handscrew

Handscrew clamps are a traditional woodworking clamp consisting of two hardwood jaws connected by a central threaded steel screw. The screw passes through the jaws and is turned with handles or a wing nut, drawing the jaws toward each other to grip a workpiece. The wooden jaws are shaped to distribute pressure and minimize marring, making handscrews especially suited for delicate parts or pieces with irregular contours.

Because the jaws press from the inside faces, handscrews provide a non-marring grip and can clamp curved surfaces, edges, or glue-ups where other clamps would damage the work. They are commonly used for securing work during gluing, holding work in place during shaping, or when a flexible, gentle grip is required. Sizes range from small openings of a few inches to large models with 12 inches or more of capacity. Some models have turning handles on both ends of the screw, while others use a single handle or a wing nut.

History and maintenance: Handscrew clamps date to the 19th century and were widely used before modern metal bar and pipe clamps became common. They remain favored by traditional woodworkers for their adjustability and non-marring action. Construction typically features beech, maple, or other hardwood jaws and a steel threaded rod. To maintain, keep the threads clean, lightly wax or oil the screw, and store in a dry place to prevent wood swelling and rust.