Graphical Construction Glossary >> Tools. >> Hand Tools >> Floor Clamps

Floor Clamps

Aids to fixing tongue and grooved flooring. They clamp to the floor joists and exert pressure on the boards to close the joints.

There are a few variations to the actual design of the clamps from varying manufacturers.

The clamps above are the larger type that work with the long lever that transmits the force through a ratchet. The lever is pulled backwards and forwards and when the clamp is released the ratchet pawl is flipped by hand and the opposite stroke removes the pressure.

The clamps rely on their grip on the joists with the serrated side pieces, and often if they don't grip the carpenter will give them a quick belt with a hammer to set them firmly. This is OK in most work, but on work where the underside of the floor is to be exposed then the marks on the joist that the clamps produce might not be acceptable.

The clamps are never used directly against the flooring. A sturdy length of timber (150mm x 50mm) is laid on the joists between the clamp and the board edge to spread the load. Also one clamp alone is rarely used. At least two and sometimes more depending on the length of the floor being laid.

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