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I don't think so Murray. I was assuming at first that Paul meant the style you show, but following the thread believe he's talking about cam clamps.

If the pins are too soft get some O1 tool steel drill rod the same diameter as the pins from an industrial supply house (MSC, Enco, McMaster-Carr, Wholesale Tool, etc). Cut the rod to the length you need, heat them with a torch to the point a magnet will not attract them, quench in old motor oil and replace the pins. A 36" section of 1/8" rod costs less than $3.00.

Maybe I used the wrong term.

I'm talking about a wood cam clamp like this

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars

or, to be totally accurate, like these ?

I have the shop fox cam clamps and out of all the ones I bought I only have one that has a "too tight" cam (i.e. the cam won't engage), but with a bit of flossing with sand paper, I'm sure it would be fine.

I do like the idea of adding a little extra - groves in the bar - to make them more grippy. Mine grip fine, but I like the term "grippy".

Steve

So I just ran a quick experiment. I took my dremel with a cutting wheel and just spent 3 minutes putting small groves in the bar. The performance of the clamp improved considerably. With a bit of extra time and putting the groves at closer intervals (i.e. 1/8), I could have clamps that function as well as the more expensive cam clamps with just a bit of time.

Try it for your self and see if you don't see the improvement.

Thanks Steve - I'll give it a try.

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P A U L B U R N E R
Burner Guitars