How to release cam clamp?

[Dan Coplan]

Ok, this is clearly a newbie mistake. I have a cam clamp that I let slide all the way closed on itself. Now the jaws are shut and I can't get them open because they're locked against the toothed rail. What's the trick?

[Bob Webster]

Stick a screwdriver between the jaws right behind the rail and pry it open. Won't hurt it and it won't take much pressure to do it. I have a pair of Woodcraft cam clamps that are forever doing that and some day, they're going in the fireplace.

Bob

[Tom Krebs]

Squeeze the two rear jaws opposite the clamping tip.

[Dan Coplan]

That did it! Thanks guys! It was driving me crazy and I couldn't stand the thought of sending a simple clamp back to Stewmac just to get it open or a replacement.