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Clothespins vs. Bulldog Clips and Other Tips
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There are two types of clamps used to construct hardbacks—spring-style clothespins, which I much prefer, and #1 Bulldog clips. The primary advantage given for using the more expensive metal clips is they can't be accidentally glued to the shade the way wooden clothespins can, but this is also the case with much cheaper plastic clothespins. The fact is, though, they can both still get stuck, just not as readily as wood. This problem is easily solved by waxing inside the jaws of your wooden clothespins with the wick-end of an unburnt white candle—it takes about five seconds each. Wax clips and plastic clothespins, too.
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My collection of clothespins, with some
Bulldog clips scattered in.
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Be sure the ring is as far up
between the "jaws" as it will go.
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Another benefit given for using Bulldog clips is that clothespins can cause dents. The reason for this is that the clips are placed at a 45-degree angle, with just a third of the clamp coming in contact with the ring, though carelessly placed clips do cause dents, too. To prevent this problem with clothespins, always make sure the ring is as far up within the "jaws" as it will go. The first time you try this you'll know exactly what I mean, as will be the case when you do it wrong. Clips or clothespins are also used to construct other styles of hardbacks, which are clamped in the same way.
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How many you'll need Exactly how many clips you'll need, obviously, depends on the size of the shade, as well as the arc material. Because Bulldog clips are placed at an angle, the closest they can be spaced is 1" (2.5 cm) apart, whereas, clothespins can be placed side by side, particularly advantageous when clamping glue-resistant polystyrene backings, though a 1/2" (1.3 cm) apart is usually fine for paper shades. So for example, if the shade has a 6" (15.2 cm) top ring, with a circumference of 19" (48.2 cm), and an 8" (20.3 cm) bottom ring, with a circumference of 25" (63.5 cm), or a total of 44" (112 cm), you'll need 44 bulldog clips no matter what the arc material, or 88 clothespins (two per inch [2.5 cm]) when using polystyrene, or 44 (1/2" [1.3 cm] apart, or one per inch [2.5 cm], if using paper.
Where to get them from Vintage wooden clothespins can be found in basements, attics, and garages at estate and moving sales (be sure to look up), as well as on eBay and other sources for old things. You'll find new wooden and plastic clothespins wherever laundry supplies are sold. Be sure to buy good-quality clothespins, as bargain brands fall apart quickly (watch out for rough and/or slightly green wood, pins still stuck together, and weak springs that allow horizontal movement). If you prefer using bulldog clips, you might find them locally at Sam's Club, or professional office or art supply stores, but see Hardback Supplies for the cheapest I've found, along with a swell source for wooden clothespins.
Storage tips Store your clothespins and clips in something easy to access while you're working. You want to be able to grab a handful, without having to look. And when removing them, you want something you can easily toss them back into. You can quickly end up with clothespins all over the place, and it's a very good idea to get into the habit of always throwing them back into their container as you remove them from the shade.
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