What Is a C Clamp?
A C Clamp is a type of clamp in which the material is secured by turning a handle and tightening a screw. They are so called because their shape resembles the letter “C” in the alphabet.
The body is basically forged and can be made of strong steel, light aluminum, inexpensive cast or pressed steel, or plastic. Regardless of the type, the maximum opening size and the depth of the throat are fixed.
C Clamps are tools for securing materials to worktops, etc. It is the most common and inexpensive of all clamps and is characterized by its strong fixing force.
Uses of C Clamps
C Clamps are used for a wide range of applications, from general DIY to specialized assembly and fabrication work in civil engineering and construction, furniture manufacturing, sheet metal, and steel industry.
They are tools used to hold materials in place for cutting, drilling, gluing, and other processing operations. It can improve the accuracy and efficiency of work.
These tools are not fixed to the workbench like a vise, but can be moved freely for fixing. They come in a variety of sizes and are used in all kinds of work situations.
Principle of C Clamps
A C Clamp consists of a C-shaped body, a metal screw, and a handle for turning the screw. It is the simplest of all clamps.
The space between the jaws on one end of the C-shaped body and the jaws on the end of the screw on the other end is called the opening. The material is clamped in this opening, and the handle is used to rotate the screw to narrow the opening and secure the material firmly.
Characteristics of C Clamps
C Clamps have the highest strength compared to other clamps because the main body is made of a single component and has no moving parts. They are also suitable for long-term fixation such as bonding because of its strong clamping force.
Since the mouth opening needs to be adjusted only by the action of tightening the screw, they are not as efficient as L-shaped clamps, but they are superior in terms of strength.
Since most screws are made of metal, when fixing soft materials, it is important to use them with a piece of wood or a rubber pad between them to avoid damaging the material.
There are a variety of sizes and materials, from small ones used for DIY to large ones used at construction sites. Choose the one that best suits your work space and the size of your materials. Choosing the right one for the job will lead to work safety, accuracy, and efficiency.
How to Select a C Clamp
C Clamps are available in various combinations of maximum opening size, depth of throat, and material.
1. Maximum Opening Size
The maximum opening size is 25mm, 50mm, 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, etc., and is determined by the thickness of the material to be clamped.
2. Depth of Embosser
The depth of the embankment is usually about half or the same length as the maximum opening size. Some C-clamps have a longer reach or a deeper C-clamp. The jaw depth is determined by the depth of the material to be clamped.
3. Material
C Clamps are made of cast iron, aluminum, or plastic. If you want to fix materials firmly, use cast iron clamps because soft materials such as aluminum or plastic may break the clamp itself. Also, when using them for welding work, etc., cast iron is recommended because of its resistance to heat. Some clamps are galvanized to prevent corrosion.
Aluminum and plastic products are light and easy to carry, making them suitable for temporary fixing of small materials during woodworking. They are also rust-resistant, making them ideal for work in damp locations.
4. Shape
Screws with hexagonal jaws can be tightened further with a hex wrench after closing the handle.