Crack clamps arrived!

Crack clamps arrived!

May 2014

 

I ordered some great crack clamps and spreader blocks from Tom Durrant in Ontario. They’re similar to clamps built by Brian Hart in England. They are used to close cracks in the top and backs of violins. It’s more labour intensive than using the traditional method with a wide stretcher clamp that pulls the crack shut by pulling the edges of the violin together. These clamps allow for a more precise and controlled closing of the crack. They require the use of temporary cleats along the inside of the crack. Next time I’m doing a repair with them I’ll show you. Aren’t they pretty?!