5 Shop-Made Clamps

Save money and solve unique clamping challenges by building your own clamps.

You don't have to be woodworking very long before you run into situations where ordinary bar clamps just won't get the job done. Woodworking catalogs feature a variety of specialty clamps, but it's hard to justify their price for occasional use. On the other hand, with just a few, small pieces of wood and some inexpensive hardware you can make your own special-purpose clamps. We've included plans for five styles: cam clamp, edging clamp, frame clamp, deep-reach clamp, and chair clamp.

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What You Get:

  • 13 printable (digital) pages of step-by-step instructions
  • More than 30 full-color photos and illustrations
  • 5 full-size patterns. Sources list

Project Supplies & Hardware

Check out our Editor’s recommendations for project supplies and hardware. (We may receive commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.)

3/16" Aluminum Rod

1/2"-13 Coupling Nut

1/2"-13 Threaded Rod

1/8" x 1" Aluminum