Hand Screw Clamps

[FL Buckeye]

Does anyone here use the older type wood hand screw clamps very often? I haven't used any since WW in high school shop class yeeaarrs ago. I saw some 12" Irwin wood clamps at Big Lots tonight and was tempted to buy a couple. They were $7.99 or $8.99 ea. Since Rockler wants $24.99 ea for 12" Jorgensen hand screw clamps, this sounds like good deal but only if they are useful.

[gmack5]

I have a Pair each of 8", 10", 12", and 14" hand screws.
I don't use them often, but when I need'em, I'm sure glad they aren't very far away.

[monte]

I've got a couple of them and use them rarely.

[Pappy]

Like George, I don't use mine often but there are times when they are the only way to go.

[kwgeorge]

Well I have to tell you guys that you are missing out on one of the most versatile tools around. Man I love my Jorgensen clamps and use them I bet almost every time I work with flat wood. There larger surface area makes them ideal for all kinds of clamping needs and there ability to hold angled work pieces can’t be matched.

I will give some examples on how I used mine just yesterday. I needed a quick fixture so I could trim the edges of some veneer. No problem, just grabbed the Jorgensen’s, some C-clamps and some MDF and the fixture was ready.



After my piece was pressed I needed it to sit overnight with both sides exposed to air evenly. Well again no problem;



Later in the evening I needed to sharpen some cabinet scrapers in preparation for today so again I reached for one of these clamps and set the cabinet scraper in its jaws so I could quickly file the old bur off. I use mine for all kinds of things like bench dogs, or if I need to plane the edge of a smaller board I hold it vertically with these clamps. They can be used as a vice, lined with an old mouse pad for a non-marring clamp, hold turnings when carving and even be clamped down to the bench themselves for extra hold.

You guys should take another look at these clamps as once you get to using them you will find yourself reaching for one of them quite often.

[jwaterdawg]

What Ken said. They are useful for lots of different tasks, and the current promotion at Big Lots is a very good buy (I bought 4 last time I saw them at BL).

[messmaker]

That is a great deal. They will last a lifetime or two.

[mschrank]

Here's a whole list of ideas forum members contributed a few months back:

http://www.bt3central.com/forum/topi...TOPIC_ID=21396

[Tom Miller]

I picked up a couple more at HD's 25% off sale, but that only puts me up to 4 (2-10" and 2-12", I think). I think I might pick up some little ones (less than 6") just because they look so cute. [)]

Like others said, there are situations where their utility just can't be beat.

Regards,
Tom
Added: And if you think of any unique uses that aren't mentioned in the link Mike posted, add to it!

[LCHIEN]

I find these highly useful and recommend a few be in everyone'arsenal.
I'd say the 8 and 10" are most useful, 6 and 12's are OK.

Characteristics bad -
bulky, hard to store, heavy

Characteristics good -
Lay flat on table in two directions due to square sides.
Deep reach for clamping
Ability to apply pressure evenly along length OR at the tips only as you want.


More uses: Holding tall objects straight vertically

Holding small items to be routed on a table between the jaws and with the clamp flat on its side.

[FL Buckeye]

Thanks for all the input. I should have done a search [)] but I was awe-struck by the posts in the "53 clamps" thread in another area.

BTW, I stopped at a different BL tonight and they didn't have any wood screw clamps, but I bought 4 ea Irwin 36" Quick Clamps.