Help with Kreg clamp

[Sara K]

I'm finishing up my first woodworking project EVER not to mention I also used the Kreg jig for the first time. But I ran into a problem with the Kreg face clamp I bought. Is there some kind of trick to using it? It will clamp and lock when there is nothing between the plates. When I tried to clamp the jig to the workbench, I couldn't squeeze the handles together at all to lock in place. I feel silly asking but hey, it's better than not using the clamp at all! Thanks.

[Michael mitchell]

How thick is the bench you are trying to clamp it too? If you turn the screw on the end of the handle it will allow the clamp to clamp to thicker wood

[Ken Darga]

Sara,

The adjustment can be accomplished by turning the " knurled head" screw, at the end of the handle.

Turn "counterclockwise to loosen" or open the gap and 

clockwise to tighten and close the gap.

Give it a "dry-run", so as to visualize how it functions.

[Sara K]

Ah, OK - thanks for the tips. I didn't get a chance to try it last night but I will later. I turned the knob before but I guess I didn't loosen it enough. I was trying to clamp the jig to a table that is probably 1" thick or so.

[Ken Darga]

Sara,

When making a "dry-run" of the clamp opening "GAP", 

so as to get a visual of how far the clamp will open, 

turn the adjusting screw all the way "out"---

measure the "gap"---

make a note of it.

All clamping devices have "gap opening" limitations,

dictated by their design and functions.

[KregRep]

Ken, thank you for your advice.