Source for threaded rods and swivel feet for DIY clamps

ear3

Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2014
Messages
4,341
I'm going to have to make some DIY clamps for my build, and I was wondering if anyone could point me to a source for just the threaded rods with the swivel feet that you find on C-clamps.  Alternatively, some rubber pads that would attach to 1/4 up through 3/8 bolts that I would just thread myself through some T-nuts -- rubber needed to protect the wood.  Thanks.
 
It's for clamping smaller pieces on a structure that will likely exceed 10 feet, where I need to minimize surface holes from nails/screws, so a DIY thing is my most viable and economical option.

Kev said:
Wouldn't you consider good old pipe clamps?
 
For DIY clamp pads, I'd look at leather.  You could also make simple clamps with wedges, or  maybe use web clamps.
 
I'm with Chris on this.  Wedges are your friend.  Get a couple of pieces of scrap, put one under each side of your big piece, the one where you will be clamping needs to stick out an inch or two.  Clamp the scraps and the work piece down.  Screw in some small scrap blocks  on the scrap, about half an inch or less from the workpiece + the new pieces, where you wish to glue on the small pieces.  Glue on your new pieces and tap in wedges from opposing directions.  Done.  Only scrap and a few screws needed.  Also works great for odd shaped and curved pieces.
 
Do you have a visual/image to illustrate?

Jesse Cloud said:
I'm with Chris on this.  Wedges are your friend.  Get a couple of pieces of scrap, put one under each side of your big piece, the one where you will be clamping needs to stick out an inch or two.  Clamp the scraps and the work piece down.  Screw in some small scrap blocks  on the scrap, about half an inch or less from the workpiece + the new pieces, where you wish to glue on the small pieces.  Glue on your new pieces and tap in wedges from opposing directions.  Done.  Only scrap and a few screws needed.  Also works great for odd shaped and curved pieces.
 
I have been kicking around revamp some old C clamps for a router lift, you might want to thith about it for your needs. Cheap and available  acme thread with swivel ends.  Just a thought.
 
Here's a fancy adjustable version of a wedge bar clamp.  You could easily skip boring all the holes and just screw the blocks where you need them.
Shop+Made+Clamp1.jpg
 
Thanks for the visual.

Chris Wong said:
Here's a fancy adjustable version of a wedge bar clamp.  You could easily skip boring all the holes and just screw the blocks where you need them.
Shop+Made+Clamp1.jpg
 
[member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member] if you decide to go with the swivel clamps check out McMaster Carr, they have a great selection.

I do like the wedge clamps however.

RMW
 
Richard/RMW said:
[member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member] if you decide to go with the swivel clamps check out McMaster Carr, they have a great selection.

I do like the wedge clamps however.

RMW
  I too recommend Mc-Master Carr, and unlike Grainger, you don't need a business account with them to order, just a credit card and you're off and running.
  I DO like the wedge jig as well, simple and easy to build for someone,  Thanks Chris... [cool] [cool] [cool] [cool]
 
Back
Top