Clamp Retrofit | Paul Sellers

[@tubbysnowman]

I love that Paul doesn't try to be the usual youtube woodworker showing a perfectly clean workbench/workshop. He has a bunch of tools on his bench like the rest of us.

[@danielpreilly77]

Just bought 8 of these clamps on vacation, I don’t have a Harbor Freight where I live. The lady at the check out was like ‘You’re on vacation? And your buying clamps?’ I was like, heck yah, can’t wait to get these home. Remembered this video, and seeing Paul use these in all his videos. Now, off to build my joiners bench when I get back, thanks for everything Paul.

[@SgtBooker44]

It’s not a Paul Sellers video without a hand plane in use. Thanks for the awesome tip Paul.

[@aaronschrank3958]

I bought these same clamps from Harbor Freight here in the States, retrofitted them the way you have shown here, and let me tell you, they work so great! Thank you for sharing these awesome tips!

[@joeprestoneoj]

Just did the same. SO MUCH BETTER!

[@bighands69]

They would not be as good as a Bessey clamp but they are a personalized cramp that would do an amazing job for vast majority workers.

[@Dan__W]

My 2¢: An upcycled mousepad works wonderfully as clamp face pad or ladder cap to avoid pulling paint from workpieces or walls. :)

[@MrBigMalT]

Isnt it an absolute joy to watch a master craftsman using razor sharp tools! 👍👍👍

[@mkbcoolman]

I've looked at buying at these from Harbor Freight in the past, but didn't pick any up because the felt so cheap. Well after watching this, I went and bought 4 of the 36" clamps (~$12) like seen in the video, and 3 of the 60" parallel clamps ~$17) and retrofit them with the filler. I only did wood pads on the shorter clamps, since the parallel clamps already have a rubber cover but I may end up doing those at a later time. All I can say is WOW. This was an amazing transformation. I've got 7 new clamps that I spent about $100 total, and would have had to spend at least $500 for a similar setup otherwise. These will work PERFECTLY for my hobby shop. I think I'll be adding a few more to my collection in the near future.

[@ashyclaret]

You can never have enough clamps as Mr Sellers would say.

[@daledeimel1833]

Paul Thank You. I am a hobbyist and therefore don't spend a lot of our household budget on my tools. Part of the fun of woodworking is learning how to modify cheaper tools. Thanks for the tutorial. I am now a subscriber and will spend hours watching all of your videos. Thanks again Paul. A fan for life.

[@dwlsml4118]

You are such a good teacher and woodworker. Thank you

[@mrk828]

Made my first rag tin today using 3in 1 and its great! Now I'm going to retrofit my clamps and move my vice! Thanks Paul, I've been watching your videos for a year or two. You have helped me improve the way I work and therefore the end result.

[@robinalexander5772]

Its a pleasure to watch a professional at work.

[@krenwregget7667]

excellent improvements, Paul. I will doing this to some clamps I bought.

[@charlesbiller3674]

Thank you Sir for sharing this. Had purchased a set of Harbor Freight clamps and really was disappointed with them. But never thought of doing this. Will go to my shop and get started on this right away. Will have another set of clamps to use. Thank you again.

[@artswri]

Did these fixups to my clamps, makes them so much more useful, sturdy, and pleasant to work with! Big thumbs-up, thanks for the great tips!

[@MrBigMalT]

You sir are a genius! I have a couple of Silverline ones that are very disappointing…. I shall definitely try this rather than binning them 👍

[@albarry4794]

Once again, Thank you Paul. You take an obvious problem that we all have and solve it. Then you share your genius with all of your followers. It doesn’t get any better than this.

[@TheNewton]

Thanks Paul, This and your other videos on upgrading cheap tools, like the one for a pack of chisels, are great for bootstrapping a workshop.

[@davidbowser2040]

Peter Sellers, I can not Thank You enough for ALL your videos. They have helped me in so many ways. I wish you had started putting them out 25 years ago. SO many mistakes I could have skipped !!

[@Sarrienne]

Peter Sellers... Stunning actor, especially as Inspector Clouseau. Paul Sellers... Stunning woodworker, master craftsman and with a wit as keen as his chisel egde. ;-)

[@mikegomm3625]

Just bought two clamps and did the retro fit as in the video - now two excellent useable clamps and all for under £20

[@nelsoncaraballo9446]

Exceptional idea. Thank you for sharing. This will make the clamps a lot stronger.

[@jasonzvokel6317]

I've done this to some inexpensive harbor freight clamps based on Paul's recommendations in the past.... made a huge difference in the clamps - they work great!

