of the table in order to facilitate their further processing.
To do this, a self-clamping type clamp is suitable. Its bracket is made of wood or metal.
This is a simple device that is a lever. When you turn it, a quick clamp works, which works automatically. To set the desired height, just move the hairpin placed on the workbench.
Usually quick-clamping structures are assembled according to individual requirements for the desired manipulation.
Video: Do-it-yourself carpentry clamps in 30 minutes
Different types of clamps differ in their purpose, design, material, dimensions, etc., see all the details about each type here.
While working with workpieces and parts made of various materials, they have to be held with one hand in a certain position.
However, most construction tools require both hands to be free.
As a clamp, the simplest vise will do, however, their design features do not always allow you to fix the part in a comfortable position.
In addition, using a vise, the master is tied to the place where they are mounted.
In this case, special clamping devices - clamps will be an indispensable tool.
They allow you to free both hands and fix the workpieces in any convenient position.
The simplest clamp is a frame on which the clamping mechanism is fixed.
This design allows this tool to be used in all situations by both welders and carpenters.
Along with the simplest option that you can make yourself, more technologically advanced types of clamps have also become widespread, each of which is “sharpened” for a specific job.
Device and principle of operation
The classic clamp has the same functions as a vice, and its design is very similar to the mechanism for attaching a Soviet meat grinder to a table.
The material used in the manufacture of this tool is metal, wood, durable plastic.
An ordinary manual clamp is a monolithic frame curved with the letter “P”, to which movable clamping elements are attached on one side.
As a rule, this is a long screw, equipped on one side with a handle for easy turning around the axis, and on the other side having a flat wide nickel.
By turning the screw, this nickel creates pressure on the opposite end of the frame.
If you place two, say, wooden bars between the nickel and the frame, and then tighten the screw, they will securely lock together.
According to the design, pressing auxiliary tools can be divided into:
Body clamps
Clamping force can be used to clamp workpieces on oblique and parallel planes.
Due to the fact that the clamp is carried out by the body elements, the tool got its name.
It consists of two metal rectangular beams connected to each other on one side by a strong bar. One of them is fixedly attached to the bar, and the second is equipped with a tightening screw and can move freely.
The opposite part of the bars is the pressing lips.
To clamp the parts, it is necessary to bring the metal bars together until it stops in the workpiece, and then tighten the screw (equipped with a convenient handle).
This version of the tool is the most common.
It is a popular auxiliary tool.
It can be made in several versions, but the main clamping force is provided by a screw with a handle and a penny.
It can be made in the form of a body clamp, where the clamping screw passes through the bar, and the nickel is a lip.
Another option is a body in the shape of the letter “G” or “P”, through one of the “legs” of which a clamping screw with a penny is passed.
Forged screw clamps made of tool steel are widely used.
The metal, after forging and hardening, has high strength, resulting in the reliability of the tool.
Magnetic clamp
It is most in demand by welders, as it serves for preliminary fixation of two metal blanks (tubes, profile corners, etc.) between each other.
It can be made in the form of an isosceles right triangle, five -, hexagon.
The edges of the clamp have magnetic inserts, which are responsible for fixing the metal elements to each other at an angle.
Ratchet Clamp
Outwardly, it is very similar to an ordinary clothespin, but larger.
It is clamped by the force of the hand, and the installed ratchet mechanism blocks the expansion of the jaws.
To loosen the clamp, a special pawl lever (button) is used.
Trigger clamp
Also called quick release.
It has an F-shaped design.
One sponge is fixedly fixed on a metal bar.
The second has a handle similar to a pistol, with a lever resembling a weapon trigger, and a special flag - a lock.
If the flag is in the “unlocked” position, the movable jaw moves freely along the bar.
In the “locked” position, the clamping is carried out by pressing the lever.
In this case, the movement of the sponge in the opposite direction is blocked by the same locking mechanism.
