10 Best Handscrew Tips

a handscrew invaluable around
the shop. For example, its deep

reach makes it ideal for clamping
a workpiece to a bench. It provides
an extra hand for safely machin-
ing small parts. And the jaws of a
handscrew have the unique ability
to be angled, which is essential for
clamping workpieces that don't
have parallel faces.
Well, the list could go on and
it does go on. Ive compiled a list
of my ten favor-
ite handscrew tips.
Simply put, handscrew clamps can
handle a lot of jobs other clamps
cant. No matter how many dif-
ferent clamping devices you run
across, few can match the versatil-
ity of a traditional handscrew.
For starters, the wood jaws of a
handscrew wont mar the surface
of a workpiece. More importantly,
the jaws provide even clamping
pressure to prevent glued-up parts
from twisting out of alignment.
Of course, there are many other
clamping operations that make
Hopefully, these tips will give you
an idea of just how indispensable
handscrews can be.
Youll also fnd a chart of hand-
screw sizes to help you out when
youre ready to buy handscrews.
Finally, youll learn some tips and
techniques for maintaining hand-
screws to help ensure theyll last
for many years.
The two pivoting jaws of a handscrew can apply
even pressure to non-parallel surfaces, as on this bev-
eled frame. To do this, simply adjust the end spindle
to open the jaws wide. Then, adjust the middle spin-
dle to close the front of the jaws to match the taper or
bevel of the workpiece.
1 NON-PARALLEL SURFACES
The long jaws on this handscrew provide a tremen-
dous amount of reach, extending farther in from the
edge of a workpiece than many other types of clamps.
Thats just the solution for applying decorative trim to
a project, as shown here. Also, by adjusting the jaws
so theyre not parallel, the clamp can reach over other
project parts, if necessary.
2
A DEEP REACH
ShopNotes No. 106 Page 1 of 5 2009 August Home Publishing. All rights reserved.
10
best
Handscrew Tips
By racking the spindles in the slotted jaws of a hand-
screw, you can offset the ends of the jaws. This comes
in handy when you need to apply clamping pressure
to two parts that dont align with one another, as when
gluing a drawer pull to the front of a drawer.
4 OFFSET THE JAWS
Sometimes you can glue up an entire project with just
a couple of handscrews. Take the small box at left, for
instance. Rather than using a number of clamps to
apply pressure all around the box, simply nestle the
box between the jaws of the handscrews and tighten
them. Just make sure the jaws are parallel for even
clamping pressure across the joint.
5
GLUING SMALL PROJECTS
When gluing solid-wood edging to a ply-
wood shelf or cabinet, the thin strip has
a tendency to slip out of alignment. The
solution is to use small handscrews to hold
the edging in place (while you clamp it against
the plywood).
3 ALIGN WOOD EDGING
8 STOP BLOCK
By cutting a V-shaped notch in each jaw of a hand-
screw, you can make a great clamp for holding dowels
or other round objects. This comes in especially handy
when you need to hold a dowel steady for drilling.
7
ROUND PIECES
Its difficult to imagine an easier-to-use stop block
than a handscrew. After all, it serves as the stop block
and the clamp that holds it in place all in one. Once
you establish the location of the stop block, simply
tighten the handscrew on the fence.
The flat sides of the jaws make a handscrew a con-
venient benchtop vise. For example, when applying
glue to the edge of a workpiece, you can keep it from
tipping over by clamping it in a handscrew.
6 BENCHTOP VISE
A handscrew is ideal for securing a small piece on
the drill press. After clamping the workpiece, secure
the handscrew to the drill press table, as shown. Now
you can drill the hole without having to worry about
the workpiece spinning around.
10 HOLD-DOWN
When it comes to some machining operations, a hand-
screw can be used closer to the action. Plus, it can go
where a metal clamp cant or, more to the point, where
it shouldnt. Unlike a metal clamp, its not a big deal if
a bit or blade comes in contact with the wood jaw of a
handscrew.
9
SAFER CLAMPING
SIZE CHART
HANDSCREW
SIZE
OVERALL JAW
LENGTH
CAPACITY
BETWEEN JAWS*
REACH TO
MIDDLE SPINDLE
5/0 4" 2" - 2
1
4" 2"
4/0 5" 2
1
2" - 2
3
4" 2
1
2"
3/0 6" 3" 3"
2/0 7" 3
1
2" 3
1
2"
0 8" 4
1
2" - 5" 4"
1 10" 6" - 7" 5"
2 12" 8
1
2" - 9
1
4" 6"
3 14" 10" - 10
1
4" 7"
4 16" 12" 8"
5 18" 14" 9"
6 20" 14" 10"
7 24" 17" 12"
*CAPACITY VARIES WITH MANUFACTURER
MITER KIT
Heres a great accessory that converts a hand-
screw into a handy miter clamp. It consists of
two metal brackets that mount to the jaws of
the handscrew and two pins that thread into
holes in the brackets.
To clamp a miter joint, fit the pins into
holes drilled in the back of the pieces. Then
apply even clamping pressure, carefully drawing the
mitered pieces together. For more information, go
online to AdjustableClamp.com or call 312-666-0640.
< Tight Miters.
After drilling a
stopped hole in
the back of each
frame piece, place
the pins in the
holes and draw
the pieces tight for
a seamless joint.
{ Remove Excess Oil. The
wood jaws of new handscrews
are oiled to prevent glue from
sticking to them. But this oil
can transfer to the surface of a
workpiece, interfering with any
finish you might apply. To soak
up the excess oil, clamp the jaws
against a paper towel overnight.
{ Sand The Face. To avoid
marring a workpiece, sand off
any dried glue. Then apply a coat
or two of an oil-based finish..
{ Lube The Spindles. Spraying
the spindles with a silicone-free
lubricant will keep them operating
smoothly and prevent rust.
MAINTENANCE
{ Add-On. Turn an
ordinary handscrew
into a miter clamp
with a miter kit.

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a handscrew invaluable around

the shop. For example, its deep

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