Clamp Recommendations?

[swag]

Hi - started closing up a fuselage and realized I have no clamps. Got the usual rubber bands and clothes hangers but no real clamps. Anyone have recommendations/suggestions on what to buy? What works, which companies are better (or worse) than others. As usual, an internet search turned 1.38 million different results. Scalemates has a bunch of clamps but none that I could find with any reviews.
Just looking for something that will hold plastic together without breaking it.
Thanks!

Kevin

 

[WtShark]

First off, Welcome aboard to SMA-

I'm no expert on this, and I'm sure there will be multiple opinions and brilliant workarounds for this-
Having said that, I use Clothespins too, (the old wood type), you can pick up dozens for a few bucks at Harbor Freight, Target, Lowes or even most Grocery Stores. They work very well for most uses, but are limiting on size.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/50-Pack-Natural-Wood-Clothespins/1000194011?store=&cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-kit-_-bng-_-PMAX_KIT_Cabinet_Priority-Items-_-1000194011-_-Online-_-23028490452-_-&gclid=fc35bfc8c60617006d8fd6722c1e273b&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=fc35bfc8c60617006d8fd6722c1e273b&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMAX_KIT_Cabinet_Priority-Items&utm_term=2333094955100060&utm_content=PMAX_Closet_Systems & Accessories


I also use these little red ones, I picked them up at my LHS a while back- Amazon has them as well, they're a good size, strong and can be used with rubber bands to make them stronger. They're wide enough to fit most applications, but only good for about 2 to 3 inches.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHT4HR8P

Depending on what size you need, a couple of popsicle sticks with rubber bands can also work, being able to adjust the size to the project.

You can pick up cheap clamps, just about anywhere- Amazon has literally hundreds of options. It comes down to what you're going to use them for, and how much you want to spend on them. Pretty much any brand will work.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C4Y6NBFY

 

[Jakko]

I would advise buying some of this general type:

I don't have any specific recommendations for them, only that it's better to not buy the cheapest, unbranded you can find, but to get some with a brand name on them. For modelling, you want the smallest size you can find.

 

[urumomo]

 

[Ron2]

Hi - started closing up a fuselage and realized I have no clamps. Got the usual rubber bands and clothes hangers but no real clamps. Anyone have recommendations/suggestions on what to buy? What works, which companies are better (or worse) than others. As usual, an internet search turned 1.38 million different results. Scalemates has a bunch of clamps but none that I could find with any reviews.
Just looking for something that will hold plastic together without breaking it.
Thanks!

Kevin

I bought some cheap plastic ones at harbor freight and got what I paid for. They tend to slide off pretty easily.

 

[mcs1056]

I ran into two things.
First...the same issue of clamps slipping off of round stuff.
Second...this video, which solves that (and several other) problem.

Ooops. Looks like the video didn't post. So, look on YouTube for "Paul's Messy Bench Models," and his video, "clamp with cauls."

 

[urumomo]

Ooops. Looks like the video didn't post. So, look on YouTube for "Paul's Messy Bench Models," and his video, "clamp with cauls.

 

[Ron2]

I ran into two things.
First...the same issue of clamps slipping off of round stuff.
Second...this video, which solves that (and several other) problem.

Ooops. Looks like the video didn't post. So, look on YouTube for "Paul's Messy Bench Models," and his video, "clamp with cauls."

Nice! Thanks for sharing !

 

[swag]

Thanks for the input guys! I ended up ordering a couple different ones. I'll see which ones work best for my needs.

Kevin

 

[mcs1056]

This came through another forum…small (or large, depending on the model in question) machinist's calipers.
Can be had from places like Harbor Freight for a couple of dollars.

Work great on lots of stuff, with aircraft fuselages in particular. You control the force they apply.

 

[Marauder1981]

The problem I've run into with most spring/hand clamps (even the small ones) is that they often exert way too much pressure. I've had some horrible parts distortion because of the pressure applied. Its been a challenge finding any with not too much pressure or not too little. I've had less stressful experiences with mini versions of C-clamps and F-clamps, and some mini Dewalt ratcheting clamps, but holy cow they're expensive.

 

[swag]

Thanks for the input guys. Ended up getting the Irwin 2" and 4" clamps and they were just what I needed. I like the gripped ones vs the larger sliding ones for the simple fact they're easier for me to store in my small work area.