Workshop Clamping & Workholding Basics

While positioning a screw clamp, its pressure plate touches the work only at one edge. What should happen before you tighten it?

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 Correct IncorrectThe pressure plate and opposing anvil should make full contact with the work before tightening. Repositioning addresses the poor seating; adding force while a face rests on an edge does not establish proper contact. Select a different suitable clamp or setup if full contact cannot be achieved.

While positioning a screw clamp, its pressure plate touches the work only at one edge. What should happen before you tighten it?

• Tighten immediately so the edge digs into the work
• Move the opposite face off the work too
• Reposition it so both clamping faces make full contact
• Strike the handle to force the plate flat