8 Clamps to Help You Handle Any Project

Clamps can be very helpful (even essential) in performing certain tasks. But which clamp - among the various hand-screw, bar, spring, band, tube and C-clamps - is right for the project at hand? Here are 8 commonly used clamps and what they do when put to use.

Pipe Clamps
A pipe clamp is commonly used in cabinet or furniture construction to glue the edges of wood together. It can be made to any size by simply changing the length of the tube between the fittings. The pressure exerted by a pipe clamp can damage the wood, so it is best to protect the clamped wood with blocks of wood, cardboard or felt.

C-clamps
The C-clamp is one of the most widely used and versatile clamps and is generally made of steel or cast iron. It is available in various sizes and is operated by turning a threaded rod that closes the "C" when tightened, serving to hold the workpiece in place. C-clamps can easily be over-tightened, so care should be taken not to damage softer wood - clamp the workpiece between blocks of wood or pad it with cardboard or felt.

Spring clamps
Spring clamps work much like clothespins, but with more force and stability. They come in many sizes and are graded according to the width of the opening. They are useful in many applications, not only in the woodworking shop, but throughout the house as well. Because they are the least expensive type of clamp and are usually sold in sets, they are cost effective.



Hand screw clamps
A hand-screw clamp consists of two hardwood pliers and two handles with long threads. The great thing about this clamp is that it can be adjusted for all sorts of odd shapes and angles. It distributes pressure evenly over the hardwood jaws so it is less likely to damage or break the wood it clamps.

Ratcheting Bar Clamps
The bar clamp is similar in construction to a pipe clamp, but it is equipped with a ratcheting handle. Just like a Ratchet, the jaws can be pulled together slowly, so they can be operated with one hand. The handle also has a quick release mechanism that makes removal of the clamp easy.

Ratchet Band Clamps
Band clamps are an excellent choice for situations where multiple surfaces, especially those that are not parallel, need to be clamped together or where clamping pressure needs to come from multiple directions. Special band clamps, through which corner blocks can be penetrated, can be used to clamp diagonally joined frames or boxes. Band clamps are also well suited for round workpieces.

Toggle clamps
Toggle clamps can be attached to a work surface or fixture to keep the workpiece stationary while it is being machined. Toggle clamps come in a variety of sizes and different types - push, pull and right angle - all tailored to specific situations. By pushing the handle down, an adjustment screw is pressed against the workpiece to keep it stationary.

Corner Clamps
Corner clamps can help you make corners or T-joints by holding your workpiece in place while you work. The smaller sizes are used for work like picture frames and the larger sizes are used for things like bookshelves. They don't apply force, so they don't actually push the two pieces of wood against each other. Instead, they frame and hold your pieces of wood in place so you can glue and screw them together.