C Clamp information (repair?)

[elcom]

I acquired a large C Clamp that I am considering repairing vs. scrapping.

It appears to be an Armstrong No 408.
The body looks to be in good shape with minimal surface rust.
The spindle is very slightly bent, but moves freely.
It is missing the cross bar through the spindle (?handle) and the pad.

Pictures attached that show dimensions.
The ball at the end of the spindle measures 14.6 mm (0.575").
The spindle length from ball to top is 320 mm (12.6").

I found C Clamp parts available at Grainger.
See: https://www.grainger.com/category/tools/hand-tools/clamps/clamp-replacement-parts/c-clamp-parts

Questions:
1) Worth repairing?
2) If so, how are pads measured? Are they a standard size? How do I ensure that the pad matches the existing spindle?

Thanks!

 

[dscheidt]

Pads are measured by the ball diameter that they fit on, plus the diameter and depth of the pad. Mcmaster has a bigger selection, and includes dimensions. https://www.mcmaster.com/products/c-clamp-pads/

 

[NoahG]

Didn’t know you could get replacement pads. I’ll be looking at clamps at flea markets differently now.

 

[36truck]

Yes that clamp is worth fixing. Armstrong is a good brand.

 

[dscheidt]

Didn’t know you could get replacement pads. I’ll be looking at clamps at flea markets differently now.

the clamp even comes with a built in press for installing them....
The pad is retained by a spring clip, that spreads open to let the big part of the ball past and then springs close to hold it on.

 

[The Cobbler]

...
The spindle is very slightly bent, but moves freely.
....

to me it looks quite out of line with the fixed face of the clamp. clamps like that ( I find) a pain in the A to use as they want to move the parts you are clamping
nice find on the replacement pads!

 

[RTM]

Yup, adding some to a future McMaster order.

 

[elcom]

Fair point regarding alignment. How much is this clamp worth? Looks like Grainger has a 10 inch replacement spindle (which would also solve my handle problem), but it is over $34.

https://www.grainger.com/product/WILTON-Replacement-Clamp-Spindle-6YA99

I see that it fits model number 408 - can I interpret that as fitting the Armstrong 408 clamp? The original spindle is 12.6” long, is that close enough?

I can also try to bend it back closer to straight.

 

[F-22]

It's a drop forged 8" steel clamp made in the USA. I checked on Amazon and a new US made Williams clamp that's kind of similar costs 110-120$.

If a new spindle gets it back into "as new" shape, it's worth the 34$. A big drop forged clamp is a very good tool.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DO4RX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[uart]

I see that it fits model number 408 - can I interpret that as fitting the Armstrong 408 clamp? The original spindle is 12.6” long, is that close enough?

Well it's going to be about 2" shy of being able to clamp fully closed, so certainly not ideal.

I can also try to bend it back closer to straight.

Yeah that's what I thought you had in mind initially. TBH I don't know, but I'd also be interested to know if it's possible.

 

[GaryM909]

I never knew I could buy replacement pads. I squeeze a tight lock washer past the ball and then weld a nut to the washer. It works pretty good on large clamps.