Clamps

Clamps are holding tools used in FRC fabrication to secure parts together during assembly, drilling, or gluing. They act as temporary “extra hands” to keep parts aligned and stable. 

 

 Why Clamps Are Used 

 Clamps help: 

 

 Hold parts in position during drilling 

 Keep assemblies aligned while fastening 

 Prevent movement during marking or layout 

 Improve accuracy and repeatability 

 

 

 Common Types of Clamps in FRC 

 C-Clamps 

 

 Strong, rigid holding force 

 Best for heavy-duty metal-to-metal holding 

 Slower to adjust but very secure 

 

 Quick-Release (Trigger) Clamps 

 

 Fast to apply and remove 

 Good for repetitive assembly work 

 Moderate holding strength 

 

 Bar Clamps 

 

 Used for larger assemblies or long parts 

 Provide even pressure across surfaces 

 Useful for aligning long extrusion pieces 

 

 

 Proper Use 

 

 Ensure clamp pressure is applied evenly 

 Place clamps near the work area without blocking drill paths 

 Check alignment before fully tightening 

 Use protective padding if needed to avoid marking parts 

 

 

 Common Mistakes 

 

 Over-tightening and bending parts 

 Clamping without checking alignment first 

 Blocking access to drill or tool paths 

 Using the wrong clamp type for the job 

 

 

 Key Idea 

 Clamps improve accuracy and safety by holding parts in place during fabrication. Proper clamp selection and placement are essential for consistent, high-quality FRC builds.