[@imortaldeadead]

I just read your blog post about this today, and now watching the video it all make sense. Thank you for sharing with us

[@Mason-hs9oz]

Just got my first clamp! Thank you so much! All retrofitted and ready to go

[@ronski50]

Good tips that can also be applied to other tools and recreational gear such as fishing poles, tent poles, etc. as applicable.

[@chillyspoon]

Great set of improvements - and a sharp plane!

[@glenmckelvey5952]

I bought a pair of these clamps last week at a garage sale . I'll definitely make this modifications to them . Thanks for the tips.

[@jochenehmen6108]

Thank you Paul! I was inspired especially by all the very informative and good videos you have made and just finished building my slightly adapted version of your workbench (just one 32 cm top, with a narrower well behind it, 1,60 long) from spruce, 60 by 80 mm (slightly thicker than 2 by 3 in). Of course it took me a lot longer than the time you built it in the excellent video series - but it came out quite good for a first project. A lot of time went into the initial setup and sharpening the tools and, being unexperienced in using a plane, I took off way too much, got uneven and then had to take off even more to correct it. Nice workout and learning experience though ;) Now that it is finished I got around to the retrofitting the clamps as you describe. Mine are the Silverline brand (blue). What I noticed was that it was not the finish of the threads which was preventing them from being turned easily. Rather, it was that little screw in the top of the moving shoe of that little vise - I took it out, expecting to separate the two components. They would not separate still, but now they turn easily. I wonder why that screw is even there. It was the cause that prevented smooth turning since it is a self cutting screw which was crammed too tight and also left the metal shavings inside the mechanism, created by screwing it in without threading the hole first. These clamps really are good - after putting this work into them. Thanks again - I will continue to learn from what you offer so easily accessible to all.

[@trombetj1]

Thank you Paul for your wonderful techniques and inspiration. You are my go to guy for woodworking zen.

[@walterrider9600]

thank you for all the info Paul that is what i did to my HF clamps also except the prick punch at the end makes sense too

[@steverochon1620]

I truly appreciate your teaching skills. All the best. Steve

[@lemagreengreen]

Great video Paul, a few simple upgrades to make these cheaper clamps much nicer to use.

[@leejohnson9438]

I followed your lead and my clamps are great, they work as well as clamps that cost much more money.

[@mattallen8164]

Brilliant timing as I bought 6 yesterday.

[@vh9040]

Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge. You’ve inspired me to take up woodworking with hand tools. Your books are so informative as well. Thank you!

[@jrkleineck]

This is fantastic - thanks for the tips! And thanks for making getting started in wood working so accessible!

[@supurbian]

i have the same type clamps which i bought from harbor freight tools here in America...considering the small price i paid i actually got more than i paid for...i had seen a similar upgrade with the wood stiffener..when i upgraded mine they performed like much more costly clamps... i also fave some 4 foot clamps that i upgraded with scrap red oak pieces i had. wow!! what a difference!! i will have to go back and use the file!!! thank you

[@jeff8470]

How did you size the wood for stuffing? What kind of wood? Pine?

[@Justsquareenough]

thank you Paul. I was just reading your previous article about this the other day.

[@lensrig]

Hi Paul. Thanks for a great tip will be doing mine ASAP I watch all your videos and look forward to the next Regards Len

[@adrianedhouse5175]

Thanks Paul. Great video. I wish they had these clamps in New Zealand. All I can find it the heavy Sash clamps. I'll have to order these online and I bet shipping will double the price. Oh well...

[@MrWoody135]

Great little clamps, great fix, thanks Paul. Top tips yet again.

[@Paul.Sellers]

Thank you.

[@chm1701]

This is fantastic, thanks Paul. I’ve just bought some of these and will make the adjustments you recommend. The new ones actually have threaded nuts on the ends of the threaded pad, as opposed to the plastic or rubber covers, which is a worthwhile improvement. Anyway, I really appreciate great help videos like this. Also, I do have a little tool envy, looking at the sheer amount of them on the back wall. Thanks so much and have a great day!

[@user-ge1ys3ct3w]

Thank you so much for sharing all of the little things that make such a big difference. I have and will continue to learn a lot from your channel. Thanks again

[@DCox-ku1qt]

great modification, so simple and so effective.

