Clamping wood for gluing is the gold standard for getting a tight, even fit. Master woodworkers claim a good joint won’t even need glue -- but in the real world, sometimes it’s a necessity. Clamping isn’t always possible or practical, however. Some projects are just too fragile for even the most delicate of clamps and some are too bulky, awkwardly-shaped or unwieldy. A little ingenuity and creative thinking can help you successfully glue your woodworking projects without the use of clamps, though it can help to have some ideas to use as starting points.

Masking Tape


A well-fitted joint should need very little extra support as you apply glue. Masking tape or other easy to remove, non-marking tape - such as blue painter’s tape - can provide that support to keep the piece in place until the glue dries. Tape works especially well on more fragile wood projects like those made from balsa wood. Delicate woods where the pressure of a clamp would damage the wood itself can also benefit from masking tape as a gluing aide. You can remove the tape easily without worrying about damage to your project when you’re done.


Bungee Cords


If you’ve got a large, bulky project that a clamp might never fit around, consider using bungee cords to secure joints as you glue. Bungee cords come in all manner of lengths and strengths, meaning you’re almost guaranteed to find something that works. Applying proper tension to keep joints held securely can be tricky, as you may not want to secure them directly to your project but to a spot on your workbench or in your space instead. Experiment with placement and tension for the best hold before settling on a configuration for aiding in the gluing of your project. Just take care not to glue the cord to your project.


Rope and Sticks (Windlass)


If you’re feeling inventive and have some rope and sticks laying around, you can apply pressure using a windlass -- basically rope, twine or anything else string-like wound around two sticks set at opposing points. Then, using another stick as a lever, twisting the rope to tighten it. This allows you to have complete control of the pressure placed on the join and vary it based on your needs. It’s quick to set up, most people have the supplies laying around, and is quick to take down when you’re done.


Rubber Bands


Similar to tape, if you need something disposable and easy to glue a small project without a clamp, go ahead and stick some thick rubber bands on it. They’re no fuss, they’re found at the bottom of any desk drawer or are readily available at an office supply store and they’re cheap. Cut them off when you’re done without worrying about damaging your finished project.


Gluing Without Clamps

Although clamps are ideal for gluing woodworking projects, they aren’t always available or practical for all projects. Get creative when you have a project to glue that you can’t clamp.  Think outside the box, so to speak, and look around for tools and supplies you have on hand to help you apply the minimal amount of pressure needed to keep joints in place as your wood glue dries. Look around your workshop or garage to see if you have any solutions that may help you steady your glued project until it’s dry.

Have you ever glued a project without a clamp? How did it turn out? What, if anything, did you use to steady the joint?

WoodworkingTalk.com