Bench dog clamps are essential for most woodworking benches. In fact, you can’t have one without the other! They allow you to keep material that you’re cutting or sanding in place so that it doesn’t move around while you’re working on it and potentially damage your work surface or create errors in your cuts or sanding patterns. But what do you do if one of these clamps breaks? You don’t want to be stuck doing nothing while your bench sits unused because the bench dog clamp isn’t functioning properly!
Don’t panic
Though it might seem like your clamp is busted for good, we’ve got you covered. All that’s needed for bench dog clamp repair is your DIY spirit and some duct tape. If you can avoid cursing out loud and breaking things (like your only clamp) while attempting these repairs, even better! With just two pieces of duct tape, you can fix an otherwise useless bench dog clamp. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to do so
Buy a new clamp
If you can’t find any replacement parts for your current bench clamp, and don’t have enough money in your budget to buy an entirely new one, you might want to check Craigslist or eBay for used versions. Make sure that any old clamps you buy are made of metal instead of plastic—they last longer and will be much sturdier than their plastic counterparts. You should also double-check that they are compatible with your woodworking projects, but as long as they match up with your project specification (lengths and widths), there shouldn’t be any issues. If all else fails, try calling around at local woodworking shops; some may have used clamps that they no longer need sitting on shelves collecting dust.
Substitute screws with bolts
Screws are usually lighter than bolts and allow for more movement of parts. However, using them in place of bolts can make disassembly extremely difficult, since it’s easy for screws to strip or break when you try to remove them. If you’re going to use hardware that requires frequent disassembly, keep an assortment of replacement bolts on hand. The same applies if you want your furniture project to last; avoid stripping any types of threads by upgrading from standard screws to metric machine screws or hardened-steel woodscrews.
Remove the old clamps
Your bench dog clamp may still be attached to your workbench. If so, you'll need to remove it before you can install new clamps. Check that there aren't any screws holding your bench dog clamp in place. (If there are, you'll want to remove them before proceeding.) Then, apply gentle pressure and pull out any nails or screws with pliers or similar tool. Pulling gently will allow you to remove all but one of the nails without breaking them, making re-installation much easier. Once all nails are removed, use a hammer and wooden block (or something similar) to tap out any stubborn parts of your bench dog clamp from your workbench; by carefully tapping around its perimeter, you should be able to get everything out easily.
Drill out the old clamps
If you’re dealing with a bench dog clamp that won’t tighten up anymore, chances are it has been stripped. Thankfully, it’s not difficult or too time-consuming to repair one of these clamp jaws. You can use your drill press and a half-inch or three-quarter-inch drill bit to drill out each rivet that is holding your bench dog clamp together. Take your time and make sure you have drilled out every old rivet because if there is even one left in place, you could crack one of your solid wood pieces while drilling through them later on.
Cut out new replacements
Another option for fixing your broken bench dog clamp is creating replacement parts with wood. This is also a fairly easy process that only requires some basic woodworking tools and a little creativity. If you already have spare planks of wood, then it’s worth taking these materials and turning them into new clamps. Just cut out two boards in rectangles that are each about 1 inch smaller than your bench dogs, then drill holes in them to match up with your bench dog clamps. Place an allen wrench through one of these holes and attach that piece onto one side of your dog clamp; using another screw or nail, secure both pieces together and you’re done!
Glue in new clamps
Your bench dog clamps may be simple in design, but even they will wear out with time. If you notice that your clamps are bent or broken, you should purchase replacements at your local hardware store. You can use wood glue to hold them into place while they dry and within a few hours, they'll be good as new. After it's dry, give them another coat of wood glue and let them sit overnight before reinstalling them on your workbench or table saw. Your bench dogs won't slip anymore if you follow these steps correctly!