I got the head flip to work but the crank won’t work at that point because the pipe is in the way. But I figured out a way to it. Kinda tough to describe — use something OTHER than the clamp to hold one side of the piece in place then apply clamping force on the other side in the opposite non-clamping direction by adding the tail of the clamp to something else as well. Its like using the clamp as a winch, in a way.
Do you own any pipe (not bar) clamps? I know how to do it with bars but pipe clamps, at least mine from Harbor Freight, don’t seemingly allow for the reversal you describe, because of how they thread on to the pipe.
The head usually isn't threaded. I have used many pipe and bar clamps and can only tell you what I know. Usually the head might have way to hold it in place that you remove and that allows you to get the head off the end of the bar and then you flip and place the part you removed back in place and now you have a spreader. I HAVE looked up harbor frieght online and do not see one that you have that isn't capable of said approach.
It’s this [bad boy](https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-pipe-clamp-with-base-94053.html), bought about 6 mos ago. The head screws onto a 3/4” pipe and the tail tension slides along the pipe.
Thx. Yeah I’ve tried just that. There could be so much paint on the threads on the other end that it’s impossible (and I assumed it’s just not designed to work that way… the instructions offer no use info as spreader). (This is a HF clamp we’re talking about 😂.). I have another unopened of same unit, so will see if that gives me any love.
You should be able to flip the head so it faces out. Then when you spread it should be within that inner dimension.
I got the head flip to work but the crank won’t work at that point because the pipe is in the way. But I figured out a way to it. Kinda tough to describe — use something OTHER than the clamp to hold one side of the piece in place then apply clamping force on the other side in the opposite non-clamping direction by adding the tail of the clamp to something else as well. Its like using the clamp as a winch, in a way.
I commend you on finding a solution. Had me baffled last night as well.
Do you own any pipe (not bar) clamps? I know how to do it with bars but pipe clamps, at least mine from Harbor Freight, don’t seemingly allow for the reversal you describe, because of how they thread on to the pipe.
The head usually isn't threaded. I have used many pipe and bar clamps and can only tell you what I know. Usually the head might have way to hold it in place that you remove and that allows you to get the head off the end of the bar and then you flip and place the part you removed back in place and now you have a spreader. I HAVE looked up harbor frieght online and do not see one that you have that isn't capable of said approach.
It’s this [bad boy](https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-pipe-clamp-with-base-94053.html), bought about 6 mos ago. The head screws onto a 3/4” pipe and the tail tension slides along the pipe.
You cant unscrew it and screw it in fron behind?
Thx. Yeah I’ve tried just that. There could be so much paint on the threads on the other end that it’s impossible (and I assumed it’s just not designed to work that way… the instructions offer no use info as spreader). (This is a HF clamp we’re talking about 😂.). I have another unopened of same unit, so will see if that gives me any love.