Whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast, the right clamps can make a huge difference in the outcome of your project. Whether you are using embossed clamps, stainless steel hose clamps or one of the other types of hose clamps or general clamps, using them correctly can help you achieve your goal with your project. Saws on Skates put together this tip sheet on how to work with clamps for the best experience.
- Get strong joints by using some good glue. Before you have gotten to the point where you are going to use your embossed clamps, you should start out by using some glue. If you are working with wood, you need a decent glue that has been made specifically for wood. If you are working with another material, your glue should work well with that. When the two pieces fit together, there should be enough glue to spill out of the joint.
- Next up, your clamp. Once the two pieces of wood, plastic or whatever are joined with glue, you need to keep them that way with your camp. You want to put your clamps on your project in such a way that the same amount of pressure is applied around the project. If you are using a reliable clamp that is an embossed clamp or hose clamp, this is not something you have to really think about. Unlike other kinds of clamps, all types of hose clamps apply the same amount of pressure along the project.
- Use the right amount of clamps. There are people who are DIY enthusiasts or professionals who live by the motto “you can never have too many clamps.” There is a reason that people swear by this saying. It is true! When it comes to projects at home or at work, having more clamps on hand than you think you will need can only be a good thing. Remember, it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
- Get some cauls. If you really want to protect the surface that you are going to clamp, your best bet is to use some kind of caul to help with that. If you are using non-embossed clamps, you can protect the surface you are clamping by using strips of material called “cauls.” These can be great to help you make sure the same amount of pressure is applied all over.
- You should clamp and glue your butt joints. There is some disagreement in the world of DIY and professional work about whether or not butt joints should be glued and clamped or just clamped or just glued. They should absolutely be glued and then clamped to get the best seal. While some of the glue that is applied to the end or butt joints is just going to be pulled into the wood, you can add a little more and get a seal that is tight and works well. If you are using a different material than wood, it makes even more sense to go ahead and use some decent glue.
It has been reported that the first hose clamp was invested by Royal Navy Commander Lumley Robinson in 1921. Whether or not your project needs hose clamps, embossed clamps, C-Clamps or some other kind altogether, there are ways you can use glue and clamps together to create a tight seal and achieve success with the project you are working on. If you are not sure what kind of clamp would be the best for your project, you can always talk through your project with the people at your local hardware store. No matter what kind of project you are working o n, there is a clamp out there that can help you get the job done.