If you use pipe clamps, you know that when the black pipe touches glue squeeze-out, the steel and water can react and leave a nasty black stain on the wood. To prevent this, I used to insert plywood spacers between the workpieces and the pipe. But it was a challenge to balance and tighten the clamp while keeping the spacers from slipping. In some cases the scraps would slide into the squeeze-out and become glued to my workpieces.

I solved the problem with these simple pads. They employ small rare-earth magnets to hold onto the clamp jaws, leaving my hands free. The pads do double duty: Not only do they space the workpieces off the clamp bars, but they also protect the workpieces from being marred by the jaws.

Jim Richey

Jim Richey

Joe Weiss, Greene, NY