Is there such a thing as a driver-drill driven C-clamp?

[Zeke]

Ever get tired of going to the clamp cabinet and pulling out a dozen c-clamps for a glue up and they are all nearly closed and you need them almost wide open? PITA to screw a dozen or so open. I think they should have a hex end so a hex driver can run them in and out quickly.

Or any type of Allen socket, Torx, what have you. I did see some Wliton heavy duty clamps with the hex head with a heavy duty price of well over $200 ea. Something in the description about ship building.

Tried looking for some to buy and haven't found any but I did see some air driven clamps. Not quite what I think would be the hot ticket. Same goes for Vise-grip clamps. They need an Allen socket in the screw head.

I have a few small c-clamps with a thumb turn. I might start with those for making an improvement.

Another thought is that with a driver drill you can set the torque and run the clamps down soft and then go back and cinch them down to whatever tightness you need. So assembly would be much faster.

What type of screw shaft end would you prefer? I think hex ends make the most sense as they won't fill up with crud.

I'm still looking as I type this and I found a site where I can buy a **** load of clamps from India with a square at the end beyond the handle. They are 6" which is not my target size. I'm looking for 2, 3 and 4".

Someone went to the trouble of patenting a method for inserting set screws in the head of the clamp screw. He specifies a Phillps device which would be my least favorite choice. Besides, the head needs to be forged along with the rest of the part.

 

[2oolhound]

There is a rapid set type that you can disengage the screw, set, then engage the screw to do the final tighten down.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/HART-8-in-C-Clamp-with-Quicktight-Technology-HCC0801/205036173

 

[joe--h]

Weld a nut on the end.

Joe H

 

[rjvjeepster]

C clamp ball joint presses are like that. They have a 3/4" bolt head on the stud (at least the ones I have rented), I use my impact on them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OCFIAQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[wkndwarrior29]

If you already have clamps (assuming they are all similar) did you consider slotting an old socket to fit over the thumbscrew?

 

[PugetDude]

Weld a nut on the end.

Joe H

+1
Pretty easy to try for a hex drive.

If you want a phillips drive, drill and tap the end for an appropriately sized machine screw; use red loctite and a couple of upset threads to hold it in place.

 

[gungatim]

That's why I almost never use C-clamps. Irwin Quick grips for most stuff. Bessy, Jorgy, or Jet cabinet clamps for the rest. C-clamps are for welding and brake calipers

 

[nes999]

That's why I almost never use C-clamps. Irwin Quick grips for most stuff. Bessy, Jorgy, or Jet cabinet clamps for the rest. C-clamps are for welding and brake calipers

+1

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[Brian_WK]

Weld a nut on the end.

Joe H

This is what I did for a few of mine welded right through the threaded part and filled it in. I did snap a few off as I didn't do great prep on them before hand.

If you already have clamps (assuming they are all similar) did you consider slotting an old socket to fit over the thumbscrew?

This is actually what I did first cut cheap 1 1/2 deep well socket with a groove cut half the length up the socket that would line up with "T" handle on the c-clamp. put the T handle half way then slid the socket over the handle and using a drill spin it open closed or even apply a specific torque to set your clamping pressure all the same.

That's why I almost never use C-clamps. Irwin Quick grips for most stuff. Bessy, Jorgy, or Jet cabinet clamps for the rest. C-clamps are for welding and brake calipers

This is more the boat im in now quick ratchet sliding bar clamps. Only use the c clamps as last resort or welding.

Brian

 

[Zeke]

Weld a nut on the end.

Joe H

Good idea. I was going to buy hex stock for a longer head but I can see this working.

C clamp ball joint presses are like that. They have a 3/4" bolt head on the stud (at least the ones I have rented), I use my impact on them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OCFIAQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

At nearly $100 ea. that is an expensive solution.

That's why I almost never use C-clamps. Irwin Quick grips for most stuff. Bessy, Jorgy, or Jet cabinet clamps for the rest. C-clamps are for welding and brake calipers

+1

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As for you 2 guys, thanks for your concern. However, I like small c-clamps so I think I'll do this my way if you don't mind. IOW, wasted posts.

 

[nes999]

If you wait until black Friday bessy and jet usually has amazing deals on their clamps. A set of parallel clamps will really improve the quality of your work. I used too, used to use c clamps and made the jump to the dark side. I had fun throwing out all of those c clamps.

Too bad you live so far away or else I would lend you some to try.

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[Zeke]

If you wait until black Friday bessy and jet usually has amazing deals on their clamps. A set of parallel clamps will really improve the quality of your work. I used too, used to use c clamps and made the jump to the dark side. I had fun throwing out all of those c clamps.

Too bad you live so far away or else I would lend you some to try.

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This is for edge clamping. You wouldn't use bar clamps on the gunwale of a boat. I have parallel and pipe clamps out the wazoo. I also have lots of small spring clamps which get used all the time. The limitation with those is throat size. But quick and easy they are. That's what I'm after, fast and a wider range of throat.

What I'm thinking now is since I have a pile of old 9.6v Makita drills that I will attach a holder of some sort (probably a bracket and a spring clamp) to one and make a one-handed clamping device. How many times do you need a third hand?

edit: I guess I should clarify the 'gunwale' comment. Use whatever clamps you want. But if I need 30 - 40 clamps on something I want to be able to use something that costs less and that's a c-clamp.

 

[nes999]

This is for edge clamping. You wouldn't use bar clamps on the gunwale of a boat. I have parallel and pipe clamps out the wazoo. I also have lots of small spring clamps which get used all the time. The limitation with those is throat size. But quick and easy they are. That's what I'm after, fast and a wider range of throat.

