A locking clamp is one of my most useful tools. Unfortunately, the clamp setting tends to change when the tool is used repeatedly for the same task, because the adjustment screw loosens. So, I have to constantly readjust the screw. To solve this problem, I threaded a 7/16-14 nut onto the adjustment screw to create a locknut. Now, once I establish the needed setting for the clamp, I tighten the locknut against the tool handle and everything stays put. By the way, I cut the nut in half, making it 3/16 in. thick instead of 3/8 in. thick. The thinner nut allows for a greater range of clamp adjustment.

Drawings by Jim Richey.

Drawings by Jim Richey.

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