Diy Swivel Head To Transform Adjustable Screw Clamps

A swivel head for an adjustable screw clamp is a useful tool for holding parts with angled surfaces without damaging them. While there are several options available in the market, such as those made of steel or brass, you can also make your own homemade swivel head. This allows you to customize the tool according to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're a professional or a hobbyist, creating a homemade swivel head for an adjustable screw clamp can be a rewarding project that adds a unique and personalized touch to your toolbox.

Homemade swivel clamp materials

The materials required to make a homemade swivel clamp include:

• A piece of 20mm angle iron (30mm in length)
• Washers with 30mm outer diameter and 7mm inner diameter
• An M6 bolt with its screw
• A cone nut (alternatively, a steel bushing)
• A spacer
• An arc welder with 2.5mm electrodes
• An angle grinder with cutting and grinding discs
• Tape measures and a marker

For safety, it is important to use appropriate safety gear when working with these materials and tools.

Additionally, the following materials and tools will be needed:

• A vice for clamping
• A drill press with a wire brush
• A M10 bolt
• A coupling nut
• A hacksaw
• A heck saw
• A wrench.

Optional materials for painting include:

• Red paint for the handle and swivel
• Black paint for the movable and fixed jaws.

It is also possible to use a rusted rebar as the base material, which can be cut and shaped using an angle grinder.

Homemade swivel clamp uses

A homemade swivel head for an adjustable screw clamp can be used for a variety of tasks, especially in construction projects. Here are some specific uses for a homemade swivel clamp:

Construction Projects

Swivel clamps are commonly used in construction projects, where they serve as a reinforced piece of steel to connect two pipes at a particular angle. This is especially useful when dealing with varying angles found on staircases, handles, ramps, and bracings. The flexibility of the swivel clamp allows for easy access to different angles, as it can be rotated 360 degrees.

Mounting and Stability

The clamp can also be used for mounting if needed. Additionally, any rods or metal stands inserted into the clamp for stability can be supported. The clamp can accommodate rods of a certain diameter, providing a secure hold.

Laboratory and Classroom Settings

Swivel clamps are not limited to construction projects. They are also useful in professional laboratories, classrooms, and even household settings. In these environments, they can be employed to hold or clamp various equipment or objects at different angles, facilitating experiments, measurements, or displays.

Space-Limited Applications

Swivel clamps are ideal when maximum rigidity is required or when space is limited. They can securely hold parts with angled surfaces without causing any damage to the surface. This makes them suitable for projects where stability and precision are crucial, such as in scientific experiments or delicate construction work.

Combination Fittings

Certain swivel clamp models can be used to create combination fittings when a variation of angles is needed. This versatility allows for more complex structures and the ability to adapt to different project requirements.

Types of screws for swivel clamps

When making a homemade swivel head for an adjustable screw clamp, it is important to consider the type of screw you will use. The most common types of screws for swivel clamps include:

• Steel screws: Steel screws are often used for swivel clamps as they offer high strength and durability. They are suitable for applications where maximum rigidity is required. Steel screws can also be heat-treated for added strength and finished with a black oxide coating for corrosion resistance.
• Plastic screws: Plastic screws, such as those made from Black Delrin®, are another option for swivel clamps. Plastic screws are lightweight and may be preferred in applications where there are concerns about marring or damaging the clamped surface.
• Knurled knob screws: These screws feature a knurled knob head, which provides a secure grip for manual tightening or loosening of the screw. Knurled knob screws are commonly used in swivel clamps and are available in various thread sizes, such as 1/4-20, 5/16-18, and 3/8-16.
• Hex socket screws: Hex socket screws for swivel clamps have a hexagonal socket in the head that requires a hex key or Allen key for tightening and loosening. They are often used in applications where a secure clamping force is needed, and various thread sizes are available.
• Hand knob screws: Similar to knurled knob screws, hand knob screws feature a larger, rounded head that can be easily tightened or loosened by hand. They are convenient for applications that require frequent adjustments.

When selecting the appropriate screw for your swivel clamp, consider the specific application, the clamping force required, the type of material being clamped, and the level of adjustability needed. Additionally, pay attention to the thread size and length of the screw to ensure it fits your swivel clamp assembly properly.

Types of pads for swivel clamps

Swivel clamps can be fitted with a variety of pads, each serving a different purpose. Here are some of the types of pads available for swivel clamps:

Steel Pads

Steel pads are designed for applications that require maximum rigidity. They are often heat-treated and finished with a black oxide coating. Steel pads are commonly used with swivel clamp screws to securely hold parts with angled surfaces without causing any damage.

Plastic Pads

Plastic pads, such as those made from Delrin®, offer a non-marring and non-damaging solution for clamping. They are suitable for use in spaces where there are limitations. Plastic pads can swivel to accommodate angled surfaces and provide a secure hold.

Thrust Pads

Thrust pads are used in levelling applications, often in combination with levelling feet or machine feet. These pads are typically made from durable materials like steel to withstand the load and provide stable support.

Swivel Pads for C-Clamps

C-clamps, also known as locking clamps, often feature swivel pads that help distribute clamping pressure evenly. These pads can be made of various materials, including metal and plastic, and are designed to swivel to accommodate different clamping angles.

Furniture Leveling Pads

Furniture levelling pads with swivel screws are used to adjust the height and levelling of furniture legs. They typically have a non-slip pad or Teflon bottom to prevent movement and protect floors. These pads are ideal for tables, chairs, cabinets, and sofas.

Adjustable screw clamps for large rods

If you're looking to create a homemade swivel head for an adjustable screw clamp to accommodate large rods, there are a few options available, including the EISCO Swivel Clamp Holder and the NICEYRIG 90-Degree 15mm Rod Clamp.

EISCO Swivel Clamp Holder

The EISCO Swivel Clamp Holder is a high-performance, jumbo-sized swivel clamp holder made of die-cast metal, allowing you to tilt clamps at any angle in parallel planes. It can accommodate large rods up to 21mm in diameter and is suitable for professional laboratories, classrooms, and household use. The clamp holder measures 7.25 inches in length and is made of high-quality zinc alloy with solid brass thumbscrews.

NICEYRIG 90-Degree 15mm Rod Clamp

The NICEYRIG 90-Degree 15mm Rod Clamp is designed for camera support systems and tripod systems. It comes in a pack of two and includes two spring ratchet wingnuts. This product is CNC-machined, finely finished, and anodized black. It is made of aluminum alloy and is suitable for mounting any two 15mm rods 90 degrees from each other.

Additional Options

If you're looking for a swivel head for a specific type of adjustable screw clamp or for a specific application, there may be other options available that are more tailored to your needs. For example, there are swivel clamp screws designed to securely hold parts with angled surfaces without damaging them, which may be useful if you're working with delicate materials. Additionally, some swivel clamp screws offer limited space options and maximum rigidity, which could be beneficial for certain projects.

Frequently asked questions