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LewsModelBoats.org is not a commercial web site.  Lew is a scale model builder/hobbiest (model boats and more). Views on this web site are opinions of the author and not driven by any commercial entity.  Opinions are welcome - by mailing Lew (see contacts). Copyright 2022 Lew's Model Boats. Disclosure: Lews Model Boats and this site do not have any financial ties to any company, political affiliation nor any other subsidy and has no gains from these and any other person(s).  Lews Model Boats and this site is purely for the enjoyment of its members and others who enjoy this hobby.

Grab-it claw system
Mini Bar Clamp: A device for holding parts in position
Updated: Oct. 4, 2022
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     This is a bar clamp for use with model building.  The user supplies the 3/8 (.375) inch diameter bar which makes the length of the bar almost any length desired.  This is a very flexible design as it allows the user to clamp parts together, use as a spreader bar, or use multiple jaws to hold one or more items together.

     The information on how to make and assemble the bar clamp(s) is on this page and on YouTube.  The free files are availble (below) to make your own. They are in 3D prinable  STL format and instructions which are both on this site and are free to use.  Lew is the designer so there is no copyright statment violation, free to use.  All you need is a 3D printer and PLA (recommended) filament, and a few mechanical parts to assemble the Bar Clamp.
Absolutely FREE - no registering!

     All I as in return is that you do not re-use these files for posting on other web sites such as Thingiverse, and not use them for commercial purposes.
BASIC CONFIGURATION How it works
      Using this Mini Bar Clamp is easy.  One jaw can be fixed to the rail by tightening the screw in it.  The other jaw slides and locked in place by tigthening the knob.

      All of the parts are in the photo at the right.  This is for one complete set.  For more information on all the parts, see the Building Instructions below.

      This Mini Bar Clamp can be used in multiple configurations:
Basic operation is round pad to round pad.(photo 1)
By reversing the "fixed" jaw and inseerting the sliding jaw you get a larger gripping surface (photo 2)
Reversing both jaw you get a spreader clamp (photo 3)
By adding another set of jaws on the same rail youu can hold parts in alignment in various ways.

3    2 4 5
 The Pieces
      6The Mini Bar Clamp is composed of various pieces, some 3D printed, some purchased, and some made from other materials.
The  3D printed parts (pictured above) are as follows: Fixed Jaw, Sliding Jaw, Swivel Pad, Lead Screw, Sliding Jaw, kNOB, and Stand.

All to be 3D printed.  Recommended for these items is a FDM printer using PLA filament, all printed with 100% infill and no support.

One section of 3/8 inch diameter rod or tubing, you choice of material (wood, aluminum, plastic, copper, etc.).  The length is what ever you desire.

Fasteners, cement, rubber padding (optional) to make the clamps.  Your choice, see instructions below.
Assembling
      See the Youtube video: Mini Bar Clamp.
Parts (download and extras)
      To build one Mini Bar Clamp set.:

Item DescriptionFile Name (select to download) Info
Mini Clamp Parts Bar ClampMake one
Stand (optional) Bar Clamp Stand (pair)Make one (pair)
Rail   3/8 inch (.375) diameter
Screw M4-16 (need 2)   Stainless Steel
Screw M4-20 (need 1)   Stainless Steel
Nut M4 (need 3)  Stainless Steel
Screw M4-16 (need 2) (for Stand)  Stainless Steel
Nut M4 (need 2) (for Stand)   Stainless Steel
Superglue GEL   
JB Weld epoxy  Regular or Quick set