I just got some plastic clamps. They do not have any padding on the jaws And tend to slip off some of the non-flat model parts. I tried some plastic packing foam but it just tore off above the glue layer. I’m looking for a DIY solution that is not too thick. Maybe about a 1/16th (1.5mm). A thin version of what is on my ratchet clamps would be great.
You can get sheets of felt covered paper with adhesive backing at Michaels and some other craft stores. Cut strips to right size and stick them on.
Hi Lonnie!
What I did with mine is similar. Only I got some ribbed thin Rubber sheet and cut it to fit with the ribs located sideways( For Grip) and then Contact cemented them in place . I have literally had to go buy new clamps.The originals wore out!
Tanker
Thought of that but couldn’t think of where to get the thin rubber sheeting. Any suggestions?
Dan
Good idea. Didn’t think of felt.
You should be able to find stick on grips soles for shoes that would provide enough for many clamps
I have a multitude of clamps for different applications. Harbor Freight has some plastic ones that I use as lot along with wooden clothing laundr pins. I also have 6 DeWalt mini grip clamps that are fantastic.
I find these micro-adjustable bar clamps to be super! I have four inch Irwin ones- they are expensive but my local Menards had them on sale and I bought four. Harbor Freight has theirs on sale frequently for a buck. Not quite as good as the Irwin ones, but I bought two. These bar clams are my goto now. I can’t believe how super adjustable they are if you use a light touch on the adjustment trigger.
Don, The Harbor Freight small bar clamps are garbage. The eventually begin to slip and will not hold a solid grip. The Irwin ones are just like the DeWalts and are fantastic and well worth the higher price. Harbor Freight has some plastic clip type ones that are good and come in several sizes.
Try auto parts stores for that ribbed rubber sheeting. They sell it for lining the drawers of tool boxes.
I have not had the HF clamps slip yet. The biggest problem with them that I have is the pads falling off-so common. And yes, I have that big bag of their spring clips. But, at a buck a piece I continue to pick one up each time they are on sale. I use them for the less rigorous jobs, and do have more of the Irwin than the HB ones. Just wish the Irwins would go on sale more often.
PlasticJunkie. Wow. Never knew that existed.
I purchased my Liquid Electrical Tape at Harbor Freight actually. Then awhile later I found that Walmart sold it for significantly less for the same bottle. I picked it up for lighting and electronics for in models and projects. It does grip well, I couldn’t speak as to how well it will hold up long term as clamp grips, but it may. It is great for insulating wiring, providing strain relief for wiring, and light blocking, it also has a pretty good grip for holding stuff. Just have ventilation when using it.
You are welcome LT. looks like Markeno gave it a good review.
Got both the felt and the shoe rubber. Neither very expensive. I can say both work very well. The rubber is a little mo grippy. But the felt softer. Btw go in with a friend to get it I only needed about a 3" inch square to do 4 small and 4 larger clamps.
I was in Hobby Lobby the other day. They had the micro-adjustable bar clamps. With their coupon the would be not too expensive- forget the price but not bad.
Here is another use for a bar-clamp:
I have used this paint shaker for years and have never been hit on the head by a flying paint bottle yet.
For thin parts, I have two sized of paper ‘clips’ (sping loaded alligator type clamps) that work wonders on wing halves and such.
Plasti-dip is another type of product similar to the liquid electrical tape, originally designed to dip tool handles to restore the rubber grips…