Clamps & Vises

Clamps & Vises holds the tools that hold your work. For woodworking there are Jorgensen steel bar clamps, IRWIN Quick-Grip mini bar clamps, PONY pipe clamp fixtures, aluminum corner clamps, cabinet clamps with drill guides, bench dog clamps and a Makita guide rail clamp set. A WORKPRO swivel bench vise covers metal and pipe work.

Clamping force and reach matter most. One-handed bar clamps are fast but typically top out around 100 to 300 lb, while steel bar or pipe clamps apply several hundred pounds for glue-ups. Check the maximum opening for the widest assembly you plan to clamp and the throat depth for reaching in from an edge. Pipe clamp fixtures fit a specific pipe size, commonly 3/4-inch black iron, and the length is set by the pipe you supply. For vises, compare jaw width, maximum opening and whether the base swivels.

Pad clamp jaws or use scrap blocks to avoid marking finished wood, and dry-fit an assembly before applying glue so you know you have enough clamps. Bolt a bench vise through the bench top rather than relying on screws alone.

Frequently asked questions

How many clamps do I need for a glue-up?

A common rule is a clamp every 15 to 25 cm along a joint, alternating above and below a panel to keep it flat. Edge-gluing a tabletop can easily call for six or more bar or pipe clamps. Corner clamps simplify square frames and boxes. Most woodworkers find they never have quite enough clamps.

What size pipe do pipe clamp fixtures use?

Most fixtures are made for either 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch black iron pipe, and the listing states which. Three-quarter-inch pipe flexes less under load, which helps on long glue-ups. Buy pipe in the lengths you need, threaded on one end for the fixed jaw. Galvanized pipe also works but can leave marks.

What should I look for in a bench vise?

Jaw width sets how wide a piece it grips, with 4 to 5 inches common for home shops. Check the maximum opening, whether the base swivels and whether it includes pipe jaws. Cast steel or ductile iron bodies tolerate more force than grey cast iron. Bolt it to a sturdy bench with through-bolts.

Should I buy bar clamps or pipe clamps?

Bar clamps are lighter and quicker to set, and one-handed models are handy when you are holding the work with the other hand. Pipe clamp fixtures cost less per clamp for long reaches, because the length is set by the pipe you supply, and they apply more force for wide panel glue-ups. Many shops keep a few of each.