[@vkbellis]

Dear Paul - Thank you for these great tips! On a related matter of retrofitting clamps, some types of clamps come with a rubber-like padded face that double-sided tape won't adhere to because of the oily plasticizers. I've been using cauls to prevent their oily residue on the workpiece, but wondered what your solution(s) might be for these type of padded clamps. Thanks so much for your inspirational videos!!!

[@tonyy5482]

If you don't fancy hammering the ends of the "Tommy bar" flat, to stop if falling out: I sometimes stick a little ball of cheap epoxy putty on each end. One unit/pod of putty is more than enough to do both ends.

[@wayneblackburn9645]

Brilliantly simple and effective - just did my first one today. Curious why 14 people gave this a thumbs down!

[@jumbo4billion]

I've known a few clamp snobs in my time. The same folks who call these "cramps" and get very upset about alternative nomenclature. Cabinet makers can be a finicky bunch.

[@gordoneckler4537]

Thanks for the very good video. Paul you always make it look so easy!!

[@beakz]

Excellent! I shall be retrofitting this weekend :) Thanks Paul

[@artconnolly9519]

I onky own two of this style. I really didn't like how they worked. I'm gonna try this upgrade and give them another chance. thanks for the tip Paul.

[@pjculbertson55]

A wonderful tip. Wonky clamps are such a pain!

[@homelessjoe]

Very well done Paul.

[@Kikilang60]

Thanks, very helpful. You do all this with the ease of of experience.

[@garrysmythe]

thanks for sharing from Garry in the UK

[@DonnaMSchmid]

Great idea! You always make the BEST videos! Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@wandafranke4558]

Donna M. Schmid f

[@abstractbybrian]

Thank you, this is helpful and reminds me I don't have to have the latest and greatest and the newest and shiniest "stuff". I can make do with what I have.

[@DrCRAZYde]

Exactly on point. Last week i buy some clamps like this. Thanks.

[@sthenzel]

I don´t know if the blocks are aluminium or a zinc ally, but if it´s aluminium: Wood glue works fine on coarsely sanded aluminium (80grid or less). I had to put a paper decal on a backer plate once, design didn´t find my liking later, so I had to remove it. Took me a sander to get it off and clean the metal. One thing I like about your retrofit: The bar now can be clamped in a vise without squeezing it!

[@D1G1TALSYNAPS3]

This guy is a national treasure

[@davidlevally4141]

Your tips are always great thank you.

[@martinoamello3017]

I bought mine from Harbor Freight and the ends of the (knobs?) are threaded with an acorn nut on the ends which often fall off. I could use locktight, but just put a regular nut on them and pound the ends like you do to keep the nut from working lose..Save the acorns for something more useful I guess..

[@gordslater]

For the double-sided tape at the end of the video, leaving them cinched up for an hour or more, even overnight, will improve the bond strength immensely. The bond strength of that type of adhesive develops as the minutes go by as long as constant clamping pressure is applied. For some grades of tape adhesive extra time can give double or triple adhesion, especially on shiny surfaces. There is no drying of the adhesive involved in this and I admit I'm not really sure what's going on (possibly down towards molecular level?). All I know is we were advised to do this by a tape manufacturer a decade or two ago and we were very impressed by the improved results. It costs nothing if left overnight.

[@apinakapinastorba]

I wish they’d sell these aluminium clamps around here. Steel clamps are so clumsy. Ordering online would of course be an option, if I find a seller I trust and would actually deliver here.

[@blackfender100]

Very good tip as always thank you Paul.

[@juliodifelippo]

many thanks for the videos. I enjoyed all of them. cheers!

[@Thom4123]

Awesome idea going to have to do this with the ones I have. Thank you for the information

[@estetubo]

Excellent, Maestro

[@BDM_PT]

Hi there from Portugal, Very nice tip/info Master P.A.Sellers :D Obrigado(Thanks)

[@gilessteve]

I just bought some sash cramps and was quite happy with them until I watched this :-)

[@operationmickeymouseharold6780]

which is better having a shop full of expensive tools and not being able to afford the nice material or making something and making due and complete project . good work , good craftsmanship .

[@jacquesfouche8961]

It is as if you can't buy decent stuff unless you pay an arm and a leg. Thanks for the great advice.

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Paul, do you think you could in the future do a video on making a wood hand plane? That'd be something I'd like to see.

[@hang-on4807]

Thank you Your Tips. Paul.

[@lionrnnow6030]

I love all your videos man. I just bought the veritas dovetail saw u recommended..and its awesome. thank you and keep the vids coming.

