HOW TO Restore & Repair Rusted Quick Release Trigger Bar Clamps - Part 1: Removing Rust #DIY #Tools

I have found 2 rusted quick-release trigger clamps in the trash and decided to restore them. One because, in the woodworking community, it is a common understanding that "you never have enough clamps". Second, because those clamps offer over 4 feet (125 cm) of clamping capacity that I currently do not have. Third, because new, those clamps can be quite expensive (~ 50 USD per piece).

There are however a few issues to solve:
- There is a lot of rust.
- The moveable jaws are ceased and no longer move.
- Both fixed jaws are missing.

In this video, we will tackle each challenge one at a time, and recycle a tool that would otherwise have landed in the trash. In this specific episode, we will handle rust with white vinegar, and make sure all stuck parts can work again.

► DISCLAIMER
Always make sure you operate in a safe and secure manner.
For this project this means, do not kill yourself while working.

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▼ CONNECT!
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▼ MUSIC
► "Beneath the Surface" by South London HiFi
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╚╗╔╣╚╝║═╣║║═║╚╣║╠╗╔╣║║╚╝╠╗╔╝
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═╚╝╚╝╚╩═╩═╩╩╩═╩═╝╚╝╚═╩╝╚╝╚╝═

[KyleHarrisonRedacted]

My workshop is outside
And the weathers been especially inhospitable for over six months
I went outside on the one nice day to see that my trigger clamps, despite being covered, had utterly rusted and couldn’t slide anymore

That’s why I’m here.
I’m excited to get home and try to fix this problem.

[phonedude]

Hello, did you not have a electric grinder with a wire wheel to remove the rust after the white vinegar bath?

[jeremyrichards]

I salvaged a pair of 800 mm quick clamps which my neighbour had thrown out. They were unused, still had the cable ties and tags from the hardware store, but were seized with rust. They must have been stored in a damp area for some years.

I got them working with WD40, a hammer and sand paper but the rust coming off them was so bad I was wondering how I could possibly use them for woodworking. So I googled "clean rusted quick clamps", saw your post, gave them the vinegar treatment and they came up like new. Many thanks.