Clamp

tools · woodworking · engineering

Holds things still. Clamps press inward with force to squeeze objects together really tightly. They stop things from sliding around or separating while you work on them.

British name shift. In the United Kingdom, people call temporary clamps used in construction 'cramps' (like a G cramp), but they use 'clamp' for permanent ones like wheel clamps on cars or surgical clamps in hospitals.

Woodworking essential. Carpenters love clamps because they hold wood pieces in exactly the right position while glue dries or while sawing. Without clamps, it would be nearly impossible to build things straight and strong.

Squeeze with power. Clamps work by applying inward pressure from two or more sides. The tighter you twist the handle or mechanism, the stronger the grip becomes.

Medical use too. Doctors use special surgical clamps to hold tissues and blood vessels in place during operations. These clamps are designed to be gentle enough not to damage delicate body parts.