Clamping tools, clamps

Clamps, also known as clamps, are clamping tools. They are used as clamping devices for pressing together and fastening several workpieces. They are always used when something needs to be fixed. Clamps are ideal for all applications that require powerful clamping, such as when gluing wood. A clamp basically consists of a rail with two clamping arms, one of which is freely movable and the other fixed. The movable part is called the sliding arm and the other part is called the fixed arm. There is a threaded spindle on the sliding arm, which can be used to make adjustments until the clamping or contact force is reached.

How is a clamp used?

Firstly, the handle is screwed in as far as it will go using the threaded spindle. The movable clamping arm is then clamped to the workpiece. Make sure that the fixed clamping arm is parallel to the workpiece. Next, the threaded spindle is slowly tightened. This clamps the workpieces together. When clamping, the hardness of the workpiece must be taken into account in order to avoid visible pressure marks. To prevent pressure marks, it is recommended to clamp a piece of wood under the workpiece.

What types of clamps are there?

The screw clamp is a classic clamping tool. Particularly large screw clamps are known as screw clamps. A distinction is made between malleable cast iron screw clamps, all-steel screw clamps, body clamps and one-handed clamps.

The clamping arms of malleable cast iron screw clamps are treated using the so-called malleable cast iron process. This makes them particularly inelastic and rigid and they are very unyielding when clamped. Malleable cast iron screw clamps allow you to work with full force and stability. They are also low-vibration and rigid. Malleable cast iron screw clamps are used for joining when working with wood.

The all-steel screw clamps are made entirely of steel. They are more elastic and springy than malleable cast iron clamps. However, they absorb vibrations better than other variants. This suspension is particularly practical when working with metal. However, these clamps are also popular for woodworking, as small position changes can be made more easily afterwards.

Body clamps are another type of clamping tool. They are suitable for working and processing large carcasses made of softer materials. Softer materials include wood or plastic, for example. Body clamps have a larger clamping surface than other clamps. This provides additional protection for the material being worked on. They are also characterised by the fact that certain clamps are equipped with protective caps, which have a particularly protective function.

One-handed clamps are mainly used in the DIY sector. They are very popular because they can be used quickly and with one hand. For this reason, they are also known as quick-release clamps. They are used when light to medium clamping forces and small to medium-sized workpieces are being processed.

Spring clamps are usually used when you only have one hand free. They are particularly quick to position and offer sufficient holding force. They are mainly used for temporary fixing, where a low holding force is sufficient. Spring clamps are also particularly suitable for quick assembly.

Are there accessories for clamps?

There are various accessories for clamps. There are pressure plates, spindles, sliding brackets, assembly supports, struts and load bars.

What should be considered with clamps or clamping tools?

1. When using clamps, it should be noted that the clamping force can cause pressure marks on the workpiece. To avoid this, it is advisable to place a piece of wood between the pressure plate and the workpiece.
2. It can happen that clamps jam even though the spindle is fully open. The only way to avoid this is to hit the end of the movable clamping bracket with a hammer at an angle. This should be done carefully to avoid damage.
3. The clamp should be opened after use. The spindle should only be unscrewed to the extent that a few threads still protrude.
4. The screw clamp should be cleaned regularly to remove glue and rust. Unclean clamps can impair work.
5. If the clamp slips or the movable clamping bracket does not find a hold even though it is clean, check the rail. Bare areas on the narrow side can be roughened slightly with sandpaper (100 grit). This will restore the required friction.

Caution! The coating on coated rails is also removed during roughening. Care should also be taken with rails with teeth on the narrow side of the rail.

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