Clamp (tool)
A fastening device applying inward pressure to hold objects securely.
Last updated
Clamps are tools used to temporarily position components for various tasks.[1] One-handed trigger clamps, also called squeeze clamps, are bar clamps with a pistol grip and spring-loaded trigger.[2] These clamps allow a user to position and engage the clamp with one hand while keeping the other hand free.[2]
Quick Facts
- Field
- Tool and equipment
- Known for
- Holding or securing objects tightly together via inward pressure
- Types
- Temporary
- permanent
- medical
- and other specialized clamps
- Alternative name
- Cramp (UK, for temporary use in construction and woodworking)
Facts from the source article.
Key facts and history
Trigger clamps have been available for years and are common in builders' workshops and trucks.[2] Unlike traditional bar clamps requiring two hands, a squeeze clamp closes by holding the grip and pumping the trigger.[2] The Bessey PowerGrip trigger provides up to 200 lb. of grip, then a screw handle can reach 1000 lb. of clamping force.[2] Jorgensen’s heavy-duty E-Z Hold Expandable Bar Clamps feature a sliding dovetail joint to join two clamps end-to-end.[2]
DeWALT trigger clamps range from a 4-1/2-inch 35-lb. model to a 50-inch 600-lb. model.[2] Miter clamps are small spring clamps with sharp points that pinch mitered trim for tight joints.[2] Band clamps use easy-sliding latches and a screw mechanism for jobs where rope or ratchet straps are improvised.[2] Other temporary clamp types include C-clamps, bar clamps, pipe clamps, and spring clamps.[1]
Surgical clamps include hemostatic clamps, bone clamps, and Gomco clamps.[3]
What the research sources say
Rob Wotzak’s article in Fine Homebuilding notes that one-handed trigger clamps are the go-to choice for home builders due to convenience, versatility, and powerful grip.[2] Wotzak states that Irwin Quick-Grip heavy-duty clamps range from a four-pack of 6-inch clamps for $20 to a 50-inch model for $45.[2] According to Wotzak, Jorgensen’s heavy-duty line comes in 12-inch, 24-inch, and 36-inch models for $25, $30, and $35 respectively.[2] Wotzak reports that Bessey PowerGrip sells for $50 for the 12-inch model and $60 for the 24-inch model.[2]
Wotzak explains that Pony Hand Clamp may be more convenient than a bulky trigger clamp for thin sheets or small parts.[2]
References
- Wikipedia, "Clamp (tool)" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: Wotzak, "One-Handed Clamps for Remodeling and Construction" (we also read that source) en.wikipedia.org
- Wotzak, "One-Handed Clamps for Remodeling and Construction". facts only, no text reused. finehomebuilding.com
- Wikipedia, "Clamp (tool)" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: "Bone clamp", Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging (original not read by us) en.wikipedia.org
Each numbered sentence above was checked against the source it cites before publication. Sentences citing Wikipedia adapt text from the English Wikipedia article Clamp (tool) (contributors), used under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is available under the same licence. Other sources were used for facts only; no text or images are copied from them.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Clamp (tool) (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Word definitions: the Codexery glossary, each quoted from its Wikipedia article.
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