Simple Hand Clamp
H
ERE IS A SIMPLE HANDclamp that can be made without any
threading or tapping—the only tools needed are a drill and a
chisel. The idea is taken from old wooden handscrews that were given
to me a few years back. There are no reverse threads and the jaws
open and close parallel to each other. I hold the center handle in my
left hand and spin the clamp around it clockwise to close the jaws; this
keeps the jaws parallel until they are the desired distance apart. A
turn or so on the rear handle then supplies enough pressure for any
glue joint.
The threaded parts are^3 ⁄ 8 -in. threaded rod sold at hardware stores.
Get nuts to match and simply mortise them into the hardwood jaws.
If the mortises are loose, you can use epoxy glue to hold the nuts in
place; use just a dab and keep it away from the threads. The holes are
drilled^1 ⁄ 2 in. to allow easy passage of the rod. The turned handles are
held firmly on the rod with epoxy glue pushed into a slightly oversize
and overdeep hole.
—ALBERTC. LANDRY,Richmond, Maine
CHAPTER NINENut mortised into jawMortised nut Pocket forrod end(^3) ⁄ 8 -in. threaded rod