Jorgensen,bessy rachet clamps

[jack duren]

Are there any cheaper options than bessy or jorgensen ratchet clamps? I've been using the Jorgensen 4500 bar clamps but constant tightening and loosening is driving me nuts. Looking for a cheaper option. Anybody know?

[Mike Henderson]

I've had Bessey's (bar clamps) for a long time and they still work well. They're beat up now and I have to clean the glue off the bars now and again, but they work and work well. Rather than ask for a cheaper option, why not ask which clamps work best and last longest. Putting a bit more money into a product that will last you for years and will perform well during those years is probably a good investment.

Mike

[I've heard that complaint about Jorgensen clamps from other woodworkers - hard to get "latched" to the bar, or slipping once you tighten down.]

[jack duren]

I'm familiar with the name brands but there's usually a brand under the radar that's not as popular as the name brands but at better price. I have found a few overseas but there not sold here. I use these for torsion boxes. I bought several Harbor Freight 11" vise c-clamps but they will only catch the grid(3.25) when attached to the top. When I apply the extra 3/4 its 4" total and they won't expand that much...

I've had no problems with the Jorgensen Heavy 4500 clamps and there used daily to build chairs

[Jim Matthews]

My mentor (who is amazingly frugal) picked up a four pack of the new
Jorgensen 'gear clamp' which look like heavy duty welders clamps,
scaled to woodworking size.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Jorgensen-4-in-Ratcheting-Gear-Clamp-38004-4PK/202688778

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/a6/a6a5f8cf-5f73-43a1-a3b8-40bc7d4007b6_400.jpg