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Clamps like these allow you to keep your wood pieces securely in place for glue-ups, brad nailing, or pilot holes, while preventing unsightly dents or blemishes. Stainless Steel C Channel
Wood clamps are a core component of any DIY-er’s tool kit and essential for performing the majority of woodworking projects. These invaluable tools have adjustable jaws for holding wood pieces together, and they come in a wide range of sizes and types. Whether you’re assembling smaller items like a picture frame or cutting board, or larger projects like doors and tables, wood clamps ensure that all the pieces are positioned exactly how you want them and won’t shift out of place while you nail, screw, or glue them together. Thanks to their simple operation and impressive strength, wood clamps make it possible for a single person to tackle even large projects solo.
Wood clamps are not one-size-fits-all, so make sure you choose the right type for the job. Compact spring clamps are suitable for smaller, light-duty tasks, while larger bar clamps are a better option for wider applications like cabinetry or drawer construction. Pipe clamps offer the most width–you’re only limited to the length of pipe being used–and are essential for extra-large jobs, like oversize tables and doors.
Another factor to consider is the type of wood you’re going to clamp. If you’re working with finished or delicate pieces, choose a clamp that won’t leave unsightly dents or scratches in the wood surface. Clamps with extra padding, or that have jaws with a lot of surface area, are less likely to damage a workpiece while still providing enough pressure to be effective. It’s worth noting that you can also add your own padding, like wood shims or scraps, to clamps, although it can be inconvenient and sometimes difficult to ensure no pieces slip out of place.
I’ve utilized all varieties of clamps in my career as a furniture carpenter, and I called on this experience to assemble the list below. I know the importance of quality construction and comfortable operation, especially with larger bar clamps, and kept those factors in mind while choosing. At the same time, I also made sure to exclude any brands or models that we feel aren’t up to par with Popular Mechanics’s standards and only included those that we know to be of high quality. As an example, that’s why there are so many Irwin options, a brand that we’ve always had great experiences with.
We’ve had these exact Irwin clamps in our toolkit for years and, in addition to woodworking, use them for a variety of different tasks around the house. The textured handle and convenient trigger placement make them comfortable to operate one-handed, which is always a plus when you’re dealing with awkward or complex projects.
This kit comes with four identical clamps–enough for multiple projects– and their rubber pads are well-suited for work surfaces that you want to keep protected from dents. Capable of applying 150 pounds of force, these clamps are ideal for the majority of basic household tasks.
If you regularly work with small or intricate wood pieces, this set of Workpro spring clamps is a great, low-budget choice. They’re small and lightweight, and you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect one for your project. Workpro includes 16 clamps in three different sizes. With this number of pieces at such a low price, the value of this set is tough to beat.
Their clip-style design also makes these clamps useful for crafting and other non-woodworking projects. Although none of them would be ideal for heavy-duty jobs, so keep that in mind.
If you’re interested in pocket hole joinery, there’s no substitute for a Kreg clamp. We exclusively used this model in our woodworking shop and have nothing but great things to say about it. The large, wide face is compatible with Kreg’s pocket hole jig systems, keeping the joint tight and flush while you drill and screw it together.
The extra-wide jaws can handle a broad range of wood dimensions too, unlike smaller clamps that may get in the way. The rubberized handle provides a nice, secure grip while you tighten it in place, and the adjustment knob is simple to operate.
The cast-iron construction of this Pony clamp makes it one of the more durable out there. And thanks to the multi-plate clutch on the sliding portion, it’s easy to position and securely lock in place. This series of plates grips the pipe when at an angle, keeping the static side of the clamp in place. Straighten the plates, and they release their hold, making quick adjustments a breeze.
The length of this clamp is also entirely up to you. Since you’re providing the pipe, the only factor determining its size is whatever length you decide to end up using. The rotating handle is also sturdy and simple to use, with a smooth operation. It’s a bit heavier than smaller plastic models, so this clamp isn’t ideal for light-duty jobs.
The calling card of these Jorgensen clamps is how extremely versatile they are. They work either as two standalone models or by joining together to create an extra-wide clamp. You can also reverse them for use as spreaders, which would come in handy for projects that require an extra set of hands, or just another level support surface. The large plastic jaw pads also prevent damage to whatever material you’re working with.
Icing on the cake is how light and comfortable to use they are. And the 24-inch length makes them useful for a nice range of project sizes.
These Jorgensen clamps are tailor-made for cabinet assembly, with deep jaws and wide faces for optimum pressure distribution. This design makes it possible to apply a serious amount of clamping force–up to 1,500 pounds–while still preventing surface damage.
At 48 inches long, these clamps support even extra-large cabinets and panel glue-ups, and a built-in clamp stand adds extra stability when you’re working alone. The ergonomic handles are comfortable to grip when adjusting the sliding head, and we find them easier to use than wooden versions, which can get slippery.
This 3-inch spring clamp is a great multipurpose tool to keep around–even for non-woodworking tasks–and ideal for small clamping jobs that require a significant amount of strength. The rubber-coated handles are comfortable to open and close, and its alloy steel construction adds valuable durability and stability.
Spring clamps don’t distribute pressure very well though. So if you plan on using these with especially soft woods, consider placing a scrap of wood between it and the workpiece to prevent dents.
If you need to secure right-angle corners or T-joints, this corner clamp saves a lot of time and offers more stability than using separate clamps. It supports both pieces of wood at a precise 90 degrees–you can even use wood of different thicknesses–and you just need to tighten the handle to lock everything in place. The clamp is made of heavy-duty aluminum, which holds up well to the drops and falls that occur in the workshop or garage. Plus, the handle has a small cutout, which makes it easy to hang on a nail or pegboard hook.
Considering its low price tag and convenient size, this Bessey clamp is a great value for light-duty clamping. At 6 inches long, it’s compact enough to use on smaller workpieces without taking up too much room, and the zinc jaws contribute to its light, 8.4-ounce weight. A plastic cap on the pressure pad spreads out the clamping force, so it’s gentle enough for use on delicate surfaces. Despite the small size, it’s still strong enough to apply 330 pounds of force.
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
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