Simply put, the system resembles caulk guns.
hydraulic clamp
G-shaped body, as in the case of a screw tool, however, instead of a screw, a kind of jack is used, on the stem of which a penny is mounted.
Vacuum clamps
Vacuum suction cups with built-in hand pumps are installed parallel to each other on the frame.
They are used for positioning two flat parts in the same plane, for example, MDF sheets, metal.
Types of clamps
Different kinds clips and their design features allow them to be effectively used to fix a wide range of materials of specific shapes and sizes at certain angles.
Some auxiliary tools are more suitable for simplifying welding work, others are relevant in carpentry, and others are simply designed for gluing flat-shaped materials end-to-end.
Among all types of auxiliary tools, the so-called closing clamp occupies a special place.
This is not even a tool, but a full-fledged mounting element.
The main purpose is to fasten the mounting profile to I-beams without the need to drill holes.
G-shaped
A good clamp for working with metal is a forged G-shaped clamp made of tool steel.
It has high strength characteristics, which allows it to be used for temporary fastening of several metal parts between themselves.
A fine thread pitch almost guarantees good pressure.
Useful feature for welding.
At the same time, there is no need to make serious efforts to fix the workpieces well.
Due to its fragility, the tool is rarely used for fastening metal structures, it is more designed for working with wood.
Since the clamping force is high, so that the structure of the tree is not broken, it is necessary to put wooden spacers under the lip and nickel.
A more advanced option is a cast C-shaped clamp, which is otherwise called an end clamp.
end
The end clamp (end clamp) is similar in design to G-shaped models.
Cast or forged body, resembling the shape of the letter "C", has three screw clamps (at right angles to each other) with heels.
This clamp is well suited for wood, providing good adhesion of surfaces and their mutual fixation, therefore they are in demand by carpenters.
As a rule, the tool is used for gluing overlays to the ends of furniture.
Among the minuses, there is some inconvenience of use, since at the same time you have to hold the adjustment, and tighten all the screws, and hold the clamp itself.
T-shaped
A special feature of the T-clamp is a T-shaped guide profile, which can be longer than 1 m.
It has movable jaws.
The pressure is provided by a screw with a handle connected to the second jaw.
Used for fixing sectional blanks.
It is irreplaceable at installation of window covers and in production of furniture.
F-shaped
The design of the f-shaped clamp is less reliable than the G-shaped version.
However, the reason why this tool has become popular is the wide range of adjustments.
A fixed lip is fixed on a metal rail on one side, and on the other side a lip with free movement, on which a clamping screw with a washer is installed.
The length of the rail, depending on the model, can be several tens of centimeters, which allows you to fix several parts together, the total width of which does not exceed the length of this metal bar.
corner
The special design of this type of clips makes them easy to recognize. They can be both magnetic and screw.
The latter option is used exclusively when connecting boards or wooden blocks at a right angle.
Compliance with the angle of 90 degrees is provided by a powerful cast body with two protruding heels.
Clamping is carried out, as a rule, with one screw.
This design ensures that the correct angle is maintained, and through holes on the main body allow this auxiliary tool to be attached to a work table or workbench.
For bonding metal pipes, corners or profiles at right angles, an angle magnetic clamp is used for welding.
It looks like an isosceles right triangle, the sides of which are equipped with magnets.
Such a tool is suitable for pre-fixing metal workpieces, which allows them to be accurately positioned.
Tape
This type of auxiliary tool is used by carpenters and coopers.
The narrow specialization of the tape clamp is due to its special design: a tension mechanism and a rigid tape or belt.
Provides uniform load over the entire surface of the attracted elements.
Belt clamp is often used for the manufacture wooden barrels(when fixing rivets), assemblies of round chairs and frames.
Pipe
At the heart of such a clamp is a tube with a fixed lip.
The second lip moves freely along the tube, is fixed with a special stopper, and the blanks are clamped with a special screw with a handle.
It is used when gluing panels of a large area in the manufacture of countertops, doors.
The work uses at least two pipe clamps installed on opposite sides of the shields.
