My Clamp is Stuck

  Any typical F-style clamp, including our MATCHFit dovetail clamps, can get stuck if the acme screw is threaded too far in. It is a mechanical issue and easily solved when you know how it happens.

The arm of the clamp slides easily along the bar when it is not under load. As you clamp, the arm angles up and binds against the clamp bar locking in place.

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  If the clamp pad is tight against the arm, you may not have enough room to unscrew it and allow the arm to angle back to be able to slide again. The clamp can become stuck.

  Use a block and a small pry bar or claw hammer to lift the back of the arm where it is bound onthe bar to raise the arm. It will pop up releasing the pressure and allowing the arm to slide again.

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  To prevent this binding in the future, always leave a few of the acme threads on your clamps below the arm. This will provide enough clearance to let the arm release. This trick will work with all F-Style clamps. You may be able to rap on the bar with a block of hardwood or pry it as shown here.

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