“I love it when a plan comes together.”

John “Hannibal” Smith

If you’re scratching your head at the quote above I think it’s safe to say you weren’t watching one of the greatest television shows of the mid-80’s. Check out The A-Team and you’ll understand the quote and it’s context tonight. At one point tonight in my workshop I almost felt like I could kick up my, fire up a cigar, and utter that infamous catchphrase.

Many moons ago Dad told me that one day I wouldn’t be able to out muscle the problems I’d face while woodworking. He said I’d have to find ways to work smarter instead of harder. The time when this still makes me smile most is thinking back to pulling out our kitchen cabinets. I was beating up on one stuck unit and had worked myself into a lather. Dad laughed, asked me to pass him the crow bar, and studied the stubborn cabinet. With a wink he took a few seconds to position the crow bar in a very specific spot and lightly nudged it. Next thing I knew and the cabinet was loose. “Think first and make every movement count.”

One of his “smart” weapons of choice were clamps. It’s taken me longer than I’d like to admit to understand why he was so enamored with these pressure creating devices. They are such a versatile tool and have helped to save my butt on many occasions, specifically several over the past couple of weeks. Try as I might to get everything perfect and square there are just times when wood does whatever wood decides it wants to do. I can either try to get creative or I can use my head and grab a few clamps to apply pressure in just the right place.

When I started blogging a handful of years ago days like today were very much what I had in mind. How many times have I used a clamp to make life easier and yet this is the first time I’ve actually paused to give thanks for this amazing tool. My blood pressure would be much higher if it wasn’t for them 😉

Thanks!!!