Clamp storage

Tools, Reviews, how to use, show it off, new purchase, hand tools, power tools, new technologies, routing/bits, jigs/templates, etc...
Post Reply
Bushwhacker
Registered User
Posts: 826
Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2020 1:53 pm
Location: Clute Texas
Has thanked: 208 times
Been thanked: 333 times

Clamp storage

#1

Post by Bushwhacker »

I have a bit of a problem. I have several different size and type of clamps. At the moment they are hung on a wire rack on the wall behind my router table.
The problem comes when I attempt to switch wall plugs behind the router table. I have to reach either under the clamps or through them which will cause one of the longer clamps to fall on my head or my arm.
I need some ideas for a new rank to hold all of them.
It would be nice to have a rack that will expand when ever I pick up new clamps.
My walls are open studs on 24" centers, no insulation or sheet rock
My work area is a 7 foot work bench in the middle of the room.
The ceiling is open joist and rafters, nothing is up here.

Thanks guys

Bushwhacker
User avatar
Nickp
Site Admin
Posts: 1374
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:31 pm
Location: Monroe County, PA
Preferred name: Nick
Has thanked: 533 times
Been thanked: 352 times

Re: Clamp storage

#2

Post by Nickp »

I had to build some wall space so I extended a 4ft section with pegboard on one side to hang tools, etc...and a couple of shelves to hold the clamps.

You could do the same without building a wall...hang a couple of 1x6 shelves and let the clamps hold by their jaws...as you can see I've got room for more. You could also put some 1x4's between the studs like braces and use the braces to hold the clamps by the jaws. Jaws don't need to be tight on the brace...the jaw will hold well on it's own...
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Don't piss off old people. The older we get the less "Life in Prison" is a deterrent !
Bushwhacker
Registered User
Posts: 826
Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2020 1:53 pm
Location: Clute Texas
Has thanked: 208 times
Been thanked: 333 times

Re: Clamp storage

#3

Post by Bushwhacker »

Nickp wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 7:35 am I had to build some wall space so I extended a 4ft section with pegboard on one side to hang tools, etc...and a couple of shelves to hold the clamps.

You could do the same without building a wall...hang a couple of 1x6 shelves and let the clamps hold by their jaws...as you can see I've got room for more. You could also put some 1x4's between the studs like braces and use the braces to hold the clamps by the jaws. Jaws don't need to be tight on the brace...the jaw will hold well on it's own...
The ones I have the most trouble with are those blue ones that you have there. The jaws are slick and they will fall anytime you touch the lower end of the clamp.

Bushwhacker
User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#4

Post by Stick486 »

Bushwhacker wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 7:10 am I need some ideas for a new rank to hold all of them. The ones I have the most trouble with are those blue ones that you have there. The jaws are slick and they will fall anytime you touch the lower end of the clamp.
.
build clamp racks so the clamps can't/won't just fall out of... build the rack so the outlet(s) is/are exposed...
.
C2.jpg
C3.jpg
C7.jpg
C5.jpg
.
use the rafters..
.
C6.jpg
C4.jpg
.
go horizontal... the clamps are multiple deep...
.
CLAMP RACK.jpg
.
Bushwhacker wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 7:10 am The problem comes when I attempt to switch wall plugs behind the router table.
put an extension on the receptacle... they come in all shapes, sizes, depths and flavors...
move the receptacle...
.
BOX.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
User avatar
Herb Stoops
The Welcome Wagon
Posts: 3054
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:05 pm
Location: Auburn WA.,USA
Preferred name: Raff
Has thanked: 1484 times
Been thanked: 876 times

Re: Clamp storage

#5

Post by Herb Stoops »

User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#6

Post by Stick486 »

Bushwhacker wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 11:03 am The ones I have the most trouble with are those blue ones
got a close up???
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#7

Post by Stick486 »

Bushwhacker wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 7:10 am I have a bit of a problem
how about a picture of what you have and the space you have to work w/ and which style of clamp are your blue clamps???
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
Cherryville Chuck
Global Moderator
Global Moderator
Posts: 2648
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:27 pm
Location: Cherryville, B C
Has thanked: 561 times
Been thanked: 1011 times

Re: Clamp storage

#8

Post by Cherryville Chuck »

I built racks that only hold one clamp per slot opening. Had I seen the type Stick went with where you put 4 to 6 per slot I would have done that instead. I still don't have a solution for pipe clamps. Some of mine are quite long. The slot type rack should work for the aluminum tube beam clamps too but the tolerances will have to be pretty close.

I don't recommend anything where you have to tighten the jaws on to something to hold them. I tried that and it eventually becomes a pain in the ass.

