Clamps - Which Ones and Why?

[jackellis]

I've been assembling a collection of bar clamps - some from HF, some from other vendors, many used from garage sales. I think I have a fair number of Fs in sizes from six to 36 inches. I also have a few pipe clamps and the beginnings of a group of K-body clamps. Also trying to score a few wooden hand screws.

New K-Bodies are prohibitive so I'm looking at alternatives. Also trying to understand which ones are used for which applications. For example, where would one use K-Bodies vs. I-bar vs. pipe? Where would you use a handscrew rather than a F or spring clamp? Are the Bessey Uniklamps direct replacements for the K-Bodies - they seem to be a bit less expensive.

[mschrank]

While I can only speak for myself, I think many here would agree that one never has enough of the "right" clamp for any given project.

When I glue-up something requiring a lot of clamps, I'll typically use 2-3 different types of clamps for the same basic application. It's a matter of using whatever you have to get pressure across the glue line.

The F style clamps you've amassed are certainly some of the most versatile, but don't provide the pressure of a pipe or aluminum bar clamp. And I don't know the specifics on the Bessey's...too spendy for my budget.

Speaking of budget, you mentioned wanting a few wooden hand screws...Penn State has a great deal right now:3-10" clamps for $16.00 (good deals on other sizes too).

Rockler also has a pretty good price on aluminum bar clamps through the end of the month (just a couple more days). I think they also have an in-store deal for "buy 2 get 1 free" going on right now.

[jackellis]

Mike,

Thanks for the tip on hand screws. There were 8 Jorgensens on eBay starting at five bucks each, which I thought was a screaming good deal, except that the shipping for four would run another 30 bucks..

[LCHIEN]

just a quick rundown:
I use the F-clamps in bulk because they are so cheap. But they have drawbacks - they bend a little and I find the jaws (particularly the round pads under the screw part) leave marks so I have to use a piece of scrap under them.

I use the Irwin quick grips like crazy, they don't clamp so tightly but good enough for me. They are great one-handed and are so fast I have four or five of the fullsize ones and close to a dozen of the minis in 6" size which can be gotten for around $5 on sales promos if you watch out. These are always within easy reach in my shop.

I have several wood screw clamps - they have special uses, they are heavy so they don't work on clamping small itmes unless you want the clamp to act as a small, stable base. also the jaws are deep, they can be made parallel to clamp along the length or you can put all the pressure at the tip. They are great for holding items that you want to rout but are too small for hand holding. They are also great for holding items on the drill press table. They have a deep reach. As noted penn state www.pennstateind.com has them cheap. Useful sizes 6, 8, 10, 12" - get one or two of each.

I have a number of K-body Besseys and Jorgensen cabinaet masters, these are big heavy clamps and used for large furniture glueups, panel glue-ups etc the advantages being the jaws are always parallel provideing even pressure on large objects with parallel sides (e.g. furniture) and they can sit on the table stable with the jaws facing up. They generally cost big time $25-35 each but there have been sales where they go for less than half price.

I have some of the aluminum square tube clamps - they are useful because they are stiff and light. I recommend then for 36- and 48-inch applications where K-bodies are too heavy. Penn state also has these pretty cheap, too.

I have no fondness for pipe clamps. They are heavy clumsy and the pipes bend. Their main saving grace is that they are configurable in length, but the flex of the pipe limits it anyways.

[mschrank]

Mike,

Thanks for the tip on hand screws. There were 8 Jorgensens on eBay starting at five bucks each, which I thought was a screaming good deal, except that the shipping for four would run another 30 bucks..

Even with shipping, not a bad price for Jorgy's. I don't have any, but I'd imagine they're a bit better quality than the Penn State ones (but we are just talking about two blocks of wood and some screws here)

Since you mention Jorgenson, I'll add that I really like these. They are actually the most used clamp in my shop, though rarely for glue-ups. Mostly use them as "third hands." Amazon runs good deals on them from time to time.

