What Is a Screw Clamp?
A Screw Clamp is the general name for B-type, C-type, and G-type clamps.
A clamp is a tool used to secure a workpiece to a workbench during machining. The width of the opening is adjusted by turning a handle attached to the screw.
Unlike the B-shape clamp, the C-shape clamp has a C-shape instead of a U-shape. This makes it possible to clamp fixed objects deeper. Another advantage of the G-type clamp is its high fixing strength.
The G-type clamp is shaped like the letter “C” like the C-type clamp, but has a deeper jaw, the part to which the object to be clamped is added, than the C-type clamp. This makes it possible to clamp shapes that cannot be clamped with a C-type clamp.
Usage of Screw Clamp
Screw Clamps are widely used for general DIY and specialized assembly and fabrication work in civil engineering and construction, furniture manufacturing, sheet metal, and ironworking. They are used for cutting materials, drilling holes in wood and metal, fixing welding, and other relatively light-load work, and are not recommended for high-load work such as metal cutting.
It is a fixing tool that can be moved freely, not fixed to the workbench like a vise. By holding materials firmly in place, they improve the efficiency and accuracy of work. They come in a variety of sizes and are used in all types of work situations.
Principle of Screw Clamp
A Screw Clamp consists of a body with an opening, a metal screw, and a handle for turning the screw. It is the simplest of all clamps.
The space between the jaws at the end of the body with the opening and the screw at the other end is called the mouth opening. The material is placed between the jaws at the mouth opening, and the handle is used to rotate the screw to narrow the width of the mouth opening and strongly secure the material.
Features of Screw Clamp
Screw Clamps are stronger than other clamps because the main body is made of one part and has no moving parts. It also has a strong clamping force, making it ideal for long-time fixing such as gluing.
The mouth opening needs to be adjusted only by the action of tightening the screw, which is not as efficient as with L-shaped clamps, etc., but it is superior in terms of strength. It can also be used when the surface of the workpiece has a loose slope. The adapter at the end of the screw is a pivoting type.
Even if the fixed object has a slightly sloped shape, the adapter fits so that it can be fixed. In most cases, the tip of the screw is made of metal, so when fixing soft materials, use a piece of wood or a rubber pad between the screw and the material to prevent damage.
There are a variety of sizes and materials, from small ones used for DIY to large ones used at construction sites. Therefore, it is important to select the right one for your work space and material size.
How to Select a Screw Clamp
1. Guaranteed Load Capacity
Screw Clamps have a guaranteed load as specified by the manufacturer. The guaranteed load indicates the strength with which the screw clamp can be secured. The unit is kN (kilonewtons).
The manufacturer’s product information is always indicated, so investigate the weight of the object to be fixed in advance and select a product that meets the corresponding guaranteed load. If the product is used outside the guaranteed load range, it may lead to an unexpected serious accident such as movement of the fixed object. It is advisable to consider the guaranteed load with some margin for the fixed object.
2. Maximum Opening Size
The maximum opening size is the width of the opening of the screw clamp when it is opened to the maximum. It is selected by considering the thickness of the object to be clamped in the screw clamp. Rather than clamping an object at its full maximum opening size, we recommend a size with a little room to spare. The manufacturer’s product information provides the dimensions of the clamping range and aperture.
3. Environment of Use
The environment or situation in which the product will be used should also be considered. For example, when a strong load is applied, such as in metalworking. Even if multiple screw clamps are used, they may not be able to withstand processing with high load strength. Fixing scaffolds on which people ride may also be dangerous. If you are unsure of the expected range of use, we recommend that you contact the manufacturer.