Deep jaw bar clamps - any options other than Bessey?

[Phillip Mitchell]

I'm looking for clamps like this --> https://www.amazon.com/Bessey-TG5-512-12-Inch-Heavy-Tradesmen/dp/B00002245H/ref=pd_sim_469_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HH4NVR13KT8QW37F0KV5

5 1/2" jaw depth x 12"+ in length. I've used the Besseys countless times and love them, but am balking at the prices I'm seeing ($40 and up starting at 12" lengths...)

Is there anyone else that makes clamps like these?

Thanks,

Phillip

[glenn bradley]

"Like them" will turn out to be a subjective term. I have some inexpensive deep throat clamps that have proven to be very adequate for my needs. When compared to the heavier duty Bessey Tradesmen or the old heavy duty Jorgies they fall short BUT, they work fine for how I use them. All that being said . . . these links will take you to two sources of alternatives to get you started.

Peachtree (https://www.ptreeusa.com/clamp_deep_throat.htm)

Woodtek (https://woodworker.com/4-58d-x-6l-f-style-bar-clamp-mssu-172-697.asp?search=&searchmode=2)

[Bill Dindner]

Sometimes you can find Piher clamps on sale, very nice quality clamps, but at retail they are around the same price as Bessey.

[Larry Edgerton]

I have them all I believe, and my favorite are Records. Can't remember what they cost.

[Bill Adamsen]

I have a dozen or so Records, but find I rarely reach for them because they are so heavy. And I suspect the copies or similar ilk are the same.

Have you considered deep reach wooden boat cam clamps? I'm in the process of making another dozen, just cut the metal parts earlier this week. Plans came from one of the magazines but can't find the original at the moment (I know I have the printout in the shop). You can make the bar any length, I happen to like 12". I use cold rolled steel now because it is not much more expensive than hot rolled, but the milling is so much nicer. ins I buy from ebay in bags of 100, the rest is shop built from the nicest figured oak I can find. An idea you might consider.

Plans Source: Woodenboat – Sept-October 2014 "A Deep–Reach Clamp for hard-to-get-to areas" by Harry Bryan

[Jim Becker]

I have a couple of those Bessey deeper clamps and they are great when you need the reach. I wish I had more, sometimes. I don't recall seeing much else with that depth. (Bessey actually has a 10" throat version..."ching...ching..."...major dollars!)

[Travis Porter]

Once in a while you can find Stanley’s version at Big Lots. I got 10 for $10 each. Not as good as the Bessey’s, but they do work

[Bill Graham]

That's a little high for the 5x12 clamps, Rockler has the 7x16 for the same price: http://www.rockler.com/bessey-tg-professional-series-bar-clamps

I bought almost all of mine from Rockler, they put them on sale every couple months or so(or at least they did a few years ago). The composite handles are a lot easier on the hands than the wood ones.

[Phillip Mitchell]

Thanks for the replies.

I was just looking through the Woodcraft catalog that showed up in my mailbox the other day and saw the clamps in question (5 1/2" deep jaws x 12") for ~$30 each. I was surprised, as Woodcraft is usually more expensive than anyone on branded items.

I was hoping there would be a holiday deal somewhere on Bessey clamps. Haven't found it yet, if there is one.

[Edwin Santos]

Thanks for the replies.

I was just looking through the Woodcraft catalog that showed up in my mailbox the other day and saw the clamps in question (5 1/2" deep jaws x 12") for ~$30 each. I was surprised, as Woodcraft is usually more expensive than anyone on branded items.

I was hoping there would be a holiday deal somewhere on Bessey clamps. Haven't found it yet, if there is one.

Have a look at the Peachtree Woodworking site and you'll find some deep reach clams that look to less than what you're quoting from Woodcraft. I think they have some sort of Black Friday deal going this weekend also but it might be limited to certain items.

Here's the page, you may need to scroll down because somethings off with their website - https://www.ptreeusa.com/clamp_deep_throat.htm

[michael langman]

Not really wood clamps, but kant-twist makes a good deep throated clamp.

[Larry Edgerton]

Not really wood clamps, but kant-twist makes a good deep throated clamp.

I kind of forgot about them, only have a couple, but I agree they are awesome in the right instance. Kinda pricy, but great for odd shapes.

[Mike Heidrick]

Menards masterforce had some at one time reasonably priced.

[Bill McNiel]

Woodcraft has all Besseys at 20% off right now.

[John Sanford]

I'm guessing the OP doesn't want to hear about the score or so of assorted deep reach Besseys that I got for about $10 a pop during the Great Borg Clamp Shuffle (both Home Depot and Lowes switched primary clamp vendors, lotsa clearance deals resulted). Too bad, gotta gloat!

Seriously though, the deeper reach F-clamps are rarely ever cheap. The boat builder's clamps above look like a fine option, IF you're interested in putting the time into a build.

Check Harry J Epsteins, they may have what you're looking for at a price you're comfortable with, although you'll likely have to call them because their listings for the Bessey clamps don't include throat depth.

[andrew whicker]

Also not twist clamps, but perform okay depending on situation. I'd give them a 3.5 stars out of 5. They auto close, but it seems like you have to hold the bottom jaw against the work for it to clamp. You can select the clamping force.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/kreg-automaxx-6-wood-project-clamp-kreg-khc6?gclid=Cj0KCQiAjO_QBRC4ARIsAD2FsXMtzyoPtHkIR1C m8GjNRIO5oj0xyLXWIecSwDkjiLodldPX7GIqbD4aAr-VEALw_wcB