The Best Spring Clamp

If you enjoy working with your hands, chances are you’ll need a set of spring clamps. Although this tool is commonly used in carpentry, it’s also used for a host of other projects, including projects that use photographs and fabric. When you’re ready to shop for a pack of spring clamps, consider which features offer you the most value.

Begin by deciding on a clamp size. Mini clamps, although small, still have much to offer. They are able to fit in spaces that larger clamps can’t. Of course, larger clamps that measure 6 inches in length are best for bigger projects, such as fixing a chair in your dining room.

After you have an idea as to what size spring clamp you require, you need to look at the width of the clamp’s mouth. Some clamps only open up to 1 3/8 inches, while others open as wide as 4 inches. If you can’t fit the mouth of the clamp over your project, you won’t be able to use it.

Check the construction materials used to make the clamp next. You don’t want to go with a cheap plastic spring clamp that falls apart after just a few uses. You’ll find many of these clamps are made of a reinforced nylon, while others are constructed from a heavy-duty muslin. Of course, if you plan on using the clamps for work, you may wish to go with a metal industrial-grade set of spring clamps instead.

Review the handle on the clamp. One with an ergonomic design is going to be more comfortable to hold and a bit easier to squeeze. Some models even come with a PVC coating on the handle, as well as the tips of the clamp. This coating is soft to the touch and smooth enough not to damage the project you’re working on.

Consider any added features that the spring clamp may have to offer. One model may have handles with a textured surface for a non-slip grip, while another uses flexible pads on the tips that are capable of rotating 45 degrees. This feature allows for grabbing objects that are irregular in shape.

• Depending on the project you’re working on, it’s possible that your spring clamps end up needing a cleaning. If there’s just a little sawdust or dirt on the clamps, you can shake them off and wipe them down with a moistened rag. Multipurpose cleaning wipes are also good for this task. Should the clamp end up with a little paint on it, all you need is a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to get the paint up. It’s best if you address the paint right away, however.
• In addition to aiding you in a variety of art and home projects, spring clamps are also helpful with a few lesser-known tasks. For example, you can use them to hang a sign for your small business or to keep clothing secured on a clothesline on a day when the wind is a bit forceful. If you enjoy camping, you’ll find these clamps do an excellent job of holding a mosquito net up over the door to your tent or RV.
• If you need to increase the tension of your spring clamp, there is a little trick you can use. Wrap a rubber band around the clamp until you achieve the tension you desire for the project you’re working on.
• When comparing spring clamp prices, you need to first determine how much you’re paying per clamp by dividing the total cost of the set by the number of clamps offered. The WORKPRO Nylon Spring Clamp Set, 16-Piece is the most affordable set, with both the Emart 4.5-Inch Muslin Spring Clamps, 6-Pack and the Evelots 6-Inch LONG-Strong Grip Spring Clamps, 6-Pack coming in at a more moderate price. The Houseables 6-Inch Heavy Duty Spring Clamp, 8-Pack has the highest price tag, but it’s also industrial-grade, which adds to its value.