One would think that woodworking is centered on cutting wood and nailing one plank to another, but that is not always the case.
Sometimes, in situations where gluing and fitting are needed, the best is always a couple of quality wood planks.
Even though the clamping itself is fairly simple, there are numerous different wood clamp types which require different caution and different project types.
Because clamps are often wrongly used and somewhat stigmatized, we’ve decided to take matters into our own hands and clarify the conundrum around them.
If you intend to use wood clamps, finding the best ones should be your quest.
In this article, we’ve decided to take a look at the best wood clamps on the market and analyze all the ways in which wood clamps can improve your projects.
They are fairly immense and we hope they’ll aid you in your future woodworking endeavors.
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Although they are one of the simplest tools out there, wood clamps have a plethora of distinct uses and ways to be applied to any woodworking project.
They are the staple of every workshop and contain lots of benefits for both the look of the project and the degree of difficulty at which you’re doing it.
These are just some of the uses of this brilliant tool
The 9 Best Wood Clamps - The Reviews
After a grueling few months of research and testing, a decision is to be made.
Now that you have a substantial amount of knowledge about the inner workings of wood clamps, it’s safe to say that you are ready to make the big choice.
We’ve taken into consideration all different types of gluing and drilling, so these wood clamp models are truly the best of the best when it comes to everything.
We hope that this list will aid you in finding that ideal wood clamp for you!
The selection of a proper wood clamp is based on your preference and the exact type of clamp you need. If that one is a face clamp, this is the best one you’ll find.
Take a look at the Kreg KHC-Premium Face Clamp.
Just a quick side note - Kreg has been a trusty manufacturer for a long time in the world of carpentry and DIY projects and tools, so it’s no surprise that their product lands the first spot in this list.
Any task that requires stable clamping without any type of marring will be flawlessly executed with Kreg joints designed with their premium face clamp.
It can clamp material that’s up to 70 mm thick and maintain a stable and steady joint.
The pads are large enough to give you space and maneuverability to operate without twisting your arm, and they will distribute the force to provide you with optimal strength.
As it’s one of the best sellers on the market, you’ll have enough confidence to give it a try, and you’ll never look back.
All in all, it’s a premium product that’ll do wonders for your projects!
- Face-clamping
- Stability
- Quality
- Trusty manufacturer
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Next is a product that will undoubtedly be a great addition to your woodworking set, the TEKTON Mini Ratchet Bar Spreader and Clamp.
This ratchet-action device provides continuous pressure to the workpiece in a linear direction without allowing it to move, juggle, or slip out of its stationary position. Once you need to move the jaw, a quick-release button is there to help out.
The pads have a soft material that doesn’t damage the workpiece while the jaw is reinforced with nylon to ensure a meticulous and precise job.
One advantage this product has is that it’s 2 in 1 - a clamp and a bar spreader. You can convert your clamp by merely placing the jaw on the opposite side, and you’re set.
Pushing pieces apart and pressing them together has never been easier. Displacing the jaw and loosening the wingnut is all there is to it!
The sheer strength and efficiency of this device speak for itself. However, the reflection of the durability-price ratio is a problem.
Considering it’s a budget pick, you probably won’t use this device for the years to come. Still, it’s an excellent bargain considering the price.
- Affordable
- Strong
- Bar spreader and a clamp
- Reinforced jaw
- Overall durability
As for our third product, we present the IRWIN QUICK-GRIP One-Handed Clamps, a product that all customers enjoy.
Woodworking can be a dirty process with all the debris, chunks of wood flying around, and damaging your workpiece.
That’s why you should invest in a product that’s non-marring - meaning that this pair of one-handed clamps has both a firm grip but also protects your workpiece from damages such as scratches and scuffs.
Like the previous product, it also features a quick-release feature, a trigger that allows you to release the grip instantly.
Furthermore, it’s vital to know that Irwin’s construction of this device makes it quite sturdy and reliable. The hardened steel bars prevent any type of flexing or bending.
What’s fantastic is that these clamps provide a total of 150 lbs of force - a tremendous number in the sphere of woodworking clamps.
Scrolling through countless articles about clamps will undoubtedly lead you to see the pros of this product since it’s been a customer favorite for years.
Aside from the fact that screws can wear off in time due to the constant pressure that this clamp is exposed to, it’s as good as it gets!
- Irwin’s reliability
- Non-marring
- Sturdy construction
- Hard grip
- Wears off in time
It doesn’t always pay off to purchase a single wood clamp for all your projