Miscellaneous Hand Tools

CLAMPS

"C" clamps consist of a "C" shaped frame into which an adjustable screw is assembled. The size of a "C" clamp is measured by its capacity-the dimension of the largest object the frame can accommodate with the screw fully extended. Also important is depth of throat, the distance from the center-line of the screw to the inside edge of the frame. "C" clamps range from 1" to 12".

Bar clamps have a clamping device built on a bar (usually steel). Their length varies from 6" to 8'. The length of the bar determines the capacity of the clamp, which is the dimension of the largest object that can be accommodated between its clamping jaws. "Reach" is the distance from the edge of the bar to the end of the clamping jaws. Screw pressure applies the final clamping load.

Another type of bar clamp features one-handed operation. A pistol-grip handle allows the woodworker to adjust jaw pressure with one hand; a trigger release unlocks the grip. It is available in jaw openings from 6" to 36".

A pipe-clamp fixture is an adaptation of the bar clamp. A set of clamp fixtures is mounted on a piece of pipe of any length to make an economical, practical bar clamp. The fixtures are easily switched from one piece of pipe to another.

Threadless-pipe clamp fixtures are designed so ends of pipe don't need threads. A hardened steel set screw holds the head firmly on pipe, but is easily loosened. The ¾" size has a crank handle, and depth from screw center to pipe is 11/16". The 3/4" size has a crosspin handle, with depth from screw center to pipe of 7/8".

A hand-screw clamp is two hardwood clamping jaws adjusted to the work by two steel screw spindles assembled into the jaws.

A spring clamp is two metal jaws to which clamping pressure is applied by use of a steel spring.

Web clamps apply even clamping pressures around regular and irregular shapes and hold tight by means of a spring-loaded locking fixture.

A hold-down clamp is the screw portion of a "C" clamp, designed to be secured onto any surface, with the screw used to apply clamping pressure.

Edging clamps are used for installing molding and trim on furniture, countertops, etc. Also for holding work at right angles, welding or soldering. They are designed to hold edging strips, molding, trim, etc., firmly when fastening to the edge or side of work, leaving hands free.

Corner clamps are designed to hold miter or butt joints at a 90° angle. They can be used for making picture frames, cabinets, molding and trim.

CONCRETE FASTENING TOOLS

Concrete fastening tools allow pins and studs to be set in concrete and cement block with only a few hammer strokes. The tool itself consists of a plastic or polypropylene handle with a tempered steel rod protruding from the top and running almost through the tool. On the bottom of the tool is a hole into which specially tempered pins and studs are inserted head first.

On each pin and stud there is a washer, about a third to a quarter of the way up from the point. After the head of the pin or stud has been inserted into the fastening tool, a few hammer blows on the protruding steel rod will set it in position. Pins and studs can also be driven through 1/8" steel and still set in concrete. When properly set, fasteners can hold up to 100 lbs.

A heavy hammer with a head weight of 3 lbs. or more is needed to use this tool.

WINCHES

Quality winches feature baked- enamel finishes with plated ratchet locks and high carbon-steel pinion gears. Winches are rated by weight capacity, ranging from about 900 to 2,000 lbs. capacity. Gear ratios from 3-to-1 up to 5-to-1 are common. Some models have an optional ratio as high as 12-to-1.

An adjustable handle can be shortened to lift loads fast and extended to lift heavier loads easily. In top-of-the-line models, pinion shafts and gears are furnace brazed and heat treated for strength and hardness.

VISES

The size of a vise is measured by both the jaw width of the vise and the capacity of the vise when the jaws are fully open.

Utility or home workshop vises have jaws ranging from 3" to 6". Better models feature swivel bases so the vise may be turned to the best angle for each particular job. Some utility vises either have cast-in pipe jaws or permit special curved-face pipe jaws to be inserted between the regular jaws to add versatility.

Woodworking vises are available with jaws from 6" to 10" wide. Some woodworking vises have a "fast-acting" screw arrangement for the rapid positioning of the movable jaw prior to clamping. Smaller vises have continuous screws and are light and easy to clamp on a workbench or sawhorse.

A hinged-pipe vise is used to hold pipe in position for threading and cutting.

An angle vise can be adjusted to a flat position and used as a regular vise. Marked adjustments permit the user to obtain any desired angle. The vise can also be locked into any position with a thumbscrew and bolts can be tightened for permanent positioning.

Clamp vises are a combination fixed and portable vise, featuring a bottom clamp for easy attachment to workbenches, sawhorses, tables, etc.

Bench vises are designed for light work in the home, garage and farm. They come in stationary and swivel models, of cast gray iron, milled and ground jaws, machined to ensure proper operation.

RIPPING BARS

Ripping bars are used in construction, demolition and where pulling nails, ripping wood, prying molding and similar tasks are done. Because of their length, they have more leverage than do hammers, enabling them to pull much larger and longer nails.

EMBOSSING TOOLS

Label makers are used to make permanent, self-adhesive, raised letter plastic labels. To print a letter, the letter dial is turned to the proper letter and the lever on the handle is pulled or squeezed. The letter appears sharp white on a wide range of colored tape backgrounds.

Features include dual tape tracks so different width tapes may be used; dual letter spacing so wide spacing can be done instantly; and snap-in, interchangeable embossing wheels. Special character wheels are available.

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Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.