An easy upgrade for Harbor Freight bar clamps

[Marty Backe]

Historically I haven't been a big fan of the cheap aluminum bar clamp. But I learned a technique from Paul Sellers, on how to easily upgrade these clamps so that they become rigid and much more practical. You can turn $10 clamps into $30 clamps.

In this video I demonstrate how I go about this modification, and also show how to install some nice pads for the jaws.

[Steve Kinnaird]

Interesting concept.
I would guess that by adding a slow setting epoxy to sides of the insert would make it even stiffer and reduce twist even more.

[Marty Backe]

I'm sure that would, but it may be overkill. For the amount of pressure you'll use with these types of clamps, the wood is enough in my experience.

Interesting concept.
I would guess that by adding a slow setting epoxy to sides of the insert would make it even stiffer and reduce twist even more.

[Art Mann]

Please allow me to compliment you on the great editing job on the video. You probably cut out 2/3 or more of the total time and you didn't lose one bit of information. Most how-to videos of this type just go on forever because the creator either doesn't have the skill or is too lazy to eliminate long boring sequences. I wish more people would create videos like you.

The clamp modification as very clever too.

[Marty Backe]

Thanks for the nice compliment. I've been guilty of overly long videos too, but lately I'm working to make them more snappy. Thanks again.

Please allow me to compliment you on the great editing job on the video. You probably cut out 2/3 or more of the total time and you didn't lose one bit of information. Most how-to videos of this type just go on forever because the creator either doesn't have the skill or is too lazy to eliminate long boring sequences. I wish more people would create videos like you.

The clamp modification as very clever too.

[Ellery Becnel]

Thanks Marty,
I have 2 of the 24" clamps. This will greatly increase rigidity.

Ellery Becnel

[Frederick Skelly]

Thanks for posting this Marty! I'll try this out next time I buy clamps.
Fred

[daryl moses]

Great video. Looks like i'll be going to Harbor Freight!
Thanks for sharing!!

[cody michael]

I have a decent amount of those clamp, if you go to harbor freight make sure youbring a 20% off coupon and a free item, you can get tape measures, screwdrivers, multi meters etc for free with purchase, if I need more then 1 item I will take my wife or sister and make them check out, so I can get use 2 20% and 2 free item coupons.

coupons
http://www.hfqpdb.com/

[Wade Lippman]

I haven't used one in 10 years; maybe they have improved them. My problem was that the aluminum just tore out if you put any pressure on them.

[Scott Hearn]

I'll throw in another great job on the video.

I also hate it when people just ramble on, too many 10 minute videos with maybe 4 minutes of actual info.

[Marty Backe]

I haven't had any issues with mine. Keep in mind though that these are medium-weight clamps at best. If you need to really crank down on the clamps you'll always be better served by Bessey type bar clamps or pipe clamps.

I haven't used one in 10 years; maybe they have improved them. My problem was that the aluminum just tore out if you put any pressure on them.

[Marty Backe]

I'll throw in another great job on the video.

I also hate it when people just ramble on, too many 10 minute videos with maybe 4 minutes of actual info.

Thank you!

[Mike Schuch]

Great video! I really appreciate the information!

I have a few dozen of those Harbor Freight aluminum bar clamps in varying lengths. I have found that when I do a good job of cutting acurate length pieces and everything fits together well that these bar clamps in stock form give me plenty of clamping pressure... So I usually use my vast set of pipe clamps!

[Vijay Kumar]

Marty thank you for posting this video. Very well executed.