Aluminum Profile Quick-Release Clamp

Quick-release clamps for trades, mechanical engineering, and industry

Clamp faster, without a wrench: RUWI quick-clamps use the eccentric lever principle to secure workpieces, brackets, or stops in T-slot profiles (slots 6, 8, 10) without tools. Where others have to turn wing screws, you simply flip the lever—depending on the size, this allows you to achieve a clamping force of up to 4 kN in seconds, rather than through multiple turns of a screw. This saves a noticeable amount of time when frequently changing workpieces and stops, both in the workshop and in fixture and machine construction.

Which quick-release clamp is right for your groove?

The choice depends on the groove width of your profile and the thickness of the workpiece. Three sizes cover the standard range:

• Ø 15 mm for Slot 6: compact (height ~34 mm), clamping stroke ~6 mm, clamping force ~1.5 kN – for small systems such as 30×30 profiles and light-duty applications. Also available with external thread and clamping nut.
• Ø 20 mm, the medium size (height ~44–47 mm, clamping stroke 8–11 mm, ~2.5 kN) for 40×40 and 45×45 systems: for slot 8 or slot 10, also available with an external thread for slot 10.
• Ø 30 mm for higher clamping forces (up to 4 kN) and greater clamping height (14–26 mm), for thicker workpieces and frames: for slot 8 or slot 10.

The slot nuts are cut to fit aluminum profiles from various manufacturers (Item, Bosch Rexroth, Sauter, and others)—the key factor is the slot width. If you want to get started quickly, choose the Nut 6 or Nut 8 Starter Set. If you’re unsure which size fits your profile, let us know—we’ll help you choose.

Technical Design and Operation

RUWI quick-release fasteners are eccentric clamping levers that lock into the profile groove via a form-fit mechanism. At their core is a cylindrical base body (Ø 15, 20, or 30 mm, depending on the size) and a spring-loaded bolt. When the lever is flipped, it pulls the T-slot nut upward—a short lever stroke multiplies the manual force.

• Eccentric lever: Clamps the slotted nut into the groove with minimal effort.
• Adjusting nut: precisely adjusts the clamping stroke to the workpiece height and material thickness.
• Return spring: allows the tensioner to spring back to the open position on its own when released.
• Materials: Steel, galvanized slotted nuts, levers made of aluminum or die-cast zinc—designed for continuous use, “Made in Germany.”

Depending on the size, this allows you to apply a clamping force of up to 4 kN—enough to securely hold fixtures and workpieces during drilling, milling, or assembly. The lever locks into place with a distinct click and a positive engagement, which reduces the risk of accidental release, even when vibrations occur.

Ergonomics and Cost-Effectiveness

It takes just one hand to operate: flip the lever while your other hand holds the workpiece. No wrench, no searching for tools, and you can tell by the resistance of the lever whether the clamp is secure. Each clamping operation takes only seconds—which shortens setup time and reduces fatigue during frequent setup changes. Because clamping is so quick, it actually gets done in everyday use; that’s the real safety benefit compared to wing screws and slotted nuts, which people often skip when under time pressure.

These clamps are more expensive than simple T-slot nuts with wing screws. However, when working with frequently changing workpieces, in mass production, and in fixture construction, the time saved on setup quickly offsets the higher cost—and thanks to the availability of replacement parts, the clamps remain in service for a long time.

Areas of Application

• Woodworking and Workshop: Securing workpieces on drill and router tables with grooves, flexible stops, and gluing frames.
• Metalworking and Mechanical Engineering: Fixture manufacturing, sensor mounts, stop strips in profile frames, quick changeovers.
• Furniture manufacturing and interior finishing: temporary cabinet structures, pressing operations, assembly jigs.
• Exhibition Stand Construction and Prototyping: Quick assembly and disassembly of aluminum profile structures, freely positionable brackets.
• CNC and Automation: Hold-down devices on CNC tables, flexible clamping points in systems.

Accessories and compatible RUWI products

• The clamping bracket with a pre-installed quick-release mechanism for right-angle frames and stops.
• The adapter plate with two clamping handles, used to connect two profiles or to secure a single profile to a plate without screws.
• RUWI drilling and milling tables with profile grooves into which the quick-release clamps engage directly.
• Clamp with external thread and locking nut, designed to be screwed through a hole or plate instead of into a channel groove—same eccentric lever, different mounting.

Buying Guide

Three questions will help you choose the right model. First, the groove width of your profile—groove 6, 8, or 10; this determines which clamps will fit. Second, how much clamping force and clamping height you need: Ø 15 for light-duty tasks and small profiles, Ø 20 for most applications, and Ø 30 for higher forces and thicker workpieces. Third, the accessories—clamping brackets, adapter plates, or clamps with external threads? For mass production and frequently changing dimensions, the clamps quickly pay for themselves; in prototyping and hobby applications, they speed up the process. If you’re unsure, we’ll advise you on the right size.