I'm just starting to set up a small workshop and I've mostly relied on trigger clamps in the past. Now, I need to pick up some more clamps for an upcoming project and I want to be more strategic about which types, brands, and sizes to get. Does anyone have suggestions for high-quality clamps that are great for general use? I'm planning on building cabinets and bookcases, so any advice would be super helpful!
3 Answers
You can’t go wrong with Jorgensen or Bessey clamps! Personally, I prefer Jorgensen. If you want a quality option that's budget-friendly, pipe clamps are great too. Just grab some threaded conduit from a hardware store and you can make your own. Remember to go for the 3/4" pipes, as the 5/8" ones aren't very sturdy.
For larger projects, definitely consider the Bessey clamps, especially if they're made in Germany. When using longer clamps, heavy steel is a must—lightweight ones just won't cut it and can break easily. Also, make sure to use clamp pads to prevent damage to your workpieces.
If you're building something like a bookcase, I recommend using sash clamps—two per shelf should do the trick. F clamps are great for squeezing the edges together. Just be sure to use wood spreaders to avoid damaging your material. Bessey makes solid clamps, and you'll want something strong enough to get those joints tight!
Totally agree! Having an extra pair of hands can be super helpful during the glue-up too, before the glue sets.
Pipe clamps really are a steal! And what's great is you can customize their lengths with couplers and shorter pipes, so they take up less space when you're not using the longer ones.