A C-clamp, also known as a G-clamp or G-cramp, is a type of clamp device typically used to hold a wood or metal workpiece, and often used in carpentry, welding, metalworking, and automotive repair industries. The clamp has a C-shaped frame with a threaded hole at the bottom through which a large threaded screw protrudes. The screw contains a flat edge at one end and a small metal bar perpendicular to the screw at the other end, which is used to gain leverage when tightening the clamp. The clamp is typically made of steel or cast iron, though smaller clamps may be made of pot metal.

Here are some common uses for C-clamps:

• Holding materials together: C-clamps are useful for holding materials together for sawing, drilling, sanding, welding, and assembly tasks. They can also be used to secure materials for gluing or painting.

• Gluing wood together: When gluing wood together, it can have a habit of warping. By using a C-clamp to hold it in place while it dries, it can help prevent that.

• Welding: When welding, a C-clamp can be used to hold metal pieces steady while you weld them.

• Automotive repair: C-clamps are used in automotive repair to apply pressure to the brake caliper when changing brakes. They can also be used to hold the frame of a truck cover in place. When doing automotive bodywork, using a clamp to hold pieces in place helps immensely.

• Stage lighting: C-clamps are frequently used to hang stage lighting instruments.

• Creating handles: Fasten clamps to oversize sheet goods that are awkward to carry. The clamps create handles, allowing you to get a better grip and more leverage.

• Pipe wrench: Tighten a C-clamp around a stubborn pipe’s connector. Grab the clamp like a handle and twist it to loosen the pipe.

• Critter-proofing: Use a large C-clamp to hold together the lid and the base handle of a garbage can to keep raccoons and squirrels out of the trash.

• Corralling cords: Attach small clamps to the top and bottom of a leg of your workstation; run the cords from your power tools through their openings to keep them out of the way.

• Anchoring a tablecloth: Use a few small C-clamps on the corners of your outdoor table to anchor a tablecloth.

To use a C-clamp, place the material you want to clamp between the clamp’s C-shaped frame and tighten the screw mechanism. Be sure to position the clamp in a way that will allow it to apply pressure evenly across the material. Avoid over-tightening the clamp, as it can damage the material or bend the clamp’s frame.