What I'm thinking now is since I have a pile of old 9.6v Makita drills that I will attach a holder of some sort (probably a bracket and a spring clamp) to one and make a one-handed clamping device. How many times do you need a third hand?

edit: I guess I should clarify the 'gunwale' comment. Use whatever clamps you want. But if I need 30 - 40 clamps on something I want to be able to use something that costs less and that's a c-clamp.

I see what your saying now. It would get pretty unruly in a hurry trying to use bar clamps or parallel for gunwale. I think the suggestion of welding a nut on the back is probably what I would do given your situation.

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[Git]

I bought a pair of cheap 4" C clamps on Amazon because they had a little ball you could press where the threaded rod goes through the body of the clamp - and that would disengage the threads and you could easily open or close the clamp close to the size you needed. Came in handy

This is the best I can do - looks like the Amazon page for it is now dead

Denali 4-Inch x 2 1/4-Inch Speed Release C-Clamp, 2-Pack

 

[Zeke]

Git, those would work but as you said, they don't seem to be available — anywhere.

 

[Can I try?]

A cuphook/wingnut driver might work.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0017VBKOQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473799488&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=cup+hook+driver&dpPl=1&dpID=41SwR0rUOWL&ref=plSrch

You'd probably be better off making your own, though. Just take an appropriately sized socket and cut two slots in it. You won't be able to use it at full clamping pressure, but at least you'd be able to quickly run the clamps in and out.

EDIT: Credit to wkndwarrior29. Looks like he posted this idea first.

 

[Ign]

These 4x2 Besseys go $3 or less every holiday season. I use 'em on the mill to clamp anodized Al channel to angle plates.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/BESSEY-4-in-x-2-in-Bar-Clamp-LM2-004/204957893

I don't use c-clamps at all but I only touch wood for heat.

Sorry, another wasted post, sigh......

 

[nes999]

Git, those would work but as you said, they don't seem to be available — anywhere.

I would check the old horror freight, my boss bought them from there once upon a time. I don't know if they still carry them.

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[Git]

Kind of a similar design - but their $14 each

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQAXVSK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Home Depot also sells a version a tad cheaper

http://www.homedepot.com/p/HART-4-in-C-Clamp-with-Quicktight-Technology-HCC0401/205035947

nes is right - Harbor Freight still sells them
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-quick-release-c-clamp-4140.html

 

[the gypsy]

I would suggest the wing nut adapter you attach to the drill/driver. I have seen a 3 pack with different sizes.

 

[Zeke]

I would suggest the wing nut adapter you attach to the drill/driver. I have seen a 3 pack with different sizes.

Never entered my mind. Just bought a combo one. Thanks for the idea!

 

[the gypsy]

Actually I wish to thank you also, because I never thought about it for myself. But your question got the thinking and creative juices flowing.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I consider my Snap-On BJP-1 to be the finest C-clamp I own, and it loves the impact drive.

 

[Zeke]

I consider my Snap-On BJP-1 to be the finest C-clamp I own, and it loves the impact drive.

That's a really nice tool. I'd have one if I did a lot of that kind of work (removing pressed or wedged fittings and such). I just stick 2 pieces of wood together now and then.

 

[bfdladder10]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RMB3AY/?tag=atomicindus08-20 also comes in a 4 and 6 "

 

[rsanter]

On several C clamps I cut the cross handle off and welded a nut on so I could use a wrench or socket on.
I dud this because there are sometimes tight spaces where I can't rotate the screw and slide the handle to go again so I needed an alternative.
It has been a very helpful adaption

Bob

 

[Zeke]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RMB3AY/?tag=atomicindus08-20 also comes in a 4 and 6 "

Thanks.

On several C clamps I cut the cross handle off and welded a nut on so I could use a wrench or socket on.
I dud this because there are sometimes tight spaces where I can't rotate the screw and slide the handle to go again so I needed an alternative.
It has been a very helpful adaption

Bob

Agree on that.

 

[geartow]

If you already have clamps (assuming they are all similar) did you consider slotting an old socket to fit over the thumbscrew?

This is. Good idea.

 

[the gypsy]

Hey Zeke, I just got another idea. Why not just put a 90 degree bend on the lever so it's much faster to open and close. No need for any drill or driver. It will not be as fast as a drill/driver but it certainly will be faster than hand tightening.

 

[justanengineer]

+1 on the quick-release C-clamps. I've got several Wiltons and would love to find more, top quality!

 

[Zeke]

Hey Zeke, I just got another idea. Why not just put a 90 degree bend on the lever so it's much faster to open and close. No need for any drill or driver. It will not be as fast as a drill/driver but it certainly will be faster than hand tightening.

When you're hot, you're hot!

 

[the gypsy]

Thank you Zeke, that means a lot to me.

 

[Ign]

These 4x2 Besseys go $3 or less every holiday season. I use 'em on the mill to clamp anodized Al channel to angle plates.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/BESSEY-4-in-x-2-in-Bar-Clamp-LM2-004/204957893

I don't use c-clamps at all but I only touch wood for heat.

Sorry, another wasted post, sigh......

I caught this in Free Parking - he uses these very clamps to add a headphone jack to an iPhone 7. Bam!

 

[theoldwizard1]

On a "How Is It Made" episode, they showed how the back edge of a grand piano was formed. Big jig, dozens and dozens of C-clamps with hex heads, wrench and air impacts !

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I just hold the shaft and twirl the clamp. One hand opens or closes them quick. Hold the clamp and a spin the shaft with one finger for finer adjustment.