clencher

Clencher is a term with several related but distinct uses. It can denote a person who clenches, or more commonly, a device that performs clinching or clamping actions to secure parts together. In engineering and manufacturing, the concept of clinching refers to deforming or pressing parts so they form a tight, permanent joint without auxiliary fasteners. A clenching device or clincher is the tool or mechanism that carries out that action.

In practice, clenchers appear in both manual and automated forms. Manual clenchers are hand-operated tools used to grip and shape metal or other materials, while automated or robotic clenchers are integrated into production lines to hold parts during operations such as forming, riveting, or joining. Clinching as a process is valued for producing hinges, joints, or connections without screws, bolts, or welding, and it can be faster and more material-efficient in suitable applications. The specific design of a clencher depends on the workpiece geometry, material thickness, and required joint strength.

The spelling clencher is relatively uncommon in standard technical vocabulary. The more common term in English is clincher or clinching tool for the device, and clinch for the action of securing a joint. In broader usage, clencher may also be encountered as a less formal or regional variant, or as a loanword in languages other than English. Related terms include clamp, grip, rivet, and fastening methods.