Wire clamping tool ( DIY )

As requested by r-philp, here's a write up of how I made my wire clamping tool. This is simply a loose copy of the Clamp Tite brand tool. It is not to scale and absolutely not my idea/design in any way. I built both copies from a photo in the Garret Wade catalog.

Step 1: Tools and materials

Tools: ( Not pictured )

Files- standard set and jeweler's set
Drill press with vice ( I used a cordless drill in some of my steps but the steps can be done on the drill press )
Clamps
Dremmel with cut-off wheels
Hacksaw
Sandpaper- coarse and fine
Drill bits- 7/64" & 13/64"
Countersink bit
1/4-20 tap
Calipers and ruler/tape measurer
Small hammer
Marking tools

Materials:

1/4" I.D. aluminum tubing
1/8" ss rod
An old center punch ( I used a piece of 3/8" ss rod and turned my own nose piece )
1/4-20 ss all-thread ( Not pictured )
1/4-20 wing nut ( I turned my own from a large brass punch )
1/4" UHMW washer ( Not pictured. A regular steel washers might destroy your tool over time and regular plastic washers are too soft to hold up to the pressure of pulling the wire )

Comments

[MaskMarvl]

Nice one... I'm going to try and make one of these. :)

[shannonlove]

This was on my list of things to make. I'm interested in the tool but not enough to blink down $50+US to find out.

The US patent number is 7,036,394 and is available on google patent search if you want the inner details. Just don't sell it if you make it.

[jimmyf]

Great instructable. I made my own tool after seeing this. Not so good looking but it serves the purpose.
I just used stuff I had laying around. The tube is a pipe nipple. I used an angle grinder to cut the slots. For pins, I used regular machine screws because I tapped threads into the pin holes.
Posted a pic. Ignore the binder clip, just used it to prop up the tool for the photo.

[jimmyf]

Sorry about the double photo. Not able to remove the duplicate for some reason. Can a moderator help and also delete this comment, please?

[VadimS]

My kingdom for a lathe lol
Nice job, it's more then likely that I'll built one in the near future.
Thanks.

[spiderham]

Thx! Post a pic and any tips you learn on the build.

[VadimS]

It'll be a bit, but I'll be getting a lathe in about a month.
It's on my list of tools to build.

[Topcat2021]

Nice instructable you have made there and an excellent looking tool as well, it looks 1000% better than the tool I made several years ago (also from studying pictures). The first tool I made was a simple "down and dirty" tool to serve a much needed purpose and it performed very well. I may have to make another (smaller as well) and take more time with it, to make it look better. I like the drill and file method of turning it is the same method I used for mine and have used the turning method for several other projects.
May your good looking tool bring you many years of use and enjoyment.
Keep up the good work
Dan

[r-philp]

Thank you for your excellent instructable. Kudos on your machining skills! I really appreciate the inclusion of alternate components for the parts you turned. It makes your project accessible to people without a metal lathe. Well Done!

[spiderham]

I actually didm't use a lathe. I turned the nose and the wing nut the same way I turned the shoulder on the nose piece. A drill, files, sandpaper, and a few breaks to relieve the cramps in my fingers is all it took.

[r-philp]

That's even more impressive!