Uploaded March 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
83 - Remove Dried Glue from Parallel Clamps –
So that they Slide better than NEW
Parallel clamps are hands down the absolute best clamps you can own as a woodworker. I could make an entire video on that. But it’s important to maintain them to get a lifetime of enjoyment and service from them.
If you forget to clan the dried glue from your parallel clamps, they will stop sliding pretty quick. I will show you exactly what chemicals to use and what to do to get them perfectly clean and begin sliding better than new.
I ran a little test using dried chips of Titebond III PVA Glue to see what solvent could help solvate the glue enough to facilitate cleaning, and I used 7 solvents in various strengths.
Both Acetone and MEK softened the glue considerably, and since the Acetone was the less aggressive solvent (safer), we used that to clean with.
A respirator should be used in this cleaning process to protect you from the fumes. And for this purpose along with many others in the shop, such as applying stains and finishes, an Organic Vapor respirator is the critical one to have. Plus as a nice bonus it is a P100 rated particle filter, which means it gets 100% of the dust. Unlike regular dust masks, which are N95 rated. They only get 95% of the dust.
It’s also a good idea to wear nitrile gloves when working with harsh solvents. And you should have a silicon mat down to protect your worktable.
Things we used for this project:
Bessey Parallel Clamps 12”- amzn.to/4h0Nj2w
Bessey Parallel Clamps 18” - amzn.to/41lG1Re
Bessey Parallel Clamp 24" - amzn.to/3XOyl6u
Bessey Parallel Clamps 40” - amzn.to/3XqO7ql
Bessey Parallel Clamps 50” - amzn.to/4kqbDxQ
Dewalt Wood Chisel Set - amzn.to/3HIt4s2
"Respirator - amzn.to/3Iib0VR
Respirator Cartridge - amzn.to/3RVL1Ha"
Wire brushes (brass & stainless steel) - amzn.to/4bo0WYd
Acetone – buy locally
Denatured Alcohol - amzn.to/43jtkIX
Terry Shop rags - amzn.to/3Xpqgaq
Silicon Mat - amzn.to/4kpmxna
Paste Wax (minwax) - amzn.to/43fYYY5
WD40 Silicon Spray - amzn.to/3QEQPoq
BeesWax stick - amzn.to/43CVwaf
Other Solvents I use for Different Projects
Mineral Spirits - amzn.to/3QGJQvm
Turpentine - amzn.to/4kqd2o6
Xylene (Xylol) - amzn.to/4inqE1u
Toluene (Toluol) buy locally to you
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Link to the KFW Community Woodworking group. Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Join our Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share advice, get project ideas. Free tips. Insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools: facebook.com/groups/KingsFineWoodworkingCommunity
Help support us through Patreon: patreon.com/KingsFineWoodworking
Purchase plans on our website: kingsfinewoodworking.com/collections/project-plans-for-sale
Please like and share our videos. Thank You!
We love teaching the world to do woodworking.
83 - Remove Dried Glue from Parallel Clamps –
So that they Slide better than NEW
Parallel clamps are hands down the absolute best clamps you can own as a woodworker. I could make an entire video on that. But it’s important to maintain them to get a lifetime of enjoyment and service from them.
If you forget to clan the dried glue from your parallel clamps, they will stop sliding pretty quick. I will show you exactly what chemicals to use and what to do to get them perfectly clean and begin sliding better than new.
I ran a little test using dried chips of Titebond III PVA Glue to see what solvent could help solvate the glue enough to facilitate cleaning, and I used 7 solvents in various strengths.
Both Acetone and MEK softened the glue considerably, and since the Acetone was the less aggressive solvent (safer), we used that to clean with.
A respirator should be used in this cleaning process to protect you from the fumes. And for this purpose along with many others in the shop, such as applying stains and finishes, an Organic Vapor respirator is the critical one to have. Plus as a nice bonus it is a P100 rated particle filter, which means it gets 100% of the dust. Unlike regular dust masks, which are N95 rated. They only get 95% of the dust.
It’s also a good idea to wear nitrile gloves when working with harsh solvents. And you should have a silicon mat down to protect your worktable.
Things we used for this project:
Bessey Parallel Clamps 12”- amzn.to/4h0Nj2w
Bessey Parallel Clamps 18” - amzn.to/41lG1Re
Bessey Parallel Clamp 24" - amzn.to/3XOyl6u
Bessey Parallel Clamps 40” - amzn.to/3XqO7ql
Bessey Parallel Clamps 50” - amzn.to/4kqbDxQ
Dewalt Wood Chisel Set - amzn.to/3HIt4s2
"Respirator - amzn.to/3Iib0VR
Respirator Cartridge - amzn.to/3RVL1Ha"
Wire brushes (brass & stainless steel) - amzn.to/4bo0WYd
Acetone – buy locally
Denatured Alcohol - amzn.to/43jtkIX
Terry Shop rags - amzn.to/3Xpqgaq
Silicon Mat - amzn.to/4kpmxna
Paste Wax (minwax) - amzn.to/43fYYY5
WD40 Silicon Spray - amzn.to/3QEQPoq
BeesWax stick - amzn.to/43CVwaf
Other Solvents I use for Different Projects
Mineral Spirits - amzn.to/3QGJQvm
Turpentine - amzn.to/4kqd2o6
Xylene (Xylol) - amzn.to/4inqE1u
Toluene (Toluol) buy locally to you
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Link to the KFW Community Woodworking group. Share pictures of your work & get help if needed. Join our Community Page. Woodworkers helping other woodworkers. Share advice, get project ideas. Free tips. Insider information. Get the best deals on lumber & tools: facebook.com/groups/KingsFineWoodworkingCommunity
Help support us through Patreon: patreon.com/KingsFineWoodworking
Purchase plans on our website: kingsfinewoodworking.com/collections/project-plans-for-sale
Please like and share our videos. Thank You!
We love teaching the world to do woodworking.
