In case you’ve been doing any type of work round any type of home for some time, you in all probability have a number of trusty old-school C-Clamps readily available. The C-Clamp has been in use for hundreds of years. It’s a kind of dead-simple instruments that simply works. It’s additionally a kind of instruments you have a tendency to gather a number of examples of, in several sizes.

Sometimes, you utilize a C-Clamp to, uh, clamp stuff collectively, like two items of wooden, or to clamp one thing into place whilst you work on it (I exploit them lots to chop lumber so I can have each fingers on the noticed, as I’m allergic to emergency rooms.) However the C-Clamp is definitely a really versatile device that may be deployed in a variety of artistic—however helpful!—methods. Listed below are a few of my favourite methods to repurpose these previous C-Clamps.

A carrying deal with

If it’s essential carry one thing that’s cumbersome, heavy, and awkward, having some short-term handles at all times makes the job simpler. You probably have a number of C-Clamps, you’re golden: Simply clamp a pair onto no matter you’re transporting and you’ve got immediate handles to make the haul a little bit simpler. They may also be used as handles for rolled-up supplies, like rugs or mats—simply thread the roll by a pair of C-Clamps, tighten them closed, and keep on.

A quiet hammer

It’s occurred to all of us: It’s worthwhile to drive a nail someplace, however there’s no room to swing a hammer, or for some motive you’re reluctant to make a variety of banging noise. The answer is your trusty C-Clamp: Simply place the clamp over the nail head and tighten. The clamping motion will inexorably (and silently) drive that nail into place. This isn’t an environment friendly solution to drive a variety of nails, in fact, however in a good spot, it’s good.

An emergency wrench

Must tighten or loosen a connector, however you don’t have a wrench at hand? Tighten a C-Lamp across the bolt, cuff, or connection level in order that it’s gripping tightly, then slowly flip it within the route you want. Make sure that the clamp is tight sufficient to forestall slippage, and also you may need to use one thing (a helpful piece of fabric works) to guard the connection from injury as you’re employed.

A twine organizer

Whether or not it’s corralling all these extension and energy cords on a workbench or work web site, or organizing pc cables in your desk with an industrial vibe, C-Clamps can preserve all these wires beneath management and out of your approach in a pinch. Simply collect the cords on the fringe of the desk or desk and clamp them down. It is a good short-term resolution, because the cords can go freely by the clamps with out threat of harm, and the clamps might be eliminated when the job is finished.

Bookends

Want a few bookends to carry stuff in place on a shelf? A pair of C-Clamps hooked up to the periphery and clamped in as deep as doable will work. This might even be a everlasting design selection in case your style runs towards the country or industrial.

Anchors

C-Clamps are very best gadgets when anchor factors are wanted, however you don’t need to connect something everlasting that may require fasteners and drilling right into a construction. Want a clothesline to dry your laundry when the dryer breaks? Two C-Clamps and a few rope or twine are all you want. Want to hold instruments, garments, or the rest? C-Clamps hooked up to a shelf of any sort, mixed with a hook, will work a attraction. Want to carry a tablecloth or different protecting in place? Nothing clamps stuff all the way down to a horizontal floor higher than C-Clamps.

Spool holder

Whether or not you’re spooling filament to your 3D-printer or feeding twine or wire to your self as you’re employed on a venture, sliding the spool over a C-Clamp after which clamping it into place offers you a sturdy holder which you can pull from. This implies you gained’t need to juggle your spool each time you want extra slack, and you’ll simply unclamp and reposition the spool for those who’re on the transfer as you’re employed.