Videos & Photos Videos How To Expert Tips Clamps for structure model building

Clamps for structure model building

By Angela Cotey | September 20, 2012

| Last updated on December 8, 2020


Email Newsletter

Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Sign-up for email today!

Having trouble viewing this video?   Please visit our Video FAQ page

There are many useful clamps that will help make your next structure building project a lot easier. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno gives you an overview of the different types of clamps that are available and shows you how to use them on your next model railroad structure project.

14 thoughts on “Clamps for structure model building

  1. i have also had success using magnets & magnetic corner clamps to go with my regular clamps in the tool box. anything to free up the hands & square up the project. thanks.

  2. Excellent reminders on how to keep structures square. Also, a comment on the use of MEK, mentioned earlier. MEK is liver toxic. In addition to good ventilation, you need to wear skin protection. My advice however is to avoid it. There are other safer products.

  3. great tips but i use velcro strips but we all learn from sometning new i do use clamps clothes pins some you have to modify to fit your needs try it for your self works for me.great video thanks

  4. Cody, you forgot one other handy gadget for structure building…A flat metal plate and a handful of good, strong magnets. Commercial versions are available. With mine, I can get several walls all up and glued in short order AND on a flat surface!

  5. Great info, we've used both Coffman & Irwin products for years with great results. Perpendicular walls make roof alignment and loading platforms easier to install.

    One thing, instead of those high priced cements, try using MEK [methyl ethyl ketone, FYI – it's the primary ingredient in most solvent cement] plus a quart is only $7 – $9 at local home improvement centers.

    We have used MEK & lacquer thinner to assemble plastic kits & rolling stock for many years, and they are all still in use on our various layouts. Just transfer some MEK to one of those empty "high priced cement" bottles 😉 to make it easier to handle. As with all solvents please remember to use adequate ventilation

  6. I've found the Coffman clamps to be very useful when glueing styrene pieces together. The small size of the clamps enables their insertion into small spaces and increases their flexibility of use.

You must login to submit a comment