Outside calipers as clamps

[NOBLNG]

Pic says it all! Clamping pressure is completely adjustable. You could slide a couple of rubber vacuum port plugs over the tips to make them more versatile.

[R. Thorne]

Your ideas are just too simple (AFTER you show it to me, and after I say “Why didn’t I think of that?”).  Great stuff, as usual.  Thank you, Greg.

[stavanzer]

Man, Why didn't I think of this?

 

Argh.

[Bugatti Fan]

One should remember that outside calipers are designed to be an engineering measuring tool. I would certainly not misuse fine quality ones like Starrett or my Moore and Wright ones for this purpose as there would be the danger of misalignment to the pincer arms from using excess pressure.

However, there are plenty of cheapo ones about  where this would not matter so much that could be bought and utilised for this purpose if someone really wants to. Having said that, there are plenty of inexpensive clamps of various types on the market in any case.

 

[NOBLNG]

The beauty of these are that you have a clamping range from zero to more than you likely need. Most dedicated clamps that are large enough to span 2”-3” have far too heavy of a spring and will crush delicate assemblies. These can be tightened as much or little as needed, but as Noel said over-tightening them may damage them? I can’t imagine needing that much pressure but…? I’ve had these cheapos in the garage for probably 25 years and don’t recall ever using them for anything.🤔

[johnyrotten]

I see these all the time at flea market's. I'll definitely grab a couple for the bench. Any thoughts on making some different shaped "feet" (removable) for different applications/areas?

[NOBLNG]

1 hour ago, johnyrotten said:

I see these all the time at flea market's. I'll definitely grab a couple for the bench. Any thoughts on making some different shaped "feet" (removable) for different applications/areas?

Anything is possible but probably more work than it’s worth.🧐 Just add some anti-slip vacuum caps and all is good.🙂 I can even clamp non-parallel surfaces.

Edited 7 hours ago by NOBLNG

[TECHMAN]

56 minutes ago, johnyrotten said:

I see these all the time at flea market's. I'll definitely grab a couple for the bench. 

That is one GREAT idea!!!!!  I don't mind spending a few bucks for something usable, but most certainly wouldn't want to damage a quality tool using it for an "alternate purpose".....  But finding an old/worn out/damaged tool, and re-purposing it, count me in!!!!    

GREAT TIP!!!1 👍👍

DJ

[johnyrotten]

17 minutes ago, NOBLNG said:

Anything is possible but probably more work than it’s worth.🧐 Just add some anti-slip vacuum caps and all is good.🙂

 

I see that as a great idea, I had happened to have a pair of welders clamps in my hand and the light bulb went off..

[NOBLNG]

If you have flea markets nearby I would check them first, but they can be had real cheap at Harbor Freight or online.

Edited 6 hours ago by NOBLNG
Change HF to Harbor Freight so I don’t have to buy burgers.😳

[mcs1056]

Though I never use HF stuff for anything that might put my life (or eye, or limb, or dog, or boat/car/motorcycle) in peril, it's great for stuff like this. 

$9.99 for the set at HF. It even includes a non-digital caliper, to confuse 'da youts. (I know. It's not vernier, but still...)

Stopping on my way home. 

 

[mcs1056]

Sorry...Harbor Freight. 

I have a rule at work; Use an acronym or initialization without first giving the full title and you buy lunch for the meeting leader. 

So, I guess I owe NOBLNG some Burger King.

[peteski]

That *IS* a Vernier caliper - just arranged differently than typical Vernier calipers.  I also likely has lower resolution (basically you get what you paid for).

[Bainford]

1 hour ago, peteski said:

That *IS* a Vernier caliper - just arranged differently than typical Vernier calipers. 

Not that it matters. Anyone alive that knows how to read them no longer has the eyesight to do so.😉

[mcs1056]

1 hour ago, Bainford said:

Not that it matters. Anyone alive that knows how to read them no longer has the eyesight to do so.😉

Apparently very true, as I couldn't see it. Looked like it was just a ruler with a pointer. I'm surprised Peteski could, because, as he wrote, he "likely has lower resolution..."

[Rick L]

It’s funny how the subject went from clamps to verniers so quickly.🙃