Reviews Of The Top Woodworking Clamps
1. IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Mini Bar Clamps
The Irwin Quick Grip Mini Bar Clamps are wood clamps that come with non-marring pads so you can tighten them around your workpiece without worrying about leaving marks. With the quick-grip handles, pressure and release can be done quickly and easily.
The bar clamp is very durable and strong with a resin and steel design that prevents bending and flexing. Just how strong is a bar clamp? Our experts discovered that even though the clamps are small, they can still distribute 64 kg of pressure. This is sufficient for most projects.
Six bar clamps are included in each pack to secure your object.
What We Like
- Pack of 6
- Suitable for either a hobbyist or a professional
- Non-marring pads
- One-handed operation
- Quick-grip clamp style
- 64 kg of pressure distribution on materials
- Steel and resin design
- Small but strong
- The best price
2. TEKTON Inch Nylon Spring Clamps
The Tekton 3/4 Nylon Spring Clamps come in a set of 10 and provide instant pressure to your wood piece. The spring tension design with one-handed operation makes these spring clamps excellent for DIY projects that need some clamping power.
The construction is extremely durable with fiber-glass reinforced nylon that is a lightweight material that will not corrode or rust. For the best grip, the pivoting rotary jaw pads adjust to make this set of spring clamps easy to use. The soft handle is non-slip and ergonomic so that DIY enthusiasts as well as professional woodworkers can enjoy the benefits of the spring clamp set.
What We Like
- Space-saving design
- Comes in a set of 10
- Non-slip handle
- Fiber-glass reinforced nylon
- Clamp pads that self-adjust
- Easy to use
- Very small size
3. Bessey LM2.004 LM General Purpose F Clamp
The Bessey F Clamps are a great alternative to C clamps, and they offer greater versatility. These clamps are ideal for small wood pieces and can be used for all woodworking tasks. Each clamp comes with a protective cap to prevent marking and an ergonomic wood handle that makes it easy to use.
Keep in mind that these are lighter duty clamps and are not suited for complex woodworking tasks. The F clamps are a package deal and have very sturdy construction. Although the brand offers a lifetime warranty against craftsmanship and defects, our experts think you won’t need it due to the heavy-duty construction.
What We Like
- General-purpose F clamps
- Comes in a pack
- For lighter woodworking projects
- Heavy-duty construction
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy use
- Handle ergonomically
- Protective cap included
- Very affordable
4. Kreg KHC-Premium Face Clamp
Our experts like to include various options on our lists, and the next one is a very versatile face clamp. The face clamp is best for securing individual joints to keep them flush. The Kreg KHC-Premium Face Clamp has a 8 cm reach and is capable of securing materials up to 2-inches thick.
These clamps have extra large clamp pads to distribute pressure evenly. The flat surface of the clamp head wont mark your materials while applying the pressure.
These face clamps can be adjusted to match the material thickness and the rubber handles are easy to grip to reduce fatigue in your hands.
What We Like
- Large clamp heads
- Even pressure distribution
- Rubber handles with easy-grip
- Compatible with clamp adapters of the same brand
- No marring
- Adjustable grip thickness
5. Bessey BPC–H34 3/10cm H Style Pipe Clamp
The H-style pipe clamp is another option, which can be used to secure materials and increase stability in your work area. The Bessey BPC-H34 has a higher base for more clearance between the work table and your project. The H clamp has a cast jaw design and 2 soft jaw caps. This ensures extra durability.
The hand crank is easy to use and the spindle is highly durable and smooth in operation. The H clamp features zinc-plated parts for the clutch and a black-oxide-coated threaded spindle.
What We Like
- Cast jaw
- 2 soft jaw caps to protect against marring
- Durable construction
- Extra high base for more clearance
- Smooth operation
- Excellent for stabilization
6. Bessey Clutch Style Bar Clamp
If you are looking for a clutch-style bar clamp, then look no further than this product from Bessy. This tool is simple to use and produces excellent results. The tool has a cast head with protective pads on the top and bottom jaws that help to reduce pressure and keep materials from getting damaged.
The jaws can be adjusted and the ergonomic handle made of wood makes it easy to use. A clamp’s durability is critical. The clutch-style bar clamp has a powder-coated coating to protect it from rust and corrosion. Bessey Clutch Style Bar Clamp is reliable because of its zinc-finished rails and cast heads.
7. IRWIN QUICK GRIP C Clamp
C clamps are perhaps the most versatile and efficient clamps. The double-rolled thread of the Irwin C clamp is extremely durable and clamps faster than other models. The large swivel jaw pad prevents marring on your wood surface and also provides more stability.
These quick-grip clamps provide better grip and reduce fatigue. The entire C clamp is made from steel which increases its durability and clamping power.
These clamps are easy to use and have a decent jaw capacity to ensure stability for your workpiece compared to some other types of woodworking clamps.
