What Are C-Clamps?
C-clamps are used in many trades, especially woodworking, to keep objects pressed together for any period of time. C-clamps are available commercially in a wide variety of sizes. Some craftsmen make their own C-clamps to custom fit their projects or improve on the initial design. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Name
-
The name "C-clamp" comes from the shape of the clamp's frame. When the clamp is open, the frame resembles the letter C.
-
Composition
-
Smaller commercial C-clamps are often made of pot metal, while larger ones are composed of cast iron or steel. Some clamps used in construction and woodworking are composed entirely of wood.
Features
-
There are two main characteristics of the C-clamp--the frame and the screw. The screw comes in from the bottom of the C and touches the flat surface at the top of the C when fully closed.
Use
-
Use the C-clamp when you wish to hold something in place or together for a period of time, such as to let adhesive set or sand down a surface. To use, place the surfaces inside of the frame and tighten the screw until the items are secured.
Medical
-
A specialized C-clamp is used in the treatment of some bodily injuries, such as pelvic fractures. These clamps use two screws rather than a contact surface to stabilize joints as the injury heals.
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of denise carbonell