They allow you to align the workpieces with each other and securely fix them.
Spring
The main advantage of a spring clamp is that it can be used with one hand.
The design resembles a large clothespin for hanging clothes.
The least reliable option, since the clamping of the workpieces is carried out by an ordinary spring, which does not allow you to adjust the clamping force.
Over time, the spring loses its elasticity characteristics, due to which the pressure exerted on the workpieces gradually decreases.
Another disadvantage is a small grip.
It is used, as a rule, for work that does not require serious clamping force.
Quick release automatic clamps
Automatic clamps are often used by professionals due to their ease of use.
The design is a metal bar, on which a removable fixed sponge is installed on one side.
On the opposite side is a movable lip with a special mechanism with two handles - a trigger.
The trigger clamp is tightened by squeezing these handles.
Due to this design, the tool received another name - a pistol clamp.
It allows you to fix the workpiece with one hand, while creating a sufficiently high clamping force.
If you turn the sponges in opposite directions, the master will receive a spacer clamp.
This tool is in demand not only due to ease of use, but also versatility.
However, over time, the mechanism wears out, and the maximum clamp force for compression and unclamping decreases.
In order not to waste money, clamps can be made by hand.
For information on homemade clamps, see
Clamp - quite simple in appearance carpentry tool, but it is widely used in many types of construction or renovation. Its main function is to clamp one or more parts and fix them for a long time.
Purpose and scope
As a classic example of the application of the product, one can imagine exactly how the gluing of two wooden surfaces. After applying the adhesive, it is necessary to closely press the parts for a long time, up to a day. They are fixed with a clamp and are in this position for the entire necessary period.
Also, the clamp is a structural element of many plumbing or household appliances. With it, the vise is attached to the workbench, and the meat grinder to the countertop. Some species table lamps also have this simple detail in their design.
Varieties
The device of a joiner's or locksmith's clamp is quite simple. It consists of a frame in which there may be a movable part. With it, the frame can be "pushed" to the required distance. Thus, you can adjust the distance between the jaws, achieving the optimal value. Very simple mechanisms have one fixed frame, depending on its size, the one that fits the criteria is selected. By the way, you can buy a clamp at this link - airtools.pro.
The second element is a clamping mechanism, with the help of which the jaws are directly clamped, between them there will be material for fixation. By turning the screw, you can adjust the required compression ratio.
According to external signs, which affects the scope, clamps can be divided into three types: G and F shaped, they will resemble these letters in outline; as well as automatic.
- G. Perhaps the most classic form of the product and the simplest. It is very convenient when working with wooden objects, metal products. The two bars are simply clamped by the moving part with a screw or lever. When buying, you need to check the clamping mechanism and inspect the frame for chips, as it is often cast iron and can be fragile.
- F. Caliper-like shape. One part of the frame is fixed, the other moves according to the "sliding" principle. Having squeezed the material between the jaws, you need to squeeze it and fix it with a clamping mechanism. The advantage of this type is the large stride and jaw gap.
- Automatic. They are quite identical and similar to each other. With the help of an automatic drive, you can achieve fixing of parts with one hand.
Before the purchase
Due to the fact that the clamp is quite simple in its design, choosing it will not cause any difficulties. First you need to decide on the necessary working stroke of the clamping part so that it meets the requirements. Check the quality of the device, the absence of cracks. Screw the swivel mechanism up to the stop and look at the tightness of the jaws, also make sure that they are even in structure.
You should always remember that sponges, when compressed, can leave dents on a soft surface. Therefore, check the presence of gaskets, if any are included. If not, it doesn’t matter, they can always be made at home from improvised material. It must be remembered that the gaskets must be of a softer material than the workpiece to be clamped.
A clamp is an auxiliary type of tool that is often used as a fixing tool for clamping any parts, materials, and other things that are necessary in carpentry or plumbing. In this article, we will talk about the types of joiner's clamp, its purpose and what auxiliary tool to pay attention to at the time of purchase. Well, let's get down to the details.
