If you cut a large diameter coil spring into single pieces, say 1 turn per piece, you get lots of individual clamps for holding down small gluing jobs.
Does anyone know what this type of clamp is called, so I can find a source ?
(Can’t cut spring steel myself !)
The nearest things using this principle I can find are ‘mitre ring clamps’, but at about $3 -$4 each a crazy price(IMHO) !
I can’t help, but I’m intrigued so I’m commenting so the forum will let me know if someone else has the answer!
I wasn’t sure myself, so put this into ChatGPT.
Here’s what I asked:
If you cut a large diameter coil spring into single pieces, say 1 turn per piece, you get lots of individual clamps for holding down small gluing jobs. what this type of clamp is called, and where can it be sourced ?
Here’s what Chatty said:
yes, those little one-turn segments from a big coil spring are basically spring clamps (often marketed as spring hose clamps). They’re the same idea as those metal clamps that pinch fuel lines and hoses on cars: a loop of spring steel that wants to close and pinch.
Spring hose clamps (most common name)
Constant-tension spring clamps
Snap-on spring clamps
Sometimes automotive folks just call them coil spring clamps
These tiny clamps are everywhere you’d find basic hardware or automotive supplies:
Hardware stores
Home Depot / Lowe’s — look in the plumbing section with hose clamps
Ace Hardware / True Value — similar aisle
Automotive parts stores
AutoZone, O’Reilly, NAPA, Advance Auto — usually in the hose/clamp section
They’re sold by diameter size (e.g., 1/2", 5/8", 3/4")
Online
Amazon / eBay — search “spring hose clamps”
McMaster-Carr — tons of sizes and widths
Grainger — industrial-grade spring clamps
If you’re repurposing them for glue-holding jigs:
Smaller diameters = tighter pinch
Wider bands = more surface contact
Look at rubber-coated spring clamps too — easier on delicate parts
If you want exact part numbers or sizing recommendations for woodworking/glue work, tell me your typical stock thickness and I’ll dial in the best options
– – – –
So if this info is helpful but you want more specifics, I’d put it into ChatGPT 
Thanks for the suggestions re names. It was only after trying every combination of ‘coil/spring/clamps/etc that I could think of into both google and Amazon that I discovered ‘hog rings’ - don’t want to go there ! (Veneer spring clamps and mitre corner clamps were other thoughts)
So I posted here, in case there was a specific name that I hadn’t come across. It’s a very old idea, and I believe that they used to cut up those tapering mattress coil springs from old mattresses. That way you would get a selection of sizes !
I’ll probably end up cutting my own, with a diamond disc in my dremel !
Thanks all,
John
