Clothespin Clamps
I
MAKE HEAVY-DUTY CLOTHESPINclamps from two hardwood sticks
(^1 ⁄ 2 in. square by 7 in. long), a short^5 ⁄ 8 -in. dowel fulcrum, and a
heavy rubber band (about^1 ⁄ 4 in. by 4 in. long). The dowel fulcrum fits
in slight hollows filed in the sticks about one-third the way from the
front. Dull the sharp edges of the sticks, then double the rubber band
around the two sides in front of the fulcrum as many times as possible.
I use this clamp for gluing the linings onto the sides of musical
instruments. But by making a few changes the same basic clamp can
be used for other applications. For example, different jaw capacities or
parallel-jaw clamping can be achieved by using different-sized ful-
crums. The weight of the rubber band can be varied for more or
less clamping pressure. The jaws can be notched to clamp unusually
shaped work.
I also have some commercial steel-spring clamps, but my home-
made clothespins clamp with more pressure.
—BARTBRUSH,Cherry Valley, N.Y.
CLAMPINGWrap a rubber band
around the sticks.Rubber band(^5) ⁄ 8 -in. dowel
fulcrum
Fulcrum one-third
back from the front
(^1) ⁄ 2 -in. x (^1) ⁄ 2 -in. x 7-in. hardwood