A clamp pad is a soft, durable plastic added to clamps to reduce material damage. Instead of wood blocks, clamp pads work as effective cushions for industrial use. In some cases, these pads are made from a metal substrate; they also have an attached pad made of rubber that cushions and grips any material. 

Clamp pads provide a resilient, nonstick, non-slip protective cushion that can help protect the material you are clamping from any damage caused by sliding, scratching, and skidding.

For example, when working with wood, clamp pads will protect the working material from being dented by the pressure and impact of the clamp. This means that if your clamp pads are worn out, you risk damaging those industrial materials and delaying your manufacturing schedule.

An effective clamp pad significantly reduces wear and tear on industrial equipment and materials while helping you save money and reasonable production time. Let's look at three crucial reasons why you need to use clamp pads in your factory.

Clamp Pads Help Decrease Damage to Work Materials

As metal comes in contact with different materials in the workshop, it exerts some degree of force that results in far-reaching damage to your equipment. At this pace, you'd spend more money replacing worn-out parts instead of scaling production and output for your business.

Clamp pads work to reduce the damaging effect of metal that comes into contact with materials, whether at the point of rest or when they are being transported from one end to the other. It gives your forks the grab and rubber “feel” that allows them to handle different materials with finesse, while extending the lifespan of your forks.

Clamp Pads Are Cost Effective

A brand new clamp pad costs about $15, depending on the brand and product specifications, and you can use it for an extended period. If you'd rather not invest in brand new clamps, you can always refurbish your current clamp pad and have it functioning as good as new. Clamp pads also help you cut down the costs of maintaining and replacing equipment and materials in your factory.

Clamp Pads Improve Industrial Productivity

If your current clamp pads no longer function at optimal levels, you can always replace the old rubber covering on them instead of waiting for a new one and losing productive hours.

Before buying a clamp pad for industrial use, you should have a clear idea of how they work, plus the possible choices you can make in line with your purchasing decision. The following section will answer some common questions about clamp pads before you make a purchase.

Is It Okay to Purchase Used Clamp Pads?

Clamp pads are an industrial device that you don't have to purchase brand new. While the rubber may wear off in time, the substrate material always lasts longer than the rubber. This means there's little or no need to get an entirely new set of clamp pads each time they wear out.

Instead of buying new clamp pads, you can invest in refurbished pads that look and perform like new. If you like, you can send in your old clamp pads for repair.

Is It Better to Buy a Clamp Pad Over Replacing the Entire Pad?

You don't have to buy new clamp pads when your current one gets damaged. Instead of getting a new set, you can replace the rubber with better material and recover them back to their original condition. Typically, it costs $200 less to recover four clamp pads than buy two new complete pads.

Can a Clamp Pad Help Reduce Damage?

The primary purpose of clamp pads is to reduce material damage and limit wear and tear caused by sliding, scratching, and skidding in the factory.

A good clamp pad is a workshop device that you can depend on as you transport materials and devices like barrels, rolls, flat boxes, and pallets from one point to another in your warehouse. Since they do a lot of work, clamp pads wear out quickly, especially when they are not appropriately maintained.

If your clamp pads are worn out, you risk damaging necessary workshop materials, which can stall your manufacturing process while waiting for suitable replacements. This means that when you get the right clamp pads, you need to observe the best maintenance practices to make them last longer. Your best option is to buy clamps as required, and then erect wall racks to keep them organized and safe from damage. You should also learn more about different types of clamps and how they work.

At Reid Supply, we stock quality clamp pads such as the Bessey medium bar clamp, Irwin parallel clamp, and other bestsellers in different specifications for every woodworker’s workshop.

We also have a rich catalog of other equipment and devices for manufacturers, including angle adapters, replacement pads, vises, fasteners, grips, rests, and stops. Visit our website today for product specifications or speak with our customer care team about your specific needs.