Old Wood Handscrew Clamps Question

[jonshonda]

Found some old Wood Handscrew Clamps and was wondering if you guys could give me some advice. I know the ones with metal threaded rods are proven, but what about the ones with wooden threaded rods? Guy want's $5/pc for the small ones, and $10/pc for the bigger ones. So right around $120 for all of them.

Will they still be good users, or should I pass?

What should I look for when inspecting them?

 

[Farmer J.]

They look like the wood ones would be stiff to turn, and not very strong. Interesting to have as collectables, but for users I would suggest something more modern. I use 'pipe clamps' that you buy the ends for and thread them on to lengths of iron water pipe.

 

[McFarmer]

I bet he made the wood ones.

 

[Michigan Mike]

The wood ones I have were made by my Grandpa. I still use them but I don't put much pressure on them. They are one of those irreplaceable things.

 

[disston]

I have several clamps of those types, different sizes, wood and metal. The wood ones work just fine. We're talking about clamps. Not something for forcing universal joints out of a drive shaft. I like them sometimes and the clamping area is usually bigger than other types of clamps. There are all metal ones that machinist use sometimes.

I'd suggest getting just a couple of these unless you have a lot of space to keep them around. They are not as easy to store as other clamps.

And for what purpose do you intend to use these clamps? That looks like a lot of clamps. Do you think you need that many?

 

[Farmer J.]

We're talking about clamps. Not something for forcing universal joints out of a drive shaft.

Ah, funny you mentioned it... I had forgotten that!! Were you watching in my farm workshop one day by any chance??!!

Yes they're meant for clamping, like for holding wood together while the glue sets. No good for UJ's.

I have seen a friend of mine use clamps like these, and he likes them as he adjusts them quickly by twirling them around in his hands whilst holding the handles on the threaded bits. But, he's a trained Pattern Maker, not a Farmer.

 

[jonshonda]

^I intended to use them for clamping materials that a typical vise or other type of clamp might not work well with. My problem is I have been known to ham fist things and break them, so that wood screw scares me a bit!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

^I intended to use them for clamping materials that a typical vise or other type of clamp might not work well with.

I have a few, and every once in a blue moon, I do have a use for them.

Here's an example...

I am restoring that Craftsman machinists' chest. The drop front panel would not slide in under the bottom drawer because the bottom of the box had warped upward. I soaked that towel in water and clamped the bottom to the workbench top at the apex of the warp. Could I have used a modern clamp? I was reaching for a few bar clamps and pipe clamps, but I would've wanted to spread out the pressure points of their smaller jaws and clamping surfaces with some junk wood slats, and they were an awkward fit. This old wood clamp had a wider clamping surface and more reach. Plus, there's something more synchronous about using wood with wood.

My problem is I have been known to ham fist things and break them, so that wood screw scares me a bit!

As others have said, you're clamping, not pressing or extracting.

Having said all that, I agree with everyone else. The wood screw jobbies are popular with the regressive back-to-basics antique woodworkers, guys working without nails or screws, etc, as a lifestyle. Or wall hangers. And, you probably won't need fifteen of them!