What We Like
- Double-rolled thread
- Durable
- Large swivel jaw pad
- For versatility, use the C shape
- Good grip and less hand fatigue
- Stability excellent
- Durable steel construction
Woodworking Clamp Buyer’s Guide
The secret to finding the best woodworking clamp for your workshop is to identify the types you need for your project and find products that are easy to use and durable. Our team is here to do a deep dive into the different factors to look for when searching for these woodshop tools.
Type Of Clamp
The F clamp is the first, also known as the bar clamp. The product’s shape is what gives it its name. It can be compared with a C-clamp. F clamps are the best for securing wood pieces together for gluing. Woodworking DIY project options like picture frames require F clamps.
A bar clamp is similar to an F clamp in terms of shape, but it has a longer bar part which works as a handle to clamp the jaws together.
The bar clamp category can be further separated into different categories including sash clamps, pipe clamps and T clamps. The pipe clamps resemble a regular bar clamp but instead of a bar they have a threaded pipe.
We also have the very common C clamp, which is very versatile and can be used for multiple projects. A carpenter will always have some type of C clamp in their arsenal. These clamps are shaped like Cs and can hold any piece together. C clamps can be equipped with quick-grip release or a swivel hand for easy adjustment.
H style pipe clamps have extra adjustability and security. They come in two different parts that offer more strength. The H-style clamps offer more clearance between your project and the work surface.
The face clamp is used almost exclusively for joinery. Unlike the H-style clamps, the face clamp is one piece with large clamp heads. This tool usually features a quick-grip function to help reduce fatigue, unlike the hand screw.
Spring clamps are the most simple to use. They just require pressure application to open and clamp. Our team will remind you that spring clamps have the most pressure, which can be tough to operate for some.
With so many types of wood clamps, which one should you use? Our team suggests C clamps if you often engage in multiple types of projects. They can be used for any purpose and offer a great grip.
Because they are more flexible and have a larger opening, pipe clamps, F clamps, or bar clamps can be used for larger projects. They are similar to a C clamp and make the pipe clamp or bar clamp as versatile.
H style clamps are recommended by our team if you need clearance between the work surface and your project. There are many other types of clamps available, including strap clamps and cast iron clamps. Our team recommends H style clamps for those who need clearance between the work surface and your project. However, no matter which clamp you choose our team always recommends quick-grips.
Clamping Force
Aside from the type, a professional or DIYer also needs to consider the clamping force of the product. Our team disagrees with the belief that a stronger clamp is better. If a clamp is too strong, it can damage your project and mark your workpiece.
The clamping force will vary depending on hardwood or softwood projects, but whats more important than that is ensuring the presence of clutch plates. These plates or clamp heads are necessary on products to protect your material. Look for ones with a swing jaw design that makes it easier to use.
It is important to ensure that you are strong enough to operate the clamps. Spring clamps can be so strong that it requires two hands to operate. You may have to lift the clamp off the piece of wood if you are unable to open it. This could cause damage to the surface.
Durability
You should also consider the durability of your woodworking clamps. It is important that the clamps do not break during your projects. Different brands will produce various qualities, and our team suggests finding one made of steel or cast iron for the best bet.
Aside from the material, the finish such as powdered coating, will also guarantee a longer lifespan for your woodworking tool. There are options out there that can chip and have loose parts. Our experts recommend that you choose projects that have a long return period to avoid any problems.
Maintenance
You can make the most out of your investment by taking care of your products before and during use. After use, clean your tool and make sure to oil it regularly. The oiling applies to a clamp that has metal parts. Our experts recommend wiping down clamps made of wood.
The storage of your wood clamps will also affect the condition. All of your wood clamps should be stored in a cool and dry place to make sure moisture doesnt seep in and cause the wood part to deteriorate or the metal part to rust and corrode.
Hanging them for storage will also decrease the chances of surface damage as the clamps wont knock against other tools.
Portability
While most clamps can be used with one hand, some may require two. If you don’t plan to transport the clamps from one place to another, then it doesn’t really matter how big they are. If you are constantly on the go, then our experts would suggest looking for one that can easily fit into your tool box.
Clamps should be versatile and easily transportable in size. There are even some options that are small enough to fit into your pocket. Our team suggests looking at the size of your projects and your workspace to determine the measurement of the clamps before considering portability. You want the product to perform to the best of its ability and not have to compromise the performance for the size.
FAQ
What clamps are needed for woodworking?
Woodworking requires C clamps because they have the greatest versatility. The type of project you are working on will determine which clamp you need. Before deciding on the product, our team encourages you to assess the use of the clamp to narrow down the type you need.
Why are woodworking clamps so expensive?
Woodworking clamps are so expensive due to the material. The type of clamp may also affect the price. A pipe clamp can be pricier than a spring clamp, mainly because the pipe clamp is usually larger and requires more components, but there are many affordable clamp options on the market.
