Spool Clamps — Lutherie Encyclopedia

Spool ClampsType: toolSmall threaded clamps with flat pads, used to glue bindings, bridge plates, and reinforcement patches inside guitars.## Description Spool clamps consist of two flat discs (spools) connected by a threaded bolt, usually with a thumbscrew or wing nut for tightening. When tightened, the two spools press together from opposite sides of a workpiece, applying clamping pressure to a small area. They are typically 20mm to 30mm in diameter, and luthiers usually own them by the dozen. The spools may be plastic, wood, or aluminum with cork or leather pads to protect the wood surface. ## Use in Lutherie Spool clamps are the workhorse clamping solution for many lutherie gluing operations. They are used to glue bridge plates to the underside of the top, attach reinforcement patches, secure kerfing to the sides, glue binding strips along curved edges, and attach side reinforcement strips. Their small size and individual application make them ideal for applying pressure to curved surfaces where bar clamps cannot reach. A typical guitar build may require 30 to 50 spool clamps for binding operations alone. ## Selection Guide Purchase spool clamps in bulk, as you will need many of them. Sets of 20 to 50 are commonly sold by Stew-Mac, LMI, and Amazon vendors. Look for clamps with smooth threads that do not seize and flat spool faces that distribute pressure evenly. Cork-faced spools are gentler on finished surfaces. Budget 15 to 40 dollars for a set of 20 to 30 clamps. Some luthiers make their own from dowels, bolts, and wing nuts. ## Tips - Apply clamps in an alternating pattern along the binding to distribut…