SuperMod Quick Adjust Bar Clamps

This project combines a third hand, bar clamp, and work holding tool into a cheap and versatile desktop aid for any maker.  The tougher the filament, the more robust the clamps.  I have done my best to model parts with layer lines in mind to ensure strong components that print cleanly.  That said, please consider the limitations of printed parts and printed threads to use these clamps safely.

Say goodbye to annoying threaded rods and hello to quick-adjusting locks.  I modeled an angled knob to eliminate rocking and several stands to keep the whole clamp stable.  Printed parts for the locking mechanism are labeled below.

Try these clamps with crafting, painting, models and miniatures, small repairs, jewelry making, rotary tool carving, RC cars, soldering and electronics, and other small hobbies.  Soft jaws with print-in-place springs are perfect for delicate tasks.

You can find an up-to-date list of SuperMod designs here: https://www.printables.com/@FlyingGyroscope/collections/2284604 and my printed threads template here: https://www.printables.com/model/989431-custom-threads-for-3d-printing-parametric. 

Key Features

• Easily make long or short clamps
• Fully print an entire clamp
• Threads designed for 3D printers
• Quick adjustments
• Horizontal and vertical clamps
• Five jaw styles
• Three stand options
• Soft jaws with print-in-place springs

Which Size Bar?

Clamps fit the following sizes of square bar.  Look for bar size in the filename to identify compatible parts.

• 0.5 inch (12.7mm)
• 15 mm
• 0.75 inch (19.05 mm)
• 20 mm
• 1 inch (25.4mm)

To make a printed square bar, load the template into a slicer and scale to a new length.  Or, you can repurpose any reasonably strong square bar.

• Square, metal tubes
• Aluminum extrusion (like 1515 or 2020)
• Wood scraps 

Printing

For maximum strength, use enough perimeters to make structural walls around the square bar completely solid.

For smooth threads, print with 0.2 mm (or smaller) layer height and tune your seams.  When printing knobs, I get the best results with random seams and scarf seams.  Do not mirror parts with printed threads!  I'll give you a minute to think about it.  Instead, use the provided mirrored parts for anything with printed threads.

The bridge on sliding locks is small enough that you may not need supports, but I recommend organic supports for a clean print.  I increased Branch Density to 30%, XY separation to 100%, and changed Support on build plate only to enabled.

Modifications

I allow remixes and include some step files (with standard tolerances) to help with modifications.  Blank jaws have a plain, flat surface that are easily transformed into other shapes.  I also made locking mounts (shown in the screenshot above) and print-in-place mounts for you to add other designs to SuperMod clamps.

Print-in-Place Stand

You can simplify printing by making the print-in-place stand.  I leaned towards making the spring extra thick since a loose grip is not very helpful.  Your choice of filament determines stiffness.  Note that PLA will lose grip over time.  Also note that the tight curve where the spring connects to the handle/leg will experience the most stress.  I printed this area with 100% concentric infill by using modifiers in PrusaSlicer.

Helping Hands

Use a print-in-place mount to add quick-adjusting helping hands to your clamps.  I used 1/4 NPT threads that fit flexible coolant pipes.  (While 1/8 NPT is also common, I found that it does not print cleanly.)  I bought these https://www.amazon.com/TOPPROS-Nozzle-Flexible-Coolant-Orange/dp/B088QRKQYK/ and glued on some adapters for alligator clips.

The mount for helping hands is printed in two parts to ensure optimal print orientation for each type of geometry.  I used superglue gel to glue them together.

Grip Tape

You can upgrade clamps with TPU or grippy foam.  I recommend some sort of grip upgrade if you use clamps with a rotary tool or other sharp implements.  For the best grip and temperature resistance, I like these adhesive-backed silicone foam strips: https://www.mcmaster.com/products/silicone/backing-type~adhesive/foam-1~/high-temperature-silicone-foam-sheets-and-strips-7/texture~crisscross/?s=high-temperature+silicone+foam+strip+with+adhesive+back. 

You can also use something cheaper like grip tape or anti-skid pads used with carpet, furniture, tool handles, …  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=anti+slip+rubber+tape. 

Thanks for visiting, and enjoy!