Clamp life?

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I have 4 vice clamps that I use as much as I can.  However I'm finding myself having to use C-clamps and for some reason I keep buggering them up.  I can't seem to keep from buggering up the threads.  I try to position the threaded away from where I am welding.  They get buggered up less but it still happens.  So does anybody have any advice on how to keep them lasting longer?  Or are clamps just something that I should expect to replace often?  Thanks!
Reply:I have C clamps older than my father, take care of your tools and they will take care of you.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:A lot of "welding" clamps have copper coated screw threads so spatter doesn't stick to them. Anti-spatter on the threads also helps..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Oh yeah I slather all my clamp screws in never seeze, that helps alot.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Ditto and Ditto!
Reply:That sounds messy! I leave my clamps dry and just don't splatter the weld. I have yet to ruin a clamp from weld but I have snapped a couple in half.I have noticed many old timers that mig around clamps allot use copper/copper coated ones like mentioned.
Reply:Are you using stick ? More spatter . I have a few of these that I bought at a flea market and garage sale. They have a shielded thread and do help. Big bucks new $5 at flea market.http://www.toolbarn.com/jorgensen-800s.html
Reply:When I use C-clamps, I generally keep the threads below the bench, so they are well protected.   Of course, that is not always possible.Occasionally I use a piece of sheet metal to cover the threads of a c-clamp.But I use my vise-grip clamps a lot, from large to the tiny 4SP.   I have a stock of replacement springs for vise-grips, as that is what seems to go bad on them.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Yes I'm using an old AC/DC buzz box stick machine. I forgot to mention that.  I pretty much always run it on DC.  I think I'll pick up a can of ant spatter. Also I've been using regular old C-clamps from the hardware store. I did not know they made "welding" C-clamps. Thanks guys.
Reply:a cheap roll of aluminum foil from the dollar store. wrap a piece around the threads after tightened in place.Miller Syncrowave 180Miller 211 w/ spool-gunLincoln Ac/Dc buzzboxCutmaster 38 plasmaVictor,Smith's,and Craftsman (Harris) O/A torches.DeWalt Multi cutterFiber Metal helmets(old school)Enough Snap-On to be a dealer
Reply:As previously stated, slather the threads in anti-spatter.  Helps keep them working nice from the eventual build up of dust and crap that gets in there too.
Reply:Originally Posted by ZapzooYes I'm using an old AC/DC buzz box stick machine. I forgot to mention that.  I pretty much always run it on DC.  I think I'll pick up a can of ant spatter. Also I've been using regular old C-clamps from the hardware store. I did not know they made "welding" C-clamps. Thanks guys.