3D-Printed Protective C-Clamp Feet

The STL files are for parts sized for large C Clamps: I print them at full size for large clamps, 75% scale for medium clamps and 50% for smaller clamps.

A regular issue for those of us working with softer metal (like aluminum) is that the common C-clamp that we use so much has a tendency to scar the metal. The contact surfaces between the clamp and the work are hard and sometimes not entirely smooth. The pad at the end of the tightening screw on the clamp also has a tendency to rotate against the work material as you tighten the clamp.

The standard approach to solving this problem is to use small pieces of wood or other material between the clamp and the work to protect the material from scarring. While this works, it can be awkward and may not distribute the clamping forces onto the part evenly.

Recently, I came up with a solution that I’m now using on my own build project. I 3D-printed pads that cup the C-clamp ends and distribute the clamping force into the work parts gently.

There are two types of clamp foot: the full cup that goes over the end of the clamp screw and the one with a cutout in the rim to fit over the end of the clamp body.

I printed mine out of PETG (my 3D printing filament of choice).

Here are the STL files for both types:

clampfoot1Download

clampfoot2Download

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