Get to know your hand tools - The Ring Clamp
by Helen I. Driggs
In today's tip, Helen Driggs gives us some good advice on using the ring clamp.
Instructions
Helen Says:

I have always believed that the ring clamp is one of the most useful yet least used tools. This simple and typically inexpensive tool is a powerhouse for working smart. Once you learn to use it, you'll see that the ring clamp will help you hold tiny things during filing, sanding, forming or polishing and will save your hands and your metal, not to mention hours of wasted time crawling around on the floor looking for dropped objects.
How it works:

You'll notice the ring clamp has a round jaw - for rings and curved shapes - and a straight jaw - for straight-sided shapes. Most models feature leather pads inside the jaws, and a separate wedge that can be inserted into either jaw and secured with a few taps on the bench top. Simply insert the jewelry object or part into the desired jaw, insert the wedge on the other end, and tap it on the tabletop. Once secured, you can brace the ring clamp against or in the V-slot of the bench pin to support your work as you file, sand, drill, set or polish.

Some specialty bench pins even feature a hemispherical opening specifically designed for the ring clamp to rest in. Another plus: any wood ring clamp can be modified to a specific task by sawing it or changing the jaw shape as needed. You can create several modified clamps to assist you with repetitive tasks or production work.

Helen I. Driggs's Get to know your hand tools - The Ring Clamp - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, , Wood Ring Clamp
Choosing a ring clamp:

The basic design of a ring clamp hasn't changed for decades. Look for a wood one with a secure hinge. Check that the metal band holding the clamp together is tight, even and securely riveted. Make sure the wood has a smooth surface and that the wedge is easy to insert and lock into position without slipping. Check the thickness of the leather pads, and ensure they are evenly thick and securely glued into position.

I prefer a light color clamp because I work in base metals but also have a darker mahogany color version for silver or nickel. Plan to spend less than $10.00 for a basic model, more for fancier versions or models made from exotic wood.

Pictured: Nylon Ring Clamp, Mahogany Ring Clamp, Parallel Jaw Ring Clamp, 6 Inches, Kirkland External Ring Clamp Holder, 6 Inches
Helen I. Driggs's Get to know your hand tools - The Ring Clamp - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, , Nylon Ring Clamp
Helen I. Driggs's Get to know your hand tools - The Ring Clamp - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, , Mahogany Ring Clamp
Helen I. Driggs's Get to know your hand tools - The Ring Clamp - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, , Parallel Jaw Ring Clamp, 6 Inches
Helen I. Driggs's Get to know your hand tools - The Ring Clamp - , Tools For Wire Jewelry, Tools, , Kirkland External Ring Clamp Holder
My 5 favorite uses for the ring clamp

• Holding metal parts securely during drilling.
• Filing and sanding ring shanks and bands
• Filing tubing edges flat for tube settings
• Holding warp wires parallel for wire weaving
• Holding multiple sections of square stock for even sawing and drilling

Materials

Wire
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Sheet
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Tools

Mahogany Ring Clamp
RCL-652.00
  • RCL-652.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.98
  • Gold Club Price: $5.98
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Nylon Ring Clamp
RCL-655.00
  • RCL-655.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.96
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Wooden Ring Clamp
RCL-650.00
  • RCL-650.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.96
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Kirkland External Ring Clamp Holder, 6 Inches
RCL-537.00
  • RCL-537.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
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  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Tools, General Education