From cordless jigsaws and bandfiles, to handheld chisels and router planes, woodworkers depend on a broad array of tools to perform a wide range of tasks. And while woodworking clamps don’t typically share the spotlight with edged and toothed tools, the role they play in woodworking is irreplaceable.
Whether it’s applying pressure to a glue joint, or holding a piece of wood stock to the bench while it’s being worked on, clamps are one of the most crucial tools at a woodworker’s disposal. Pinch-type clamps, however, have the advantage when it comes to both versatility and practicality. They’re strong, compact, and most importantly they offer the convenience of one-handed flexibility. That’s why chippies, woodworkers and hobbyists alike insist on having as many as possible.
Spring Clamps Help Simplify the Toughest Woodworking Tasks
Ask any woodworker what are the qualities they value the most in a clamp, and the most likely response will be a firm but gentle grip. Clamps need to be able to maintain a solid hold without marring a stock surface, and non-marring spring clamps are precisely what woodworkers want for most jobs. Unlike the large locking areas of pistol-style one-handed clamps, the pinching action of spring clamps allows them to take advantage of smaller gripping areas.
They can be positioned and re-positioned effortlessly with only one hand; and depending on the size and complexity of the working piece, woodworkers can easily accomplish more with small collection of spring clamps than they can with a just one or two big clamps. Premium quality, secure gripping spring wood clamps are typically sold in pack up to 24 pieces, and are available in a range of jaw sizes and depths, to include:
- Small 115 mm long clamps with a 38 mm jaw opening and a 38 mm jaw depth;
- Medium 178 mm long clamps with a 70 mm jaw opening and a 52 mm jaw depth; and,
- Large 229 mm long clamps with a 72 mm jaw opening and a 52 mm jaw depth.
With clamping pressures from 7 kg – 12 kg, and adjustable tension springs, top notch wood spring clamps are arguably just as important as any of the other tools that woodworkers use. And with their own host of key ergonomic features, they help make even the toughest joining, boring, and sanding jobs easier and more efficient.
Modern Spring Clamps are Built Better Than Ever
Make no mistake: while clamps ordinarily don’t qualify as precision tools, a wood spring clamp that’s solidly moulded, fits well in the hand, and doesn’t cause hand fatigue is no less of an asset.
An awkward, unwieldy, clamp is as much of a nuisance as one that can’t hold its grip at all. It’s also a potentially damaging instrument for delicate woods and decorative trim. That’s why the most reliable spring loaded clamps start with the best built qualities, to include:
- Superior quality materials. Through the use of high strength materials like reinforced nylon and heavy duty polymers, modern woodworking spring clamps are moulded to be rugged, and resistant to wear and exposure to chemicals.
- Flexible swivelling pads. Oversized, super-gripping pads help ensure an even, effective transfer of positive clamping force that won’t damage delicate wood or woodwork.
- No-slip gripping power. Smart ergonomic design is the key to manufacturing a woodworking spring clamp that’s comfortable and has the built-in leverage essential for preventing the kind of hand fatigue that can lead to slippage when the clamp is attached.
With their enhanced clamping pressure, not only are today’s spring clamps for woodworking constructed better than ever, they’re perfectly compatible with a host of jobs other than holding wood. Whether it’s supporting power tool cords that could cause a tripping hazard, or holding a guide in position while performing a cut, they’re built for safety and flexibility throughout the workshop. And not surprisingly, making sure they’re used correctly is the crucial first step in getting the fullest benefit from them.
Recognising the Best Practices In Spring Clamp Usage
Regardless of where or how a spring clamp is used, or even the size of spring clamp you buy, the most important fact to remember is that the gripping pressure should never be so tight that it risks marring the surface of the wood. It’s an acknowledgement that clamping pressure is inherently the main concern when buying spring clamps.
That’s also why rather than looking almost exclusively for clamps with the highest clamping pressure, experienced woodworkers are more likely to buy spring clamps with moderate clamping pressures, and to use them in higher numbers. Ideally, no matter how many clamps are used, best clamping practices will typically include:
- Refraining from using clamps on surfaces that aren’t completely flat;
- Refraining from using clamps with damaged or mutilated grips; and,
- Refraining from adjusting clamp tension too aggressively to prevent damaging the working stock.
The underlying point in following best clamping practices is understanding that it’s wiser to use more clamps with less pressure than fewer clamps with too much pressure. It’s the only way to protect the wood, as well as ensuring you hold and align the working stock as accurately as possible.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, woodworkers understand that having an ample supply of high quality spring clamps at their disposal is the equivalent of having a few extra hands available. And while there are a variety of different types of clamps that woodworkers can choose from, only one offers true one-handed grip and simplicity. Non-marring clamps have all the characteristics that woodworkers need and want. They’re the perfect solution for the widest variety of joining, gluing, and hold tasks; and they’re an investment that won’t break the bank.