Purpose and scope of the clamp
So, in what cases is a clamp used? - There are a lot of examples. For example, for gluing two wooden parts. Since, when gluing, close contact between the surfaces should take up to 24 hours or more, it is impossible to hold two blanks so tightly with your hands for such a long time. Therefore, for such cases, it is best to buy a joiner's clamp to facilitate your tasks.
Also, the clamp can be used as a part that will press tools or devices to the surface. For example, a vise or a meat grinder are attached to the surface of the table with a clamp. The same applies to table lamps, which are fixed to the table or countertop with the help of this additional part. However, this does not apply in any way to carpentry work.
Design and types of carpentry clamp
Now, let's talk about the design and types of clamps, depending on which, perhaps, your purchase will depend. The device of this tool is elementary - as a rule, it consists of 2 parts. This is the main frame and the moving part is the clamp element. Moving this clamp allows the carpenter to change the distance between the two jaws of the clamp, and set the value he needs. Also, in the movable part of the clamp there is a clamping device. It can be a screw or a lever that is used to fix that very moving part. In addition, with the help of this part, you can adjust the degree of compression.
Now, about the varieties of the part we are considering. Before you buy clamps for carpentry, you need to pay attention to the type and design of this tool. So, depending on the design, there are "G" and "F"-shaped clamps, automatic clamps and clamps. The difference between "G" and "F" lies in the design itself. So, "G"-shaped clamp has the shape English letter"G", In which one part - the base of the tool forms the shape of the letter "C", along which the movable mechanism is installed, forming a "G"-shape. These clamps for carpentry work are very convenient when working with wood, fixing metal surfaces and other parts. The peculiarity of such a clamp is due to the fact that with its help it is possible to fix the part more firmly than using other types of carpentry clamps. Moreover, it can also be used in locksmith work.
Attention! When buying carpentry clamps, be vigilant, as the fixed part is usually made of cast iron, which sometimes may not be of the best quality, may be fragile, and so on.
« F "-shaped clamps have a slightly different shape and design. It is based on the "sliding" principle. So, this clamp has a fixed part with an elongated plate, along which the clamping mechanism moves. This type of clamp is very convenient in that it has a larger clamping pitch, as well as a larger clamp mouth.
Other types of clamps are very similar in their design and identical in their purpose. They have an automatic locking drive, or a special clamping mechanism that allows you to fix the moving part with one hand.
To buy a carpenter's clamp, in general, you do not need a lot of knowledge or buying secrets. It is enough just to carefully inspect the tool, make sure that their clamping surfaces are in close contact with each other, and that these surfaces have a smooth and even structure. Rotary screws, threads and handles must be of high quality, not have any defects - chips or cracks.
In order to avoid dents that may remain on the workpieces after work, it is necessary to use special plastic or rubber gaskets. Therefore, when buying, pay attention to the fact that they are present in the kit. The main thing is that the gaskets are made of a material that is softer than the part being clamped. And, of course, during the purchase, pay attention to the working stroke of the clamps, which can be from 20 to 250 mm. It is selected depending on how and where you will use the additional tool.
When performing many works, it becomes necessary to fix the workpiece in a certain position. For this purpose, clamps and clamps are used. We present the main types of these tools in this review.
There is a great variety of different clamps. To perform basic work in the home workshop, it is enough to have classic screw clamps and practical quick-clamping clamps. But if it becomes necessary to process some workpiece of an unusual shape, then a whole set of special clamps will be required.
Classic: screw clamp
Screw clamps are distinguished by shape - some resemble the Latin letter F, others resemble the letter G. F-shaped clamps consist of a metal tire with fixed and movable jaws installed on it. Sometimes the fixed sponge is integral with the tire. The movable jaw is equipped with a clamping screw with a wooden, plastic or metal handle.
G clamps designed so that the tire, upper and lower lip are a single one-piece cast structure. The clamping screw is installed on the lower jaw.
