how to unlock a locked Jorgensen clamp

[bob]

I know, we're all tired of the Woodcraft clamp sale (mine arrived today by the way; 3 boxes 97 lbs). However, I decided to test the "locking problem" with them. And I was successful in locking the jaws. Now I can't unlock them. There was a recent post on how to unlock them, I think with a screwdriver. But for the life of me, I cannot find that post (Outlook search really sucks - "lock" does not find "locking"). Could a kind soul please repost the little trick for unlocking the clamp jaws?

Thanks.

Bob

[Leon]

I posted the answer Bob. Make sure the screw handle is loosened a bit, pry with a screw driver between the round rod and the square silver bar that is against it on the bottom of the clamp. That simple... ;~)

[Chris Johnson]

Bob,

No search algorithm on the planet was going to find Leon's original post using the word lock; he used "stuck". :)

Chris Johnson

[Mark Ohlund]

The guys at the WoodCraft store near me said to loosen the clamp and then slam the bar end onto a wood block on a concrete floor. Don't know if screwdriver will chew up clamp jaws.

[JackD]

I was WONDERING why they were on sale...

-Jack

[Leon]

You DO NOT use the screw driver between the jaws... But slamming it down on a anything is sure to bend the rails.

[bob]

Yeah, and Outlook isn't very good with synonyms, either!

(I tested "lock" and "locking" on a post that I knew had the word "locking").

Thanks, guys!

Bob

[Rabufs]

replying to bob, Rabufs wrote: Here is how to repair the clamps to keep them from locking shut. First unjam them by loosening the screw handle, then using the screwdriver method between the silver bar and the black heavy cast bar (square) to pry them apart. To fix this from happening again, you have to fix the assembly error. In my case, I had two clamps each assembled differently. In the mechanism you should see a nylon spacer. My failing unit had the spacer between the below the round silver bar. The spacer needs to be placed between the silver bar and the square black cast piece. You just need to unscrew and remove the stopper at the end of the clamp. Slide the clamp head off the end of the bar. The nylon piece will likely fall out. Simply reinstall the clamp head with the nylon piece inserted between the round silver bar and the black square cast bar. This will prevent them from coming in contact with each other and locking in place.... I'll attach a couple of photos if I can figure out how...

[DerbyDad03]

Thanks for the repair tip. 13 years was a long time to wait but well worth it.

Now I gotta ask:

Why are you repairing a clamp on your bed?

[Rabufs]

replying to DerbyDad03, Rabufs wrote: Actually it was closer to sixteen years but who's counting.... I only had a problem with the clamp in that it was so jammed that I resorted to googling how to unjam it. When I came across this thread, it thankfully helped me to unjam it but the consensus seemed to be there was no "fix". Since I was staring at the mechanism to unjam it, I happened to notice my good clamp was arranged differently.... I thought I would just share the fix in case anyone else could use it, even though it was 16 years later... LOL... Now what looks like a bed is actually our couch. Thanks for commenting and I'd be curious (if you still have those old clamps) to know if your clamps do have the nylon spacer in the wrong spot.... :)

[Bob]

replying to bob, Bob wrote: The best way I?ve found over the years

1. Loosen clamp
2. Hold clamp with tail down, clamp on top
3. Keep unit vertical
4. Gently? Slam clamp tail onto wood itself or wood on concrete
5. Ok sometimes you may need a tad more than gentle slamming

[Just Another Joe]

Just so we're aware, "Bob" wrote the missive you're referring to in October, 2003.

I think he may have figured it out by now ;-)

Joe

[Leon]

DerbyDad is. ;~)

  I only

[Paul]

I was having this issue and this thread helped me to get the unstuck by slamming them against the floor. Once I got them unstuck, I sprayed Glide Cote on them, and they no longer stick. Will see how long that last.

[Rabufs]

I suggest you inspect the placement of the white nylon spacer. There were some assembly errors. As per the post above, I removed and reinstalled the spacer (under 1 minute max) and the clamp no longer jams...

[Leon]

Mine only stick if I let them slam shut. Don't let them slide/slam shut on their own.

And keep the screw handle mid point in the travel so that you can loosen.

[DerbyDad03]

The same basic rule applies to gate style water shutoffs. Open them fully, and then close them by at least a 1/8 turn. Leave yourself a little wiggle room in case the innards get corroded and it won't turn towards close.