Captive clamping pins hold firm where others fall apart

The WDS captive clamping pin range is suitable for use with large drill jigs, assembly jigs and machine guards, as well as any application where removable jig plates are used to speed up and simplify the machining and assembly processes.

When jig plates are loaded onto a jig bed they need to be quickly and securely clamped in position to enable accurate machining and assembly. Here, typically, a precision ground retention bush will be fitted to the plate and held in place using a standard shoulder screw. A clamping pin will then pass through the positioning hole and screw into threaded holes on the machine bed to hold the jig in place.

This is a tried and tested method for loading and unloading large jigs quickly; however, there are flaws associated with traditional products. End-users often find that the clamping pins are prone to becoming dislodged when the jig is moved, this can often result in the pin becoming lost and needing to be replaced.

The WDS range features a ‘captive’ design that ensures the clamping pins are held in place at all times, even if the jig is subjected to vibrations or turned upside down. This is achieved thanks to the positioning of a small leaf spring located in the positioning bush and a notch at the tip of the clamp’s shaft.

As the clamp is removed from the jig bed the spring tightens around the notch and holds the clamping pin in place. This means that the clamp will not become accidentally dislodged.

The captive clamping pins offer maximum flexibility and reliability. The clamping collar is mobile on the pin when it’s delivered, allowing the end user to modify the shaft length to fit the depth of the fixing plate – once the ideal length is found the collar can be welded in position or the shaft can be cross drilled and pinned.

The range is available in metric and imperial thread sizes, from M6 to M12 as ¼ inch to ½ inch UNC.