I need to pick up some more clamps in the 36 inch range. I figured I’d see if anybody had any value options that work well. I have some Bessy and Jorge now but just trying to save a couple bucks.
[OP]
Contributor
I need to pick up some more clamps in the 36 inch range. I figured I’d see if anybody had any value options that work well. I have some Bessy and Jorge now but just trying to save a couple bucks.
Contributor
It's good to have a few lightweight Jorgensen 36" F clamps. Then, pipe clamps.
Contributor
Bar clamps are probably your best value in clamps that size. They're not super heavy duty, but they'll do most things you need a clamp for. I'd just shop around and see who has good prices.
As for brands, they all work. Harbor Freight sells lots of cheap clamps of all styles, or you can buy them from Amazon or whatever. The only issue with the cheap clamps that I've found is the threads tend to wear out over time. That's not a big deal if you take care of them, don't over tighten them, and don't use them a daily. Cheap clamps are good to have on hand for those rare projects where you suddenly need 30 clamps for a large or complicated glue up.
But I'd advocate to get a dozen or so Bessey or Jorgensen clamps for regular use. I try to pick a few up whenever they go on sale. They're the best value, simply because they last so long. But you don't need 50 of them unless you run a production shop. I mean, if a HF clamp only lasts for 50 uses, but you only use it once a year, it's still going to last 50 years. So I like a mix of all kinds.
Contributor
Best value (cost/strength) will be Pipe clamps. Bessey are $20+ cost of pipe. HF has 3/4 for $9. For the pipe you can try bringing a cordless bandsaw to a scrap yard and asking them if you can go shopping, in the past Ive taken stuff for the cost per weight. Otherwise go to a plumbing supply house not HD or Lowes for the pipe. It will be half the price.
Bar clamps are a little weeker and a bunch more expensive but are easier to work with and have bigger jaws,
Contributor
Save money, Harbor Freight
Contributor
I've had really good luck with these.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...amp-60539.html
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon
Moderator
I agree that pipe clamps are often the most cost effective for panel clamping, etc., but the cost delta to the parallel and bar clamps is less than it used to be due to the cost of the iron pipe. I have some in my "reserve clamp rack", but I don't prefer them over my parallel clamps. If I decide to get any more clamps, I'm probably going to look at bar clamps of some kind to compliment the K-body clamps that make up most of my "collection". What Rich links to are under consideration for that. BTW, that 30-46" range is a really good place to be for many kinds of panel glue-ups. 40"-ers leave a lot sticking out and 24"-ers are not wide enough. I only have four in the 30"-er size so that would be my target for any additions to the shop.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
Contributor
I'm pretty much in the same camp here - as far as pipe clamps. Mine are relegated to long lengths of black pipe and used on really large things. For 48" and below, parallel clamps are the go-to's at this point. Also, I have a few of the harbor freight clamps linked above. They're "ok" for a quick grip to get things started and that's about it imho. I haven't reinforced them the way some do either though (and don't plan to either).
Originally Posted by Jim Becker
[OP]
Contributor
Thanks all, I'll take a look at the options. I was aware of the pipe clams, just never bought any. I might head to HF and look at those $12 clamps despite some bad reviews.
Contributor
If those are really 72% less than a Dubuque clamp, I'm very skeptical about there performance. There has to be other corners cut, other than just no middleman, to reach that price point.
Contributor
Pittsburgh
Lengths: 24", 36", 48", 60"
Price range: $10–$18
Available at Harbor Freight Tools,
800-423-2567, harborfreight.com
This would not be our first choice based on performance in our testing, but if you're on a tight budget and need to buy a lot of clamps, you can outfit a shop for 1⁄3 or less what it would take with the other brands shown here. The bars flex easily under pressure and the head jaws sometimes bind. And, unlike the other clamps, the stated length indicates the length of the bar, not the clamping capacity, which is about 31⁄2 " shorter.
https://www.woodmagazine.com/tool-re...num-bar-clamps[COLOR=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95)]
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Contributor
I would not recommend the harbor freight aluminum bar clamps at any price.
Contributor
The Dubuque clamps are wonderful especially for panel glueups.
Contributor
I didn't say the HF were top - just that I've had good luck with them - so far.
When I use them, I usually put a pipe clamp on first for the initial squeeze out, then when it's tight, I put the Pittsburgh clam on and take off the pipe clamp and move it.
I haven't noticed any bowing and there isn't any real pressure on the handle, but, I look closely for it next time.
I have a couple of small (7x17") doors for a bathroom cabinet I need to glue up this coming week. I'll make sure I use these clamps on them and see how they do without using a pipe clamp first.
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon
Contributor
Yea, good milling process with light pressure and the HF clamps + cauls should work fine for glue-ups. Not a pipe-clamp fan myself. Too heavy for what they are. But, they do work, so go nuts if that's what you want. I don't think I'd skip the cauls on any of these unless we're talking only 2 boards or something small like a charcuterie board. I love my Dubuque clamps which look a lot like the HF versions. They are light and very handy, especially the 24" versions which I have 6 of. I often grab those over the Bessey's for simple clamping.
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