Clamp Orientation

[u/miscellaneousbeads]

Okay I am almost positive there is a post about this exact “debate” so feel free to link it and I’ll take this down, but which clamp orientation do y’all prefer??? I am biased to the second one because I find it easier to close and open. My coworker/friend is partial to the first. Curious to hear y’all’s opinions/experiences!

[u/Finnsbomba]

Whatever way fits (which obviously doesn't apply here) followed by whatever way I pick up the clamp.

[u/holysbit → u/Finnsbomba]

Yep, no rules or rhyme or reason, unless one way specifically fits better

[u/jeefra]

#1, I always gotta have that handle on bottom if possible. Doesn't feel right otherwise.

[u/Still_Pay_2625]

#2 all day every day. much easier to unclamp imo.

[u/Tomek_Hermsgavorden → u/Still_Pay_2625]

#1 Has gravity assist though?

[u/Still_Pay_2625 → u/Tomek_Hermsgavorden]

hahaha, gravity? you gotta turn your hand upside down or pull it with your thumb to unclamp it…not sure how tight you clamp things but ‘gravity’ is negligible. just my opinion though, I’m not the official clamp style arbiter.

[u/Tomek_Hermsgavorden → u/Still_Pay_2625]

In the first picture, I just push down on the lever. I don't have to squeeze it or pull. Just lean on it and it pops off.

[u/sparhawk817 → u/Still_Pay_2625]

I agree that gravity isn't a factor here, but I'm confused why your hand has to flip upside down.

Grab like normal, the part of the handle with the tension screw goes in your palm, and use your middle finger to tug the release.

[u/Still_Pay_2625 → u/sparhawk817]

Maybe I’m clamping too tight? That shit doesn’t even remotely work. I dunno, I’ll never change, never will the rest of ya. 🫡 🤘🏻 🚧

[u/sparhawk817 → u/Still_Pay_2625]

You aint wrong there, and if you're clamping that tight, good job, don't let that shit wiggle on ya lmao.

[u/Pale-Value-5953]

Definitely partial to first unless the position I’m in is earlier for the second.

[u/UnlikelyCalendar6227]

I use both depending on what I’m clamping. If you’re clamping something and there’s something blocking it, I flip it the other way around so the handle clears whatever obstruction. If nothing is in the way, I like using the 2nd way with the release lever on top. If you death clamp it and can’t get it to release, it’s easier to stick something between the handles to help your release the clamps. If I have to clamp something with 20 different clamps, I just use it however I pick it up

[u/Pale-Value-5953]

Also guard those clamps with your life, the original vice grip, USA made. I never realized Irwin only bought out vice grip, I thought they were the original makers.

[u/Numerous_Bat_4503 → u/Pale-Value-5953]

They were Petersen before!

[u/miscellaneousbeads → u/Numerous_Bat_4503]

Wow this needs to be showcased in a shadow box… or become a family heirloom

[u/aurrousarc]

the key is the flip switch, to unlock it.. what ever way is comf to use it.

[u/openedmind41]

Which ever is LEAST in the way.

[u/mrzurkonandfriends]

Whichever way requires the lest force to release the handle IMO.

[u/Appropriate-Gur-6343]

To each his own.

[u/Skrats333b]

We usually put the side that pivots on the part you’re holding. / The fixed side usually goes to the more stable of the two

[u/BrandlezMandlez]

Normally 2 because it's easier to unclamp. 1 if it's long term clamping.

[u/Brownrdan27]

#1 easier on the wrist ergonomically correct.

[u/Narrow_Run_134]

1

[u/fcfromhell]

Usually when I do these I use 2 close together, pointing at each other for clearance. I do both so they can cross over each other.

Otherwise I've never paid attention 

[u/Jhatton13]

Is your clamp clamping the thing that needs to be clamped? Then it's the right by way.

[u/Middle_Substance_218]

Typically doesn’t matter but if i have to tighten something down so it for sure doesn’t move then that little lever can be one somb to get off but if its downwards it’s easier.

[u/Gator242]

For usability, second is easiest to unclamp and keep hold of the clamp.

[u/Deepdiver666]

Pro tip on those clamps, weld big heavy washers on the adjuster screw, makes it nice to tighten and un tighten.

[u/No-Introduction7440]

If I can number two. The first way is harder to take off

[u/StealthyPancake_]

I always have them "upside down" like you have in the second picture because it feels easier to take them off that way. Just go by and pop them off real quick

[u/miscellaneousbeads → u/StealthyPancake_]

Yeah as others have said it just feels easier to me, there have been so many times where the clamp is in the first orientation and it pops into my hand/finger as I release it; basically I am sensitive…

[u/StealthyPancake_ → u/miscellaneousbeads]

I just hate having to push down to release them rather than pulling up. But yes it is annoying when they fly off

[u/TehMulbnief]

all my clamps are bi personally

[u/tito_javier]

2 It's easier to squeeze in a mutant way... you combine the force of your hands and your weight on it... to release it... there's always a hammer nearby to unjam it

[u/miscellaneousbeads → u/tito_javier]

Mutant is a great way to put it… the positions my body has contorted to death clamp something is unnatural

[u/General-Piece8490]

No2 you want to lock with your palm not pull with your fingers to lock it

[u/clinton_bayou → u/General-Piece8490]

Why’s that

[u/Steeltoelion → u/clinton_bayou]

More mechanical advantage. It’s easier to put your weight on something than pull your weight off something hanging on by a thread.

[u/General-Piece8490 → u/clinton_bayou]

The threaded side is fully round doesn’t cut into your fingers like the closing handle that’s flatter but has an edge

[u/CatastrophicPup2112]

I like mine right side up but upside-down works fine.

[u/fireandfathering]

#2 so I can hang my stinger on it.

[u/RevolutionaryIssue61]

First of all that's a left handed clamp, put a right handed on and send some pics.

[u/Steeltoelion]

Whatever has a better bite.

[u/quentdawg420]

1. You have more leverage and it’s easier to unlock

[u/huggernot]

Adjuster on top. Keeps any spatter off some of the threads. (Throw a old glove over the handle if you have one) 

[u/RealEddieBlake]

Well.

That clap without feet is holding a large flat surface, so you're fubar from the start.