I often use very small bar clamps, but they don’t have the clutch plate assemblies that hold the movable jaws in place. The issue with such clamps is that you need two hands to set them — one to hold the jaws tight against the workpiece while you tighten with the other hand. If you need a third hand to align the parts being clamped, you’re out of luck. Here’s a simple fix: install a rubber band or two over the jaws so they cinch up on their own when you slide them into position. Now, one hand is free again to make those important fine adjustments to your workpieces before the glue sets.
-Serge Duclos
Delson, Quebec
