What are the parts of a spring clamp?

29th February 2020

What are the parts of a spring clamp?


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		Generally, a spring clamp is very simple in design, with only three main parts.

		Jaws
		A spring clamp has two jaws, which are responsible for holding on to the workpiece during work operations. They are commonly made from plastic or rubber, in order to protect any material from being marred during clamping.

		The type of jaws on a spring clamp can vary. Some models have jaws which close parallel to one another, while others use a pinching method whereby the jaws only close at the tip. There are also models which have pivoting jaws, meaning the jaws will move to the best angle to accommodate the shape of the workpiece being clamped.

		Handles
		A spring clamp also has two handles. These extend on from the jaws and are shaped to adjust the jaws when moved.

		Some handles are offset, so that when they are pressed together they open the jaws wide. With this type, the spring provides the clamping force and pressure on the handles when the user releases the clamp.

		Alternatively, the handles may cross-over, and so will close the jaws when pressed together. The user provides the clamping force here, pushing the handles together until the jaws are in the desired position.

		The clamp will have an integrated lever or ratchet mechanism which will lock onto a latch to keep the jaws in place. Once the intended work has been performed on the workpiece, the lever can be pressed for a quick-release of the jaws. The spring in this case is purely to force the handles open again once the clamp has been released. See below for more information on a quick-release lever.

		Spring
		A spring clamp has a coil spring positioned at the centre pivot-point. On models with offset handles, the spring keeps the jaws closed until pressure is placed on it when the user pushes the handles together. On cross-over models, a weaker spring works in the opposite way by keeping the jaws pushed open.

		Additional parts
		Adjustable jaws Some spring clamps are designed with a small bar which allows one jaw to be moved along it, in order for the jaws to open wider. Other models have two bars, one for each jaw, which allow the jaws to be opened even wider. The jaws can be slid along the bar until they are in the optimum position for clamping the workpiece in hand.

		Quick-release lever Some spring clamps are also equipped with a quick-release lever to provide an even faster and more effective way of clamping. The lever locks onto a serrated latch, holding the jaws in place when the handles are pushed together. When the lever is pressed it then quickly releases the jaws, allowing the worpiece to be swiftly removed.