My rack for my small clamps (light duty, less than a foot long) is mounted under my bench where they are handy. I use my small ones 2 to 3 times as often as the big ones so I like them handy. For those I made a rack with slotted holes just a bit bigger than the beams on them so I just shove the ends in the slots. Easy to grab, easy to put away. Each clamp takes up minimal space.
Bushwhacker
Registered User
Posts: 826
Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2020 1:53 pm
Location: Clute Texas
Has thanked: 208 times
Been thanked: 333 times

Re: Clamp storage

#9

Post by Bushwhacker »

Cherryville Chuck wrote: Wed Nov 24, 2021 9:13 am I built racks that only hold one clamp per slot opening. Had I seen the type Stick went with where you put 4 to 6 per slot I would have done that instead. I still don't have a solution for pipe clamps. Some of mine are quite long. The slot type rack should work for the aluminum tube beam clamps too but the tolerances will have to be pretty close.

I don't recommend anything where you have to tighten the jaws on to something to hold them. I tried that and it eventually becomes a pain in the ass.

My rack for my small clamps (light duty, less than a foot long) is mounted under my bench where they are handy. I use my small ones 2 to 3 times as often as the big ones so I like them handy. For those I made a rack with slotted holes just a bit bigger than the beams on them so I just shove the ends in the slots. Easy to grab, easy to put away. Each clamp takes up minimal space.

I am leaning towards the one I seen on Stumpy Nubs site. It is like the first two that Stick shows.
I have all the space I could need, just depends on where I want to but the rack or how far I want to walk to get a clamp.
I have a bunch of those metal screw type clamps that you have to spend a lot of time loosening or tightening them depending on what you are trying to clamp. I am thinking of going to all pistol type clamps that you simply squeeze the handle or release the small tab to open them.
Very easy and can be operated with one hand. I might just hang them under the bench like you said.

Bushwhacker
User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#10

Post by Stick486 »

Cherryville Chuck wrote: Wed Nov 24, 2021 9:13 am I still don't have a solution for pipe clamps.
horizontal ''C'' channel (strength matters here) hung from the rafters w/ hanger bolts, coupling nuts and all thread.., use rod hangers if you prefer... use longer sticks of all thread and ladder the channels if need be... (Unistrut is perfect. Stronger and cheaper than plywood)...
.
bolt 4.jpg
.
no hanger bolts??? got exposed joists??? use rod hangers... shear rated GRK's will hold them up w/ no worries...
.
bolt.jpg
bolt 2.jpg
bolt 3.jpg
.
2 hole rigid pipe clamps secured to the bottom of the ceiling joists...
.
C3.jpg
.
Will this style work???...
or mount them to the wall...
.
C1.jpg
.
C2.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
User avatar
Herb Stoops
The Welcome Wagon
Posts: 3054
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:05 pm
Location: Auburn WA.,USA
Preferred name: Raff
Has thanked: 1484 times
Been thanked: 876 times

Re: Clamp storage

#11

Post by Herb Stoops »

Chuck, for the pipe clamps I made a rack sort of like a horizontal gun rack out of plywood with the slots angled down at 45°, the weight of the clamp keeps them in the rack.
Herb
User avatar
Herb Stoops
The Welcome Wagon
Posts: 3054
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:05 pm
Location: Auburn WA.,USA
Preferred name: Raff
Has thanked: 1484 times
Been thanked: 876 times

Re: Clamp storage

#12

Post by Herb Stoops »

I like that last one that Stick posted of the overhead pipe clamp holder. But reaching overhead for me now is more of a chore. LOL
Herb
User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#13

Post by Stick486 »

Herb Stoops wrote: Wed Nov 24, 2021 1:06 pm I like that last one that Stick posted of the overhead pipe clamp holder. But reaching overhead for me now is more of a chore. LOL
Herb
mount it on the wall...
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
User avatar
DaninVan
Registered User
Posts: 2371
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:12 pm
Location: Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada
Has thanked: 302 times
Been thanked: 417 times

Re: Clamp storage

#14

Post by DaninVan »

Excellent discussion; some great ideas in there.
Cherryville Chuck
Global Moderator
Global Moderator
Posts: 2648
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:27 pm
Location: Cherryville, B C
Has thanked: 561 times
Been thanked: 1011 times

Re: Clamp storage

#15

Post by Cherryville Chuck »

I finally got around to taking pictures of my storage solutions. I had to remember to take my phone to the shop, then remember to take it back in and charge it, then take it back out again. Any solution can be evaluated by answering two questions about it.
1. Does it work?
2. Would I do the same thing again?

Below is photo #1 of my wall rack solution for my larger clamps and photo #2 for my under my workbench small clamp holder.

Wall rack clamp holder for larger clamps
1. Yes it works. Removing and replacing the clamps is effortless.
2. No. I wouldn't do it that way again. I would make the slots a little wider and longer so that I could store at least 4 clamps, and preferably 6 per slot and save a little space.

