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Ratchet Clamps
Ratchet clamps are an improved version of
the light duty bar clamps and they have become
very popular. Instead of adjusting the bar
clamp to the approximate size and then screwing
the clamp tight, ratchet clamps replace the
screw mechanism with a squeezable lever that
allows you to adjust and tighten the clamp
with just one hand. Very convenient but they
are only good for light weight gripping.
As with light duty bar clamps, quality varies.
Clamps with any major amount
squeezing force
are likely to mar the project
surfaces when
they are tightened. The most
significant
factor is the size of the clamp
pads, with
larger pads spreading the crushing
force
over a wider surface area. Almost
invariably
you will need to use scraps of
wood between
the work piece and the clamp
to distribute
the clamping force, so don’t
overestimate
the significant of whether the
clamp you
are buying comes with rubber
or nylon pad
covers. |
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