Wood Clamps – A Must-Have in Every Woodworker’s Toolkit

Whether you’re gluing edges, stabilizing wood pieces or welding them together, wood clamps are an essential tool. These simple yet powerful tools make nearly all woodworking projects a lot easier than they would be without them.

Clamps come in many different shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find the right one for your project. Choosing the right wood clamp is about knowing what it will be used for and finding one that has the pressure required to accomplish the job.

Spring clamps

A spring clamp works like a pair of pliers, except that it uses the pressure of a spring to firmly hold down your material. They are quick and easy to use for any skill level, and they can be used to cut, fasten, or bond materials.

Unlike larger clamps, spring clamps can be adjusted for the amount of force required. This is measured in psi (pound-force per square inch).

When buying spring clamps, make sure to choose the size that matches your intended woodworking project. Clamping power, jaw capacity and padding are all important factors to consider.

These sturdy and versatile clamps work well for all kinds of projects, from attaching paper or cords to securing photos. They also feature pivoting pads that flex and adjust to uneven surfaces, preventing scratches or abrasions.

Handscrew clamps

Handscrew clamps are wood-based clamps that have been around for generations and have many uses in the DIY, carpenter’s or cabinet maker’s shop. They offer a versatile way to securely hold odd-shaped parts or to secure wood pieces together at a 90 degree angle.

They’re very easy to tighten, and when used properly, they provide an even clamping pressure that won’t mar the workpiece or cause it to slip. You can also adjust the clamp’s jaws to fit different shapes, so you can use it for a variety of woodworking projects.

They’re also very durable and long-lasting, making them a great choice for any DIYer or professional. Make sure you buy them made from a sturdy hardwood, such as maple or oak.

F-style clamps

Clamps are a staple in any woodworker’s toolkit, and they work well for many common tasks. However, not every clamp is perfect for every application.

If you need a wide opening capacity or are trying to apply pressure to a large piece, F-style clamps are often the way to go. The slider bar on these clamps lets you adjust the throat depth to suit a variety of applications.

They also have a pistol grip handle that makes them easy to use with one hand. They are ideal for a wide range of applications including butt-welding, gluing and other assembly needs.

Pipe clamps are also a great option when you need a long reach. They feature a movable jaw that threads onto a piece of pipe, and can be joined with couplers to create longer lengths.

Mousetraps

Mousetraps (also known as spring-loaded bar traps) are one of the most widely used pest control methods. They are effective and a convenient option for many homeowners, but their effectiveness may vary depending on the bait and location of the traps.

Often, mice are smart enough to avoid the traps and even trigger them by accident. This can be especially problematic if you have a lot of mice.

If this is the case, you might need to change the type of trap that you use. For example, you could try using a live trap that uses no bait at all or puts the rodent inside a safe, self-contained space until it can be set free.

Another alternative is to use a sticky trap that kills mice with no toxic substances. This type of trap is easy to use and can be placed on floors or walls where mice like to run. It’s also a great option for homeowners who are sensitive to chemicals or have children and pets.