speedy squeeze

Key Techniques

For light work, these are the easiest clamps to use. Apply glue to both pieces and place them together in correct alignment. Squeeze the clamp handles to spread the jaws. When you release the handles, the springs will clamp the work together. You may want to have several sizes of these inexpensive clamps on hand.

options

C-clamps are inexpensive and work well when the pieces are not too wide. Use blocks of wood to keep the clamps from marring the boards. For miter joints, use miter clamps that hold the boards at a 90-degree angle. For large projects, use pipe clamps. You should alternate them to prevent buckling. A strap clamp works well for cabinetry projects. It will clamp several joints at once and will not mar the wood.

handscrew clamps

These clamps work well for cabinetmaking and other woodworking projects. Because their jaws are made of wood, you don't have to worry about marring your project. Adjust the clamp to almost any size or angle by simply turning the two handscrews.