For high-quality products, the clamping jaws are equipped with removable plastic pads that prevent the formation of dents on soft materials, and for optimal fixation, the head on the clamping screw is made movable.
A good clamping screw is always galvanized and has a trapezoidal thread. A solid handle - made of wood or plastic - should not slip in the palm of your hand.
Ribbed edges on inside tires provide reliable fixation of the clamp when compressed.
Quick clamps
Two hands are needed to secure a traditional screw clamp. Sometimes you even have to resort to the services of an assistant to fix the workpieces in the desired position. It is especially problematic to fix something while standing on a stepladder. But quick-clamp clamps can be unclenched and squeezed with one hand, without intercepting the handle.
Quick-release clamps open and close with one hand on the levers. 
Clamps of this type have various designs, the most common quick-clamp clamps consist of a metal bar on which plastic clamping jaws are installed.
Practical accessories
Wolfcraft offers useful gadgets, with which you can turn quick-clamp clamps into multifunctional tools. Some devices, such as bench clamps, can also be used as normal quick clamps.
Clamps for all occasions
In addition to screw and quick-clamp clamps, there are other models, some of which are good for everyone to have. home master. Ratchet clamps are indispensable in modeling and when working with small workpieces where strong compression is not required. The one who often stands behind the workbench will not interfere with the clamps fixed in the holes on the working plane of the workbench. Lever clamps are used in cases where very strong compression is required. They are much stronger than clamps made of spring steel but require more installation space.
Pliers with ratchet mechanism
1. The ability to finely dose compression and light weight make these clamps indispensable in the manufacture of small crafts.
2. Ratchet pliers are inexpensive. They can be used to join very thin materials with more or less compression.
Spring steel clamps
Spring steel clamps (pictured with a grip for metal pipes) have a certain flexibility in compression and therefore will firmly hold the workpiece even when the structure is shaken.
Lever clamps
Lever clamps are professional tools that provide extreme grip.
Spring clamps
For gluing small workpieces without strong compression, it is best to use simple and inexpensive spring clamps.
Clamps for workbenches
Convenient workbench clamps fit into 20mm holes on the work surface.
Two or more clamps can securely fix the workpieces being processed.
Narrow specialists
If you need to make objects of unusual shapes or perform other non-standard work, then you can’t do without special clamps. Some of them are very inexpensive, others will have to pay a lot of money, for example, for clamps for fixing edge tapes in the manufacture of furniture. But if such work has to be done only occasionally, then wooden wedges can be used instead of an edge clamp, as described in the information on the right.
Angle clamps: Angle clamps are used to quickly and easily fix boards and frames at a 90 degree angle. In addition to the angular ones, they can also be used to make T-shaped connections.
Wooden Clamps: These tools are used for gluing battens, skirting boards and edgings of all types for which a steel clamp is not suitable due to its weight. In wooden clamps, compression does not occur through tightening the screw, but by pressing a lever located on the side. The pressure is applied directly by hand to the lever and can therefore be dosed more carefully than when working with screw tools.
Tape clamps: with the help of these devices, drawers and furniture cabinets are glued together. These clamps are also used in the manufacture of objects A of non-standard H shapes, for example, for hexagonal furniture bodies. Tools provide uniform pressure on all joints of elements.
Wedges will help
When gluing the edge tape to the furniture blank, you can do without a special clamp. Take two wooden wedges and insert them with sharp ends towards each other into the space between the fixed screw clamp tire and edging tape. By moving the wedges towards each other, it is possible to exert the necessary pressure on the edge.
Cheap but not angry
Poor quality materials often fail high pressure. The tire on the tool in the photo buckled under tension. The clamp can still be used, but the workpiece will be pushed out from under the clamping jaw due to broken geometry.
Spare parts
Even the best clamp wears out over the years. However, not always in this case you have to buy a new tool. Many well-known manufacturers offer spare parts for their products. In the end, it is always profitable to buy high-quality products.
