Restoration of a Wooden Screw Clamp

Article 35: Restoration of a Wooden Screw Clamp

By: A Woodworker Who Rescues Tools from Rust and Rot

Wooden screw clamps, once a staple in every shop, can be brought back to full use with a few smart restoration techniques. This guide walks you through reviving an antique clamp.

Materials

• Old wooden clamp

• Linseed oil or Danish oil

• Beeswax (optional for threads)

• Fine steel wool (#0000)

• Wood glue (if cracked)

Tools Needed

• Small brass brush or toothbrush

• Sandpaper (180, 220, 320 grit)

• Bench vise

• Clamp (to re-glue arms)

• Rags

Restoration Process

1. Disassemble
   Remove screw handles. Note original threading direction and spacing.

2. Clean Threads
   Brush dirt out of wooden threads. Apply beeswax lightly if sticky.

3. Surface Sanding
   Sand arms and jaws lightly — preserve patina, but remove grime.

4. Glue Any Cracks
   Apply glue into splits and clamp tightly. Let dry 12 hours.

5. Finish and Reassemble
   Wipe with oil finish. Let cure. Reinstall screw rods and test function.

Sketch – Wooden Clamp Layout

Top View:
   ||   Wooden Jaws   ||
   ||-----------------||
   ||                 ||
  [==] Screws Turn [==]
   ||                 ||
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