For Subscribers

Trade Secrets: Extending the reach of metal F-clamps

2026-01-09T10:06:00

8

Making wooden jaws for a lighter, safer long-reach clamping alternative

By Hugh Withycombe

Violin maker based in Canberra, Australia

In cello and bass making and repair, there are times when a clamp with an extra-long reach is essential – for example, when gluing a patch near the centre of the instrument, often while working around a plaster cast and a wide lower bout. Traditional metal F-clamps become much heavier as the reach increases, and a slipping clamp can easily damage an instrument…

Already subscribed? Please sign in

Subscribe to continue reading…

We’re delighted that you are enjoying our website. For a limited period, you can try an online subscription to The Strad completely free of charge.

  • Free 7-day trial

    Not sure about subscribing? Sign up now to read this article in full and you’ll also receive unlimited access to premium online content, including the digital edition and online archive for 7 days.

    Free trial

    No strings attached – we won’t ask for your card details

  • Subscribe 

    No more paywalls. To enjoy the best in-depth features and analysis from The Strad’s latest and past issues, upgrade to a subscription now. You’ll also enjoy regular issues and special supplements* and access to an online archive of issues back to 2010.

    Subscribe

 

* Issues and supplements are available as both print and digital editions. Online subscribers will only receive access to the digital versions.