Hand screw clamp - long jaws

[niki]

Good day

I have some small screw clamps that are very useful here and there but, I had in mind, already long time, to make one with long jaws.

So, in between the "gardening missions" of my wife (planters etc.) I fond some free time to make one and I would like to share it with you.

I used 3/8" threaded rod cut to 12" pieces

Sorry for the so unprofessional work but it's a prototype (excuses, excuses, all my jigs and fixers looks like a prototype).

Regards
niki

[RodKirby]

A quick/easy way to inset bolt heads etc. is to:

- counter bore a hole the same size or slightly smaller than the dimension across the flats of the hex head.
- insert the bolt and using a wingnut (or locked nuts), draw-in the bolt head - ie do not hammer it in. No marking/chiselling

I've done this into MDF, plywood and hardwood - works great - even a 1/4-20 coupling nut right thru 1" MDF!

[LCHIEN]

A quick/easy way to inset bolt heads etc. is to:

- counter bore a hole the same size or slightly smaller than the dimension across the flats of the hex head.
- insert the bolt and using a wingnut (or locked nuts), draw-in the bolt head - ie do not hammer it in. No marking/chiselling

I've done this into MDF, plywood and hardwood - works great - even a 1/4-20 coupling nut into 1" MDF!

I used to chisel mine out like Niki. I proudly posted that technique one day and either Rod or Pappy told me I was wasting my time and I should just draw it in with a nut and wrench (a flatwasher under the nut is a good idea, too) and it would make it own perfectly snug fitting home. So Right.

A 1/4-20 hex head bolt uses a 7/16" wrench, the flats are 7/16 across, so a 7/16" forstner makes a perfect countersunk hole for this purpose. Much handsomer than a carriage bolt which will do about the same thing.

[niki]

Thank you mate

I never tried this method but it sounds good and if it worked for you, there is no reason that it will not work for me.

I was afraid to break the knob so I went the safe way but next time....

Oh, and your shop is very, very nice and organized (in contrary to mine)

niki

.

[RodKirby]

... Much handsomer than a carriage bolt which will do about the same thing.

BUT, a carriage bolt has only 4 corners to grab, AND, is shallower than the hex head, AND, leaves the round head protruding

[final_t]

And, of course, gotta have the sandpaper in use!

Great pics and explanations - love the idea of swapping in a quick clamp as needed.

[lcm1947]

Thanks for the ideas Niki. One day when I need something like that I'll have this memory to fall back on. I love seeing difference stuff people come up with which is half of this hobby as far as I'm concerned. Nice of you to share. Thanks

[RichG]

Thanks for the pics and the explanation! I just have one question. What's that large piece of equipment in the middle of your shop?

[niki]

RodKirby
Thank you mate, I tried it to day and it works like a charm.

Final t
Sandpaper is my tread mark...you know

Mac
I agree with you that making tools and jigs is half (if not more) of the pleasure in our hobby.

RichG
It doesn't look like a table saw, does it .
Well, as you noticed, it was the winter and you don't want me to work 2 hours with hair fan just to be able to open the door.
It would be much easier without this "large piece" in the middle but reality...

niki

[radhak]

Niki, any chance you could fix your pictures you started this thread with? I can't see just your pics.