Under bench rack for small clamps
1. Yes it works beautifully. I can reach down and remove clamps without even looking and often replace them without looking too. They take up minimal space. I previously just had a shelf that I had to clamp the clamps onto and over time I hated myself for coming up with that idea.
2. I would never do this any other way for small clamps after using this rack.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
User avatar
DaninVan
Registered User
Posts: 2371
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:12 pm
Location: Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada
Has thanked: 302 times
Been thanked: 417 times

Re: Clamp storage

#16

Post by DaninVan »

I see some empty wall space there, Charles; get thee down to KMS...oh wait, no highway! ;)
User avatar
DaninVan
Registered User
Posts: 2371
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:12 pm
Location: Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada
Has thanked: 302 times
Been thanked: 417 times

Re: Clamp storage

#17

Post by DaninVan »

I see some empty wall space there, Charles; get thee down to KMS...oh wait, no highway! ;)

This pic has some serious clamp density;
https://workersofwood.com/download/file ... &mode=view
User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#18

Post by Stick486 »

KMS????
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
User avatar
DaninVan
Registered User
Posts: 2371
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:12 pm
Location: Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada
Has thanked: 302 times
Been thanked: 417 times

Re: Clamp storage

#19

Post by DaninVan »

User avatar
Herb Stoops
The Welcome Wagon
Posts: 3054
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:05 pm
Location: Auburn WA.,USA
Preferred name: Raff
Has thanked: 1484 times
Been thanked: 876 times

Re: Clamp storage

#20

Post by Herb Stoops »

Couldn't find the stools there.
Herb
User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#21

Post by Stick486 »

Herb Stoops wrote: Sun Nov 28, 2021 11:49 am Couldn't find the stools there.
look in the bathroom...
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
User avatar
DaninVan
Registered User
Posts: 2371
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:12 pm
Location: Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada
Has thanked: 302 times
Been thanked: 417 times

Re: Clamp storage

#22

Post by DaninVan »

More bathroom humour...
User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#23

Post by Stick486 »

Herb Stoops wrote: Sun Nov 28, 2021 11:49 am Couldn't find the stools there.
Herb
it's KMS tools
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
User avatar
Herb Stoops
The Welcome Wagon
Posts: 3054
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:05 pm
Location: Auburn WA.,USA
Preferred name: Raff
Has thanked: 1484 times
Been thanked: 876 times

Re: Clamp storage

#24

Post by Herb Stoops »

Stick486 wrote: Sun Nov 28, 2021 2:28 pm
Herb Stoops wrote: Sun Nov 28, 2021 11:49 am Couldn't find the stools there.
Herb
it's KMS tools
Well Kiss My Stools,
Cherryville Chuck
Global Moderator
Global Moderator
Posts: 2648
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:27 pm
Location: Cherryville, B C
Has thanked: 561 times
Been thanked: 1011 times

Re: Clamp storage

#25

Post by Cherryville Chuck »

DaninVan wrote: Sun Nov 28, 2021 1:04 am I see some empty wall space there, Charles; get thee down to KMS...oh wait, no highway! ;)
The highway to Kelowna is just fine. I was there the other day to go to Princess Auto and Lee Valley. That tiny bit of wall space is for when I decide on a design and get around to building a rack for the pipe clamps and maybe for the aluminum beam clamps. In other words, spoken for. I started getting dirty looks from the wife several years ago when I'd bring more clamps home. That was a dozen or so clamps ago.
User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#26

Post by Stick486 »

Herb Stoops wrote: Sun Nov 28, 2021 5:33 pm Well Kiss My Stools,
that needs to be delegated....
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#27

Post by Stick486 »

Herb Stoops wrote: Sun Nov 28, 2021 11:49 am Couldn't find the stools there.
https://www.kmstools.com/shop.html?q=stools
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
User avatar
Herb Stoops
The Welcome Wagon
Posts: 3054
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:05 pm
Location: Auburn WA.,USA
Preferred name: Raff
Has thanked: 1484 times
Been thanked: 876 times

Re: Clamp storage

#28

Post by Herb Stoops »

Now we are getting someplace, those look pretty good.
Herb
User avatar
Stick486
CS/TS
Posts: 20493
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2021 7:40 am
Location: Central Colorado
Preferred name: Stick486
Has thanked: 657 times
Been thanked: 580 times

Re: Clamp storage

#29

Post by Stick486 »

Herb Stoops wrote: Sun Nov 28, 2021 5:33 pm Well Kiss My Stools,
is that down the ladder a fair piece from bite me???...
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
SNORK” Mountain Congressional Library and Taxidermy...
User avatar
DaninVan
Registered User
Posts: 2371
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:12 pm
Location: Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada
Has thanked: 302 times
Been thanked: 417 times

Re: Clamp storage

#30

Post by DaninVan »

That would be the dozen that SWMBO KNOWS about?
Cherryville Chuck
Global Moderator
Global Moderator
Posts: 2648
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:27 pm
Location: Cherryville, B C
Has thanked: 561 times
Been thanked: 1011 times

Re: Clamp storage

#31

Post by Cherryville Chuck »

DaninVan wrote: Mon Nov 29, 2021 12:39 am That would be the dozen that SWMBO KNOWS about?
Maybe half. What she doesn't know won't hurt me.
User avatar
DaninVan
Registered User
Posts: 2371
Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:12 pm
Location: Sunshine Coast, BC, Canada
Has thanked: 302 times
Been thanked: 417 times

Re: Clamp storage

#32

Post by DaninVan »

:)...that's my philosophy!
Post Reply