Wire Clamp Tool

Intro: Wire Clamp Tool

This is my version of a Wire Clamp Tool.
This is a great tool for making pipe clamps from wire.
The claps made with it are low profile and no snag.

STEP 1: How I Made It -1

The parts I used.

1.   5" length of 1/2" copper pipe
2.   2 of 1/2" copper end caps.
3.   5" x 1/2" spring. ( I just stretched the spring to get the correct length ).
4.   5" x 3/8" threaded rod. ( look in the electrical conduit section of the hardware store its cheaper ).
5.   5/16" x 1" bolt.
6.   3/8" wing nut.
7.   2 of 5/16" nuts.
8.   Old o-ring.
9.   2 of 1/8" x 1 1/4" roll pins.
10.  1of flat washer with 3/8" hole and 1 of spring washer with 3/8" hole and 1/2" diameter.

To Make the tip I took the 5/16" x 1" bolt and clamped the bolt head in a hand drill.  I spun it in a counter direction on to a rotating belt sander to get the taper. The notch I made with a small round file. Using a press drill I drilled a1/8" hole just under the bolt head.

The end caps I drilled a 5/16" hole in the center of both and a 1/8" hole on the sides of one cap.

On the 1/2" copper pipe I cut 1/8" x 3 5/8" slot on both sides using a rotary disc cutter. I put the end cap with the side 1/8" holes on the pipe an marked then removed and drilled the holes in the pipe.

To assemble the tip I put the 5/16" bolt tip in the pipe  and then the end cap over aligning all the 1/8' holes, then driving the 1/8" roll pin through with a hammer.

STEP 2: How I Made It - 2

Next I took the 5" x 3/8" threaded rod and drilled a 1/8" hole at the one end.

I drilled out 3/8" holes in the two 5/16" nuts ( I use them as centering spacers ).

To assemble place the o-ring on the threaded rod end with the 1/8" hole in it. Next the two 3/8" spacer nuts. Placed the the rod with the nut in the pipe and drive the 1/8" roll pin through the slot and rod. next put the spring in the pipe around the rod.

STEP 3: How I Made It - 3

I took the spring washer and twisted it to make a flat washer that fits inside the end cap and put this over the pipe.
Next the flat washer and then the wing nut on the rod.

The End

STEP 4: How to Use It.

Comments

[jpr56]

Exccellent, it really a great tool and better explanation. I'll do one for my tool box. Thanks.

[Luke Wilson]

That's a really cool idea. I'm not sure what that little blue plastic thing is but from what I can see, it's used to make the wire more compliant and easier to thread through that loop as well as preventing you accidentally sticking it into your hand. (That really hurts!) I would assume a bit of Blu-Tack or something similar could be used to hold the two wires together for a bit and cover the ends less sharp until you pull it off; God knows how I hate it when I stab myself when doing this sort of thing! Please correct me if I'm wrong.

:)

[lockmuppadoc]

I made on with minor adjustments. Works great.

[rimar2000]

Excellent tool, very good instructable. Thanks for sharing it.

[uncle frogy]

I have one of the commercial made ones I bought at some trade show and use it when needed it does not have a spring and that would be a very useful addition. Never thought of making one before great!!

uncle frogy

[MartinMakes]

Thanks.

[DavAnt]

Hey, I'm trying to build this, and of course, 5/16 nuts and wingnuts won't fit on a 3/8 threaded rod...

[DavAnt]

I get that you drill out the nuts, but you still can't thread them on like you suggested...

[MartinMakes]

Sorry for that. I have some of the sizes mixed up. You are right it is a 3/8" Wing Nut
and the 5/16 nut for the spacer, that you would have to drill out and not be able to thread on.
I will correct the instruction soon.
Thanks.

[bricabracwizard]

'cuse my ignorance how do you use it, could you show this in your instructable?

[MartinMakes]

I added "Step 4: How To Use It" I hope this helps.

[bricabracwizard]

Brilliant! Couldn't be clearer, thanks for taking the time, much appreciated!

[MartinMakes]

Yes. I'll see what I can do soon.

[Hoopajoo]

These things work great! I made one several years ago out on an old turnbuckle. It still gets used when needed.

[Topcat2021]

Nice job on the tool you have made there. I made one similar several years ago and I may have to go out to the shop and find it if I can. Your cuts in the sides do look a lot better than mine do.
Keep up the good work
Dan