[@charlesjenkins8078]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@jlocke62]

I am in the market for some bar clamps; anyone have a thought on the make/model he started with before the modifications? I know there has to be hundreds of different bar clamps, but Paul really impresses me; I want what he uses.

[@woodawambam4899]

www.harborfreight.com/36-in-aluminum-bar-clamp-60539.html looks like those

[@satanismybrother]

Really nice idea.

[@forestlampcraft472]

cool

[@55ATA3]

Great video, as always. Thanks for the info.

[@dinamboyz]

Cheers Paul.

[@calvinwillis548]

need more videos. I am going into Paul Sellers withdrawals

[@jeffreydibella5751]

Thanks for another great tip.

[@bmetal2]

very very nice, thanks a lot for the tips!

[@ishortland]

Bessey KR-Revos work brilliantly without any modifications whatsoever...

[@uaaerospace]

This is true, but they also cost 5-6 times the price. I have both types of clamps (Bessey and these lightweight aluminum ones modded as suggested in the video) and I honestly use the aluminum ones more frequently.

[@amiddled]

Bessey KR-Revo 600mm: £40 Typical Budget Aluminum Sash clamp: £9 If I had to make mods on a £40 clamp, I'd be unhappy :)

[@aleblanc3547]

Simple and awesome.

[@rawbacon]

Even expensive tools often benefit from slight modifications.

[@joeobrien196]

Thank you Paul. Bought cheap clamps. Lost the cheap t-bars. Use threaded bar and nuts.

[@57WillysCJ]

Very good tip.

[@himonides]

very useful! thank you for sharing.

[@johneberhardt6101]

Very nice, thank you!!

[@paulwelsh5601]

Brilliant!

[@tommymarshall5836]

where do you get the thin dbl sided tape in the states ? Great information have to do my Harbor Freight clamps that way. Thank you for sharing you knowledge and expertise with us.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the info! 👍

[@eoraptor8855]

I wonder if it would help to plow-plane a groove down the middle of the wood. That way, the wood would touch the top of the extrusion AND the whatchamacallits that the sliding clamp locks into.

[@Paul.Sellers]

If you want to do that i don’t see the problem but there isn’t a problem with the method shown either.

[@colinwright5297]

As usual, another very useful lesson from Mr Sellers drawing on his long experience in the craft. But in this instance there is one feature I would have to question. I really do not believe that the wood insert will make any significant improvement to the structural performance of the clamp. The forces involved in trying to bend the aluminium spar are so great that such a thin piece of wood will have little effect on minimising the bend. It might do a little better if it was glued or bolted to the aluminium, but not sitting unconnected in the hollow interior, however tight it might fit. The real design fault with these clamps is simply the profile. It is a U shape rather than a closed box profile. The sides are under compression, increasingly towards the bottom, and these are what oppose bending. If they were manufactured with absolute precision they would work fine, but under large force small assymetries result in the sides buckling, generally outwards. That’s what the box section would prevent. So in my opinion the solution would be to drive a number of countersunk screws into the timber from both sides, as near the bottom face as possible. Those who are still sceptical might like to experiment by constructing and testing cardboard models of the two profiles to demonstrate the effects I’m suggesting.

[@MegaFunnyman86]

Found these hilka clamps in toolstation for around £12 for 900mm. Any ideas of i can find them cheaper anywhere else 1500mm are around £17 my bigger clamps are very old and heavy was looking for some new ones and like how you have modified these with the pattern through the middle

[@TheMRJimify]

as always good information

[@jmrah]

Does adding the wood core increase the clamping pressure rating of these clamps?

[@MB-xw1tu]

prevents them from twisting and racking when tightening down on things

[@lollyrs]

brilliant thank you

[@Brian-Burke]

I love this channel and I'm in awe of Paul's work, but man does he make stuff look easy, and it sort of bums me out. For instance, I'm such a novice woodworker that just cutting the wood insert to the right size will take me forever. Dumb question but any suggestions for cutting it to size? I have hand saws, a jigsaw and a circular saw only.

[@harveysmith100]

Sorry no one has answered you in 6 months Brian. To size your wood I would use a hand saw if you are using some wood you have lying around, then plane the final 1/8th inch off with a plane if you have one. If you don't, go get one. In regards to Paul's talent, his skill gets to even experienced woodworkers. He has been doing it so long it appears effortless. He has probable been woodworking since he was sixteen. Just start doing and you muscle memory will develop and it becomes more natural. In Paul you have a great teacher.

[@Brian-Burke]

Thank you!

[@29ginad]

.

[@ryanfrank5843]

great help that video, you the best