Dictionary Definition
Any of various devices used to join, grip, support, or compress mechanical or structural parts. Any of various tools with opposing, often adjustable sides or parts for bracing objects or holding them together.
How to use Clamps
- Make sure before you start gluing your project that you have enough clamps that will fit.
- Use a level work surface.
- Glue your project, and then apply the appropriate clamp.
- Make sure the jaws don't touch the work. Protect wood with felt pads, scrap wood or folded wax paper.
- Tighten the clamps carefully - be sure to distribute pressure evenly on the work.
- Alternate directions of the clamps.
- Measure the diagonals to see whether the work remained square while you were clamping it. If it isn't, loosen the clamps and readjust.
- Wipe off any glue that leaks out of the seams. Stains and other finishes won't look right on dried glue.
- When the work is clamped, reinforce the joints with finishing nails.
