When performing many jobs, 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 carry out basic work in the home workshop, it is enough to have classic screw clamps and practical quick-release clamps. But if there is a need to process some workpiece of an unusual shape, then you will need a whole set of special clamps.
Classic: screw clamp
Screw clamps are distinguished by shape - some resemble the Latin letter F, others the letter G. F-shaped clamps consist of a metal bus 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 are designed so that the tire, upper and lower jaws are a single solid cast structure. The clamping screw is installed on the lower jaw.
For high-quality products, the pressure jaws are equipped with removable plastic covers that prevent the formation of dents on the 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.
Grooved 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-release clamps can be opened and closed with one hand without intercepting the handle.
Quick-release clamps open and close by pressing the levers with one hand. 
Clamps of this type have various designs, the most common quick-release clamps consist of a metal bar on which plastic clamping jaws are installed.
Practical accessories
Wolfcraft offers useful devices, with which you can turn quick 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-release clamps, there are other models, some of which are good for everyone to have home handyman. Clamps with ratchet mechanism indispensable in modeling and when working with small workpieces, where strong compression is not required. Anyone who often stands at a workbench will benefit from clamps secured in the holes on the working surface of the workbench. Lever clamps are used in cases where very strong compression is required. They are significantly stronger than spring steel clamps, but require more space to install.
Pincer clamps with ratchet mechanism
1. The ability to finely dose compression and low weight make these clamps indispensable for making small crafts.
2. Ratchet clamps are inexpensive. They can be used to join very thin materials with greater or lesser compression.
Spring steel clamps
Spring steel clamps (pictured with a grip for metal pipes) have a certain flexibility during compression and therefore will firmly hold the workpieces even when the structure is shaken.
Lever clamps
Lever clamps are professional tools that provide extreme compression.
Spring clamps
For gluing small workpieces without strong compression, it is best to use simple and inexpensive spring clamps.
Clamps for workbenches
Convenient clamps for workbenches are installed in 20 mm holes on the working surface.
Two or more clamps can be used to securely secure the workpieces being processed.
Narrow specialists
If you need to make items unusual shapes or perform other non-standard work, you cannot do without special clamps. Some of them are quite inexpensive, while others will have to pay a lot of money, for example, for clamps for fixing edge strips when making furniture. But if such work has to be done only occasionally, then instead of an edge clamp, you can use wooden wedges, as described in the information on the right.
Corner Clamps: Use corner clamps to quickly and easily secure boards and frames at a 90-degree angle. In addition to corner joints, they can also be used to make T-shaped connections.
Wooden clamps: These tools are used for gluing all types of laths, baseboards and edgings for which a steel clamp is not suitable due to its weight. In wooden clamps, compression occurs not 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 instruments.
Tape clamps: these devices are used to glue drawers and furniture cabinets. These clamps are also used in the manufacture of items A of non-standard H shapes, for example, for hexagonal furniture cases. The tools provide uniform pressure on all joints of the elements.
Wedges will help
When gluing edge tape to a furniture piece, you can do without a special clamp. Take two wooden wedges and insert their sharp ends towards each other into the space between the tire of the fixed screw clamp and the edge tape. By moving the wedges towards each other, you can apply the necessary pressure on the edge.
Cheap but not angry
Poor quality materials often fail high pressure. The tire on the instrument in the photo is bent due to tension. The clamp can still be used, but the workpiece will be pushed out from under the clamping jaw due to the broken geometry.
Spare parts
Even the best clamp wears out over the years. However, in this case it is not always necessary to buy new tool. Many well-known manufacturers offer spare parts for their products. In the end, it always pays to buy high-quality products.
Clamps are an indispensable assistant every carpenter. It is difficult to imagine a master who is able to do his work without these devices. There are quite a few types of clamps and clamps, and manufacturers never cease to look for new solutions to make their tools even more convenient, functional and adapted to specific carpentry tasks.
In our material we will talk in detail about the main types of clamps for wood: we will tell you what they consist of and how different models of clamps work, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, we will give useful tips, how to choose a clamp for specific carpentry tasks.
G clamps
Design Features. G-shaped clamps, also often called C-shaped, are the most versatile and widespread type of carpentry clamps. The basis of the design is a cast or forged bracket with a movable clamping screw.
Advantages. L-shaped clamps are lightweight, easy to use, provide high clamping force, and have no backlash in the jaws.
Flaws. Suitable for joining workpieces of small thickness.
