What are the different parts of a toolmaker’s clamp?

13th August 2021

	What are the different parts of a toolmaker’s clamp?


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			Toolmakers clamps are fairly standard in their design regardless of the manufacture. The main parts of a toolmakers clamp include an upper jaw, lower jaw, spring clip, centre screw and an outer screw. Read our guide to the parts of a toolmakers clamp to find out about the functions of each part.

			Toolmaker’s clamp upper and lower jaws
			The upper and lower jaws are parallel to one another and work to keep a secure hold of your work.

			Rounded ends The ends of the jaws are rounded to permit clamping under shoulders (angled or sloped parts of an object) or in recesses (spaces that are set back or indented and can be hard to reach).

			Toolmaker’s clamp centre screw
			The centre screw is located centrally on the clamp and is designed to hold together the clamp when it is being adjusted.

			Toolmaker’s clamp outer screw
			The outer screw is located on the lower jaw and connects both the lower and upper jaws. It is used to tighten and loosen the clamp.

			Toolmaker’s clamp tommy bar
			Each screw has a hole in the head to fit a tommy bar (a short bar used to gain extra leverage when tightening the screws).

			Toolmaker’s clamp spring clip and retaining ring (Left)
			The ring on the right side of the clip is attached to the upper jaw with a screw or stud. The left side of the clip, in the shape of a semi-circle, is placed in the gap at the bottom of the head of the centre screw which retains the bolt when being adjusted.

			Spring clip side view This is how the spring clip looks on a side view. The right side of the clip is screwed to the upper jaw. The left side which is raised fits into the gap on the centre screw. This is known as the retaining ring and holds the loose jaw in alignment when the clamp is being opened or closed.

			Here is the spring clip connected to the centre screw so it will stay in position when the jaw is loose. The centre screw is held in place by a retaining ring.