Dubuque Handscrew Clamps
Handscrew clamps may not be the first thing you think of when you think of clamps, but they are one of the most useful workholding devices in the shop. These traditional clamps from Dubuque Clamp Works are of the best quality available anywhere.
You see, there's this little company in Iowa, the heartland of the U.S., that has been making quality clamps for over 40 years. And, as a friend of mine says, handscrews are classic, essential tools every woodworking shop must have.
Keith and Edna Clark are the owners of Dubuque Clamp Works and they only have a few employees. They want to keep it that way. They'd rather focus on producing quality woodworking clamps. They don't even have a web site. (They tried once but had to remove it after they got swamped with orders.)
As far as we know, Dubuque Clamp Works is now the only company in the U.S. making handscrews. (The Chicago company Adjustable Clamp Company, doing business as Pony Tools and maker of Jorgensen clamps, ceased operations on May 19, 2016 after 113 years in business.)
If you've used or own handscrews from other manufacturers, chances are they were made in the Far East. I own a few. And I hate them. The jaws aren't necessarily machined square. The threads are poorly cut and sometimes bind when adjusting the jaws. And the overall fit and finish is pretty poor. I was trying to save a few bucks when I bought them.
I wish I had saved my pennies to purchase handscrews from Dubuque Clamp Works. Once you have one of these clamps in your hands, you're first reaction is going to be to give them a spin. Your second reaction is going to be, "Oh my goodness!" You won't believe how smoothly the spindles and nuts spin to adjust the perfectly machined, hard maple jaws. Trust me on this.
So what can you do with handscrews? A lot. I use the small 4" size as stops on my router fence and drill press fence.
The 6" and 8" handscrews are great for holding small parts at the drill press or router table, keeping your fingers safely away from the bit and allowing you greater control over the workpiece.
Larger handscrew clamps are great for applying pinpoint pressure in the middle of wide assemblies during glue-up.
When hand-planing the edges of long boards at the workbench, I'll clamp one end in the face vise and use a handscrew at the opposite end to support the tail end of the board.
One popular use for handscrews is to aid in the glue-up of wide panels from multiple boards. When the jaws are configured to be parallel, they can be used to align the boards, keeping them flush as the glue dries. The end result is a smoother panel. Once you own a few handscrews, you'll find dozens of uses for them.
In case you've never owned handscrews, or have struggled with how to operate them, each handscrew from Dubuque Clamp Works comes with a quaint little tag that looks like it's right out of the 1950s.
As you can see, Dubuque Clamp Works uses top-notch components and careful machining to produce their handscrews.
As the tag above states, "Our company is serious about producing the best clamp made." Yes, they may cost a little more. But these clamps are a lifetime investment in tools that can be passed down for generations. Besides, your dollars help support this small manufacturer and your purchase encourages them to keep producing quality woodworking clamps. So do your part and order your handscrews today!
How to Use a Handscrew Clamp
A handscrew has two threaded spindles. The middle spindle (closest to the jaws) sets the opening, and the end spindle applies the clamping pressure by levering the jaws closed.
- Open the jaws quickly. Hold one handle in each hand and swing the clamp like a bicycle crank to open or close both spindles at once.
- Set the jaws parallel. Adjust the jaws so they're parallel and just slightly wider than the workpiece.
- Snug the middle spindle so the jaw tips lightly touch the work.
- Tighten the end spindle to apply pressure. Because it pries the jaws together, a small turn adds a lot of force.
- Check the jaws. They should contact the work along their full length. If only the tips touch, back off the end spindle and tighten the middle one a little more.
Clamping Angled and Tapered Parts
Because each spindle adjusts independently, you can set the jaws at an angle to grip tapered legs, chair parts and other odd shapes that slip out of ordinary clamps. Set the jaws to roughly match the angle first, then tighten as above.
Handy Ways to Use Handscrews
- Clamp a handscrew in your bench vise to hold small or irregular parts at a comfortable height.
- Use small handscrews as stop blocks on a router table or drill press fence.
- Hold small parts safely at the drill press, keeping your fingers away from the bit.
- Lay a handscrew on its side as a stable base to hold boards upright for edge work.
- Apply pressure in the middle of wide glue-ups where bar clamps can't reach.
Choosing a Handscrew Size
| Jaw length | Good for |
|---|---|
| 4" to 6" | Small parts, fence stops, model and toy making |
| 8" to 10" | General shop use, drill press work, holding parts in a vise |
| 12" and up | Furniture parts, reaching into the middle of panels, heavy work |
Caring for Wooden Handscrews
- Wax the jaws so glue squeeze-out pops off instead of sticking.
- Store handscrews with the jaws lightly closed and parallel so they don't warp.
- Keep the threads clean and add a little wax if they start to bind.
Handscrew FAQ
What is a handscrew clamp used for?
Holding parts in a vise or at the drill press, clamping angled or tapered pieces, serving as stops, and adding pressure in glue-ups. The wide wooden jaws won't dent your work.
Which spindle do you tighten first on a handscrew?
Set the opening with the middle spindle, then tighten the end spindle to apply clamping pressure.
Are wooden handscrews better than metal clamps?
They do different jobs. Handscrews spread pressure over a wide, non-marring wooden jaw and can grip at angles. Bar and parallel clamps are better for long spans and panel glue-ups.
Shop Dubuque handscrew clamps, made in the U.S.A., and all handscrew clamps.