[jseklund]

I just started woodworking, so I don't have much of a collection of clamps, but I already love them. I can't walk by them in a store without picking them up and checking them out now. I never knew this would happen, seems weird to me....

Anyway, I did buy (4) 36", (2) 24" and (2) 12" bar clamps from Amazon- The Jorgensen HEAVY DUTY clamps. I have been VERY happy with these. I didn't realize until I started looking around that, as bar clamps go, MOST of them are kind of flimsy in comparison. These clamps are solid, don't bend at all for what I've done so far (maybe big pieces of furniture would require enough pressure to bend...), and ONLY the besseys even compare in the thickness of the metal. I'm very happy. The K-Body clamps were heavy duty too- but the Jorgys aren't far behind in thickness IMO.

After using these HD Jorgys, I don't think I'd go for a quick grip too much. I can see they'd be easier on some specific applications- but the jorgs will allow you to open wide with the clutch and then just slide the clutch along the bar to close it in on the wood. I can do this with one hand most of the time (maybe with some fidgiting here and there).

If you're looking for great quality without paying Bessey prices- I'd go with Jorgensens, but I'm sure this isn't news on this board.

[BigguyZ]

I like the quick-grip-type clamps for most projects. I've bought Menards' Tool Shop brand clamps in that type, and the heavy duty ones seem to work really well. I also bought a huge amount of the Wilton clamps on closeout at Menards. Although they are closeout, I keep seeing my local store replenish their stock, so you may still be able to get some...

[25]

I don't have any Bessy K-bodies but I do have 4 of the Uniklamps, they are pretty nice.

For pipe clamps my favorites are from Rockler. They are bit pricey but they are worth it. I usually just wait for Rockler to have a sale or have the clamps on sale before I buy them.

[Luckbox]

Mike,

Thanks for the heads up on the Penn State clamps. Just order the 8", 10", and 12" sets of three. Have been looking for some for some time but can't pass up that deal. Just wish they carried 4" and 6" clamps also.

[RodKirby]

As well as my 12 @ 6" Quickgrips (like Loring!)

These 2 (of 4) are really useful

[MilDoc]

I would second what Loring said. F clamps are cheap and do most jobs well. The ones from HF are what I bought when on sale, a total of 60.

Personally, after using some Besseys a friend used, I bought Jets. But, as L. said, they're mainly for furniture, doors, etc. Expensive but worth it if you need them. (Anniversary & Christmas in Dec. and LOML says she'll get me a set for each! That's why she's LOML!)

I wish i had a few more, and larger, screw clamps as I like to make bandsaw boxes. After seeing the PI sale it's time for more.

I do have some aluminum bar clamps and they're great in large sizes where F-clamps would bend and Jets are too heavy (except tables etc). Smaller sizes --- well ... don't waste your $$$.

And, like L, the Irwin clamps (need more!!!) are in quick reach.

Now, all I need is a shop just to store the clamps. You can never have too many.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I have a ton of Besseys ranging from 60" to 24". I also have a few 24" aluminum bar clamps. I have used F clamps in the past but really don't see the point, when aluminum clamps are nearly the same price and are much more stable.
Since I have around 40 Besseys in the shop, that is what I use. I guess since most of my projects involve doors, large panels, etc they fit in nicely. I don't have the weight complaints that others do. Yes, bar clamps are heavy but they really help with flat and square glue ups.
If I was a beginning clamper on a budget, I would pick up about (8) 24" aluminum clamps and (8) 48" aluminum clamps based upon what your typical project requires. They are cheap and stable.
As far as building a nice collection of bar clamps, whether it be Jet, Jorg or Bessey, watch Amazon and when the time is right go nuts. Often you can buy a Bessey door clamp kit, sell off the blocks and 2 of the clamps and cover the cost of the two remaining clamps.

[Howard]

Rockler had the new Jet K clamps on sale this last weekend - 2-24's and 2-40's for $99.00, regular $189 I believe. I picked up this set and used them for the first time today. They are great! They will spoil you rotten. They are heavy, though, but it's a small inconvenience when compared to their ease of use and clamping power.