The versatility of clamps allows them to serve several purposes. You can also find them in many different types at BOSS Tee Clamps that are used for some specific purposes only.
To get the most out of them, it is best to learn about their usability. This will also help you make informed decisions about your projects.
Below we have answered some of the most common FAQs about the use of clamps:
1. What are Clamps Used for?
Clamps are handy tools that are useful in securing the parts of a project that you are executing. Their main use is seen in woodworking and carpentry applications, as they help in holding the piece of wood together to a workbench for chiseling or sawing.
Along with this, they are also used in metalworking for grinding, fabrication, and welding as they are helpful in securing the different pieces of metal together such as steel, iron, aluminum, and copper.
Clamps are mostly used for gluing, painting, filing, drilling, etc. In a nutshell, anytime you need something to be held still or help together, you can use a clamp.
2. What are the Different Types of Clamps Present?
There are numerous types of clamps available in the market. To be precise, there are 36 types of clamps. Each type serves a different purpose in a project.
For example, a spring clamp is used in jewelry making, carpentry, and other crafts when you are operating with one hand only.
A sash clamp is used for window and door work. Bench clamps are used for holding your items in place on your bench, and so on.
3. How Many Types of Clamps Will do I Need to Keep in My Toolbox at Home?
Depending on your project requirements and the type of work to be done around your own home, you will need different types of clamps in your toolbox.
We believe one can never have too many clamps but if you are looking for some must-haves, here’s what we think would be useful:
- Pipe Clamps- For fixing pipes
- Bar Clamps- For holding different pieces together
- Strap Clamps- For strapping up something with four sides
- C or G Clamp- For woodworking and metalworking.
4. What Are Some Other Types of Clamps and What are They Used For?
There is an overwhelming number of options available whenever it comes to choosing clamps. But if you are looking to finish your project as conveniently as possible, you may need to learn about their types as much as possible.
- Corner Clamp: The corner clamp is used for mitering pieces together as with their set 90-degree angles jaws, they ensure you get square corners.
- Parallel-Jaw Clamp- These versatile clamps are used for large glue gaps. Their jaws are fixed at 90 degrees angle to the bar and they stay parallel to each other.
- Trigger Activated Bar Clamp or Quick Clamps- These clamps come in handy when the pieces need tightening. You can use it with just one hand while the other one can be used to hold the piece together.
- C-Clamp or Carriage Clamp- These clamps are great for narrow workpieces that need lots of pressure at several points such as lamination.
5. How Long Before I Need to Replace My Clamps?
This entirely depends on how well you are taking care of your clamps. Several elements like glue, rust, affect their functionality.
If you are maintaining them regularly and providing them with proper care, they can last you a lifetime. But if there is a significant lack of care then they are bound to lose their functionality with time.
6. How do I Take Care of My Clamps?
If your bar clamp is new then you should start by removing the labels on the bar then wiping it down using mineral spirits and a clean cloth.
Your ultimate goal is to clean them while removing the adhesive. You can also add a coat of paste wax to the bar so that you can prevent the glue from sticking later.
When you are using the clamp, you need to prevent the build-up of glue by using a protective barrier between the piece and your clamp.
You can use packing tape, painter’s tape, or parchment paper for that purpose. As soon as you are done using the clamp, the protective barrier should be removed, wiped down with a dry cloth, and brushed with oil or paste wax.
