Engaging the Clamp

I climbed onto the low cedar workbench using a stacked brick. A heavy iron C-clamp lay on its side across a pine offcut. Its steel threaded rod was turned outward, partially extended. I planted both feet firmly against the wooden grain. I reached out and gripped the round turn-screw with both fists. Cold grease coated the metal ridges. I lowered my center of mass and pulled downward. Screee. The screw turned a quarter rotation, biting deeper into the timber beneath. A tight mechanical shudder ran up my arms and settled into my torso. Resistance increased. The joint is now firmly anchored.