Preventing Clamp Scars

By  David Munkittrick
Photo by David Munkittrick

Posted: July 21, 2009

Dress for Success Preventing Clamp Scars

I'm often asked to repair furniture for friends and family. I guess they figure if I can build a chair, I ought to be able to repair one as well.  Handscrews are my clamp of choice when it comes to fixing a split spindle or leg. Because I'm repairing a finished piece, I have to be extra careful of clamp scars.

I try to keep the handscrew jaws smooth and clean, but when I want that extra layer of protection against marring the wood, I look to my sock drawer. There's always a sock or two that's lost its mate or worn a hole in the toe. I cut off the foot and use the ankle portion as a protective sleeve over my handscrew clamp jaws. (I use the foot as a general shop rag. I have a hard time throwing anything away.) The sock slips easily over the jaw and never leaves a mark on the wood.