Introduction: DIY PVC Clamp
This was a feasibility study to see if I could make a low cost clamp out of PVC pipe. I made this one out of "200 psi" because it was what I had handy.
I recently saw an I'ble by someone else making clamps by sawing it into bands and cutting slots in the bands. I cannot find his post, so I cannot give him credit for his idea, which inspired me to make this one. His clamps work good, except they requires two hands to pull them apart to clamp something. I wanted to see if I could add handles so it could be applied with one hand. Now that I know it's possible, I will be making some out of "Schedule 40" PVC pipe which has a thicker wall and is stronger.
The following is how I made this one.
Step 1: SUPPLIES AND TOOLS NEEDED
SUPPLIES:
PVC pipe (I used 200 PSI; OD 1.25", but I would recommend "Schedule 40")
2 small pieces of flat plastic for handles to open the clamp
2 - 1/8" pop rivets & washers
TOOLS:
Saw to cut PVC pipe (I used a chop saw, but it could be done with a hack saw)
Grinder to shape handles
Whitney hole punch or electric drill & 1/8" bit
Pop riveter
Box knife to get rid of sharp edges
Step 2: CUTTING & ASSEMBLY
This is all pretty easy.
Cut the pipe into bands & split each band
Shape the handles & scrape off sharp edges;
Punch the holes for rivets;
Install pop rivets.
They work very good, so the next step is to make bigger, stronger clamps out of 2" Schedule 40 PVC..
Step 3: Final Product
I made this one out of 2.25" pipe and 3/8" rods. It's much stronger than the previous one. Drilling the holes for the rods took some planning, measuring, and marking to get the rod placement uniform.
Step 4: How It Works
I plan on making about a dozen of this size with the rods for hand grips. This one was easy to make and will make a good addition to my tools. You cannot have too many clamps to use in metalworking or woodworking.
NOTE: I made a bigger clamp using 4" pipe. It can be seen here: https://www.instructables.com/id/Evolution-of-PVC-Clamp/
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10 Comments
5 years ago
That's a really clever idea!
Reply 5 years ago
Thanks for the comment. These work really well for holding stuff temporarily. I have made more out of thicker PVC & all seem to work good.
Reply 5 years ago
Cool
6 years ago
Thanks ajoyraman
6 years ago
Great work!
6 years ago
Nice and at least you found a use for the small pieces of pvc a lot of us probably have
Reply 6 years ago
You are right Kevin. I have an abundance of the small pieces.
6 years ago
Nice and simple. Great work
Reply 6 years ago
Thanks JAYTEE-Tompkins
6 years ago
I think that a manual rivet would be better. It would sit much more flush with the inside and outside. I'd just set the rivet over the horn of some kind of anvil to avoid crushing your ring.
I've seen lots of clamps using PVC pipe (they are common for gluing on a gunnel for a boat) but none with handles that allow single hand operation. Neat idea!