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Spring Clamps
Spring clamps are at the opposite end of
the squeeze spectrum from c-clamps, but they are very convenient for light
holding (such as holding the work pieces
in place until you can put a more serious
clamp to work). The fact that they take only
one hand to put in place can be very important,
and they have so many uses that they truly
are the workshop counterpart to the office
paper clip. They are made in either metal
or nylon plastic, and either tends to work
just fine. A mid range size is the most functional,
but for any given size different manufactures
use springs with different strengths, so
be sure to pick clamps that have plenty of
holding power but are not too hard for you
to squeeze open with just one hand.
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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