Small Clamps

[Mr_Sheesh]

Of all things - I am looking for a small clamp that's shaped like a square C (left, top, and bottom only is OK) that's maybe 1-1/4' Tall, to lock a piece of gear in place enough to do this job. A C clamp will get in the road of other gear there, something like the clamps they use for hoses maybe? (i.e. the bottom of the clamp can have a small thumbscrew that locks everything in place with another flat piece holding the table plywood to the device.) I KNOW I've seen these before, brain's not showing me where though. Somewhat like a Beam Clamp but the screw can't impinge on the plywood or work piece directly. Anyone seen one? Thanks!

[rancher1913]

look at woodworking supplies

[billyb]

try machinist clamps.

[Mr_Sheesh]

I'd looked at zoro tools and (IIRC) woodcraft.com before asking here.

[ChuckO]

Take a look at beam clamps at an electrical supply house.

[Shawlerbrook]

Something like this ?
https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tnp...SABEgLGCPD_BwE

[Mr_Sheesh]

They're like beam clamps but cheaper and not as strong, instead of being for holding structural materials in place they're more for holding something temporarily (and with lots less force.) Can't have the screw bearing directly on the wood I'm attaching this to, it'd tear it up; The ones I have seen are somewhat like some medical tubing clamps I've seen, but cheaper. I think I figured out a way to "fake" this - I can get something akin to the glass clamps used for "bulletproof" glass 3d printed - And that'll do well enough! Thanks, folks

[country gent]

Machinist parallel clamps may do what you want. 2 screws front one sets size and rear pushes to clamp. the jaws hold in front of the screws. For wood working the same version is made from wood. I have them made in sets from square stock 1/4" up to 3/4" from 2" long to 6" long.

Simple to make cut 2 piece of the size square stock you want the length you want. determine screw size that will fit in the stock 1/4" 832 works good 1/2" 3/8 16 works well. drill and tap 2 holes in one jaw first one 1 hole size from end second 1-1/2" - 2" form it. drill matching clearance holes in second jaw now 2 nuts one on the back rod and jaw over it. Slide second jaw on and next nut on top of it on inside rod.

In use set size with inner rods nut then clamp by back rods nut turning pressure up on back of the bar.

[Mr_Sheesh]

Long story and the story doesn't matter. Something in sheet metal that's square C shaped with not so many screws sticking out all over the place would do it, this is on something I need to be able to move without snagging / scratching everything around it. I can 3d print something like this, modified to fit about exactly:

and it will have nothing sticking out, fit about perfectly, and cost's CHEAP. That should be about the best answer.

[Walks]

I used to have Leather padded wood squares to put between the wood pieces and the clamp.
2x2" or 4x4" squares with 9-10 oz Leather glued to the "working" surface. Rounded the woods corners before I glued on the Leather. Replace Leather as needed.
Used 3/4" plywood, best grade.

[JeepHammer]

https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...dPEDAwQgTYInwU

Or,

https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...bQCBhoQgTYIkgU

[lightman]

An electrical beam clamp should do what you want. The are cheap and available at most any wholesale electrical place.

[Shawlerbrook]

What about the rubber coated spring clamps that look like clothes pins ?
https://www.amazon.com/Lot-12-Spring...67082901&psc=1

[Mr_Sheesh]

Those spring clamps would be way too large. And would get caught and knock things down. Beam clamps aren't "it", but a 3d printed part will do it.

[gwpercle]

Do a goggle search on the term " small c clamp" several small clamps popped up , should be able to find one there.

[Mr_Sheesh]

https://www.rehabmart.com/product/ca...amp-30257.html looks just like it but $26 each? Bleah. 3d printer's a good choice here.

[Kenstone]

What about Binder Clips...come it many sizes/colors, and are cheap.

I use them a lot, get the size that'll work, clip/clamp it on, then REMOVE the wire handle things.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/School-Of...-Pcs/177425854

https://www.walmart.com/ip/U-Brands-...16&athena=true

[Mr_Sheesh]

Good idea, I thought of those but the part I am clamping down is tapered, *of course*, just to make it difficult :P I've used them on other things here, usually I flip the wire handles so they point past the mouth of the clip. I just don't see how to make them work here, tho.

[Kenstone]

Good idea, I thought of those but the part I am clamping down is tapered, *of course*, just to make it difficult :P I've used them on other things here, usually I flip the wire handles so they point past the mouth of the clip. I just don't see how to make them work here, tho.

Just put a shim/spacer both sides of the small end of said taper...
A pic of what you are clamping would help a lot here,
just sayin'