Wedging

Wedging refers to the action of inserting a wedge—a tapered, solid piece of material—between two objects to separate, position, or secure them. A wedge is a simple machine that converts a relatively small input force into a larger separating force along the contact surfaces. The effectiveness of wedging depends on the wedge's angle, material, and the friction at the interfaces.

In woodworking and carpentry, wedges split timber, tighten joints, or align components. Common wooden wedges and metal wedges are used to shape timber, to secure parts in joints, or to adjust the fit of components such as doors and frames.

In masonry and quarrying, wedges separate stones, loosen blocks, or help guide the placement of stones under load. Metal or wooden wedges are employed to achieve controlled separation or to apply clamping pressure during setting and alignment.

In dentistry, wedges are small, wedge-shaped inserts placed between teeth to create space for restorations and to shape contact points in composite fillings or crowns. They help ensure proper contour and fit of dental work.

In construction and mechanical fastening, wedge anchors use a wedge mechanism to generate expansion and secure bolts or other fasteners in concrete or similar substrates. Across fields, wedging serves to transform force, provide positioning accuracy, and enable secure, temporary or permanent clamping.