If you look at a lot of the projects that home woodworkers have built, you’ll find that many of them utilize a C clamp to hold something in place while it is being attached. The best thing is that these clamps are inexpensive and small enough to carry around with you. So, if you ever get a chance to pick up one or two of these clamps, just be informed that it’s worth it. Here are the features to consider when looking for the top C clamps to use:
Ease of Securing Several Materials:
Even though a C clamp is small in size, it can hold things in place exceptionally well. If you compare the holding power of an average-sized C clamp to the holding power of a standard barbed wire tie, you’ll see that they’re similar in terms of capacity. Thanks to the jaws on a C clamp, it can get a firm grip on certain materials, making it possible for you to get things done quickly and easily. The handle is usually small enough so that you won’t have any problems getting your hand around it while you’re moving the clamp from one location to another.
Small and Compact In Size:
Another reason why C clamps are so popular is that they’re small and compact, which makes it easy to fit several of these clamps into a toolbox. If you’ve ever tried using one of the larger barbed wire ties to hold something in place, you probably discovered that it takes up a lot of space. C clamps are great because they’re small and compact enough to fit into any toolbox without using up lots of room.
Direct-Reading Markings on the Thumb Screw:
Another feature that makes it easy to take the C clamp down and put it back up again is the direct-reading markings on the thumbscrew. This eliminates any confusion about how much pressure you should use to tighten the thumbscrew, making it easier for you to set things in place and ensure they remain secure during your projects.
The C clamp usually comes with a flathead screwdriver to tighten the thumbscrew, but you can take the handle off and use it as a wrench if you need additional leverage.
Materials Used for Construction:
When comparing the top C clamps to use for your woodworking projects, you’ll find that some are made from metal while others are constructed from plastic. The best C clamps will be made from metal, which means that they’re more durable and able to hold materials in place better than plastic C clamps would. Read more about Why Buying High-Quality Hand Tools for Your Home Workshop is a Good Investment. You can find these higher-quality clamps online if you know where to look for them.
Although there are some great plastic C clamps on the market, you’ll find that they’re typically not going to be as durable.
They might look similar in size and shape, but a metal C clamp will hold materials in place more securely than a plastic one would, which makes it easier for you to get your projects finished.
Inner and Outer Thumb Screws:
You can find C clamps that have an inner and outer thumbscrew. These two screws work together to ensure that your material is secure and doesn’t fall off or move while you’re working on a project.
An inner thumb screw is used to secure one side of the material, while you can adjust an outer thumbscrew to secure the opposite side of the material in place. You must use both of these screws together to ensure that your material doesn’t move at all. Now that you know what to check in a C clamp, you’re ready to pick up your own.