Application area. G-shaped clamps are used in cases where it is necessary to apply the same compression force to surfaces that are parallel to each other. IN carpentry C-clamps are used mainly when gluing wood.
F clamps
Design Features. The clamp consists of a guide rail on which movable and fixed jaws are fixed. The movable clamp, sliding along the guide, has a set screw that allows you to adjust the desired grip length and prevents the clamp from loosening. Sponges complete with overlays for protection of the fixed surfaces.
Advantages. The main advantage of F-shaped clamps is their versatility. The adjustable grip length makes it possible to firmly and firmly fix workpieces of various thicknesses.
Flaws. It is not always convenient to work with an F-shaped clamp, because. You have to use both hands to manipulate the tool.
Application area. Used for fixation wooden products and blanks of various thicknesses.
End clamps
Design Features. The end clamp consists of a cast or forged base-bracket with three clamping screws.
Advantages. A simple and affordable design for solving specific carpentry tasks: a clamp with a T-shaped profile is used to clamp edges and ends.
Flaws. Despite all its functionality, managing an end clamp is not so easy: fixing an edge, simultaneously holding a clamp and tightening three clamps is not always convenient alone.
Application area. Clamping edges and end elements of wooden products.
Angle clamps
Design Features. Clamps for corner connections can have the most different versions. Typical design consists of a body, one or two screw clamps with clamping heels.
Advantages. Simple and compact fixture for clamping workpieces at right angles. Such clamps are often supplemented with special holes for fastening to a workbench.
Flaws. Limited opportunities when working with overall wooden elements.
Application area. Clamps for gluing and fixing wood at right angles. Creating miter connections.
Keyless (automatic) clamps
Design Features. A typical design of a quick-release clamp consists of a metal bar and two plastic jaws (movable and fixed). The moving part is pressed using a special lever mechanism. The lightweight and durable body of quick-clamp clamps is made of plastic composites reinforced with fiberglass. This allows the use of automatic clamps in almost any conditions.
Advantages. One-handed options are perhaps the most convenient and ergonomic type of clamps. How to use such clamps is intuitive: all manipulations are performed with one hand, while the other holds the part. Even the smallest quick-release clamps have enormous clamping force.
Most lever models have a transformable design that expands the capabilities of the tool. For example, on some models you can turn the jaws in opposite directions to work sideways, which is very convenient when disassembling tenon joints. Two quick-release clamps can be easily re-arranged into one long one by interlocking the protrusions on the fixed jaws.
Flaws. High-quality automatic clamps are quite expensive, and almost all budget analogues are not highly reliable.
Application area. Quick-release clamps are used for all types of carpentry work: from fixing small parts to gluing large panels.
Spring clamps
Design features. Clamps with unregulated clamping force, working on the principle of clothespins. A popular variation of the classic spring clamp are designs with variable clamping width.
Advantages. The clamps are lightweight and convenient; all manipulations when working with them are performed with one hand. They provide a stable, powerful clamping force. Optimal for delicate fixation of glued parts.
Flaws. Small grip depth.
Application area. Universal device for gluing and fixing oversized parts.
Band clamps
Design Features. The band clamp consists of a durable synthetic band and a tension block. The package usually includes plastic elements for adjusting corners.
Advantages. Provides gentle clamping of corners and curves without distortions, which is very important at the gluing stage. Allows you to work with products of any size: from small frames to large cabinets. The use of plastic corner elements ensures uniform pressure when gluing corners and miter joints.
Application area. Selection of clamps belt type – best option for complex carpentry tasks: clamping rounds large diameter, fixing polygonal joints, etc.
Pipe clamps
A clamp is a tool that allows you to fix a part during processing. Craftsmen often use various types of clamps in their work. Whether you are a carpenter or a metalworker, there is always a need to use it.
This device is available in different options, from universal to specialized. Relatively recently a new modification appeared: quick clamp. Develops compression force up to 450 kg.
The task for all types is common - to fix the workpieces for processing or connecting to each other.
Like any other tool, clamps can be purchased at the store or made yourself. The second option is often chosen by professionals. It’s easier to come up with your own design than to look for an option for individual tasks.
Homemade clamps - varieties and manufacturing technologies
Angle clamp
Such devices are used to fix two objects (not necessarily the same size) at right angles, to connect them together in any way. These can be wooden blanks when gluing, or assembling using corners and confirmat.
However, most often corner clamp used as a conductor for welding metal parts at right angles.
For manufacturing you will need:
- steel corner 40 mm, thickness 3-4 mm;
- steel plates 40-50 mm wide;
- threaded studs, preferably hardened;
- bars for collars;
- nuts for the worm gear;
- welding machine;
- drill, taps.
We weld the corners to the steel plates at a strictly 90° angle.
We attach a worm structure to each side by welding. This is the same corner with a welded-on thrust nut or thickening, in which a thread is cut in accordance with the collar pin. The width of the working gap is selected according to the potential workpiece.
IMPORTANT! If the range of sizes of the parts being processed is too wide, it is better to make several clamps. Too much movement of the knob does not contribute to a strong fixation.
A collar pin is screwed into the working nut, after which a stop is assembled at its end. As a rule, this is a design of two metal washers different sizes. The stop should rotate freely on the pin.
Different types of clamps differ in their purpose, design, material, size, etc., see all the details about each type here.
When working with workpieces and parts made of various materials, they have to be held with one hand in a certain position.
At the same time, the majority construction tools require both hands to be free.
A simple vice will do as a clamp, however, they design features do not always allow you to fix the part in a comfortable position.
In addition, using a vice, the master is tied to the place where they are mounted.
In this case, special tools will be an indispensable tool. clamping fixtures– clamps.
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 attached.
This design allows this tool to be used in any situation by both welders and carpenters.
Along with the simplest option, which you can make yourself, more technologically advanced types of clamps have also become widespread, each of which is “tailored” for a specific job.
Device and principle of operation
A 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 materials used in the manufacture of this tool are metal, wood, and durable plastic.
An ordinary manual clamp is a monolithic frame curved in the shape of a “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 rotation around an axis, and on the other side with a flat, wide penny.
By turning the screw, this penny creates pressure on the opposite end of the frame.
If you place two coins between the nickel and the frame, say, wooden bars, and then tighten the screw, they will securely lock together.
Depending on the design, clamping auxiliary tools can be divided into:
Body clamps
Clamping force can be used to secure workpieces on oblique and parallel planes.
Due to the fact that the clamping 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 strip. 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 presser lips.
To clamp parts, you need to bring the metal bars together until they touch the workpiece, and then tighten the screw (equipped with a convenient handle).
This version of the tool is the most common.
This is a popular support 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.).
It can be made in the form of an isosceles right triangle, five- or hexagon.
The edges of the clamp have magnetic inserts, which are responsible for fixing the metal elements to each other at an angle.
Clamp with ratchet
Outwardly, it is very similar to an ordinary clothespin, but larger.
It is clamped by hand, and the installed ratchet mechanism blocks the opening of the jaws.
To loosen the clamp, use a special pawl lever (button).
Trigger clamp
Also called quick-release.
Has an F-shaped design.
One jaw is fixedly fixed on a metal strip.
The second has a handle similar to a pistol, with a lever reminiscent of a weapon trigger, and a special flag - a lock.
If the flag is in the “unlocked” position, the movable jaw can easily move freely along the bar.
In the “locked” position, the clamp 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 rod of which a nickel is installed.
Vacuum clamps
Vacuum suction cups with built-in hand pumps are installed parallel to each other on the frame.
Used for positioning two flat parts, for example, MDF sheets, metal, in one plane.
Types of clamps
Different kinds clamps and their design features allow them to be used effectively to secure a wide range of materials of specific shapes and sizes at specific angles.
Some auxiliary tools are more suitable for simplifying welding work, others are relevant in carpentry, 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 installation element.
The main purpose is to attach 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 properties, which allows it to be used for temporary fastening of several metal parts to each other.
A fine thread pitch practically guarantees good clamping.
Useful function when 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, more designed for working with wood.
Since the clamping force is high, so that the structure of the wood is not disturbed, it is necessary to place wooden spacers under the lip and heel.
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.
The cast or forged body, shaped like 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 pads to the ends of furniture.
Among the disadvantages, there is some inconvenience of use, since at the same time you have to hold the adjustment, tighten all the screws, and hold the clamp itself.
T-shaped
A special feature of the T-clamp is a guide profile in the shape of the letter “T”, the length of which can exceed 1 m.
Movable jaws are attached to it.
The clamping is provided by a screw with a handle connected to the second jaw.
Used for fixing sectional workpieces.
Indispensable when installing window frames and in furniture production.
F-shaped
The design of the f-shaped clamp is less reliable than the G-shaped version.
However, the reason this tool has gained popularity is its wide range of adjustments.
A fixed lip is attached to a metal rail on one side, and a free-moving lip on the other side, on which a clamping screw with a washer is installed.
The length of the slats, 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 strip.
Corner
The special design of this type of clamp makes it easy to recognize. They can be either magnetic or screw.
The latter option is used exclusively when connecting boards or wooden blocks at right angles.
Maintaining a 90-degree angle is ensured by a powerful cast body with two protruding heels.
Clamping is usually done with one screw.
This design ensures compliance correct angle, A through holes on the main part allow you to attach this auxiliary tool to a work table or workbench.
To fasten metal pipes, angles or profiles at right angles, an angular magnetic clamp for welding is used.
It looks like an isosceles right triangle, the sides of which are equipped with magnets.
This tool is suitable for pre-fixing metal workpieces, which allows for their precise positioning.
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 clamps are often used for making wooden barrels(when fixing rivets), assemblies round chairs and frames.
Pipe
This clamp is based on a tube with a fixed lip.
The second lip moves freely along the tube, is fixed with a special stopper, and the workpieces are pressed with a special screw with a handle.
Used for gluing large-area panels in the manufacture of countertops and doors.
The work uses at least two pipe clamps installed on opposite sides of the panels.
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 adjusting the clamping force.
Over time, the spring loses its elasticity characteristics, due to which the pressure exerted on the workpiece gradually decreases.
Another drawback is the small grip.
It is used, as a rule, for work that does not require significant clamping force.
Automatic quick-release clamps
Automatic clamps are often used by professionals due to their ease of use.
The design consists of a metal strip on which a removable fixed jaw is installed on one side.
On the opposite side there 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 workpieces with one hand, while creating a fairly high clamping force.
If you turn the jaws in opposite directions, the master will receive a spacer clamp.
This tool is in demand not only due to its ease of use, but also its versatility.
However, over time, the mechanism wears out, and the maximum force of the clamp for compression and expansion decreases.
In order not to waste money, you can make clamps yourself.
For information about homemade clamps, see
Good afternoon friends!
Without a doubt, one of the most useful and frequently used tools in a carpentry shop is clamps. They are used to hold parts in place during almost any carpentry operation: sawing, drilling, sanding and, of course, gluing. Structurally, clamps most often consist of 2 parts: the main frame and a movable element for clamping. Let's figure out what types of clamps there are, how they differ from each other, and which ones a novice master should pay attention to first.
1. G-shaped(sometimes they say C-shaped)
They have a solid base in the shape of the letter C. Thanks to this, there is no possibility of the jaws being skewed. A pressure screw is installed on one of the jaws. They have quite a strong pressing force. The cost of such clamps is usually not high, but many craftsmen do not use them at all: a significant disadvantage is the small thickness of the clamped product.
2. F-shaped
They have a metal base on which two jaws are located: one movable and one fixed. Perhaps the most common and popular type of clamps: simplicity of design, low cost and ample opportunities in application. Perhaps the only negative is the need to use both hands when clamping such a clamp. There is a huge variety of manufacturers and variations of this type of clamps.
Body clamps- a type of F-shaped. They are characterized by a larger jaw area, which is more convenient when working and reduces the risk of damage to the workpiece.
There are also lever clamps with ratchet mechanism. The “ratchet” allows you to quickly tighten and release the part, but at the same time it will not allow you to excessively compress the workpiece.
3. Quick-release
The key difference from F-shaped clamps is the presence of a lever mechanism, thanks to which one hand is enough to clamp the part with such a clamp. At this moment, you can hold the workpiece with your second hand. They also have plastic linings on the jaws, which reduce the risk of damaging the part. Another plus is that they can work to unclench, just change the direction of the jaws. The effort is not as great as F-shaped clamps, and the cost is usually higher.
4. Pipe
They consist of a pipe and two stops attached to the pipe. I move the movable stop, you can get a clamp required length, which is convenient. Provides high compression force. It is usually used for gluing large products and also for gluing boards.
5. Tape
Consists of a tape and a tensioning device. Quite a small tightening force. But it has a wide range of applications - up to very large and irregularly shaped products.
6. Corner clamps
A highly specialized type of clamps. Mainly used for making frames.
7. Clothespins
Very convenient type clamp - easy to use with one hand. Typically used to secure a part on a workbench during processing. Good compression force and low price.
In custody: experienced craftsmen They advise not to skimp on clamps. It is better to immediately buy a normal high-quality model. In the end, it will be cheaper than buying low-quality ones several times.
See you soon! Good luck to everyone in the craft!
Read new notes before anyone else - subscribe to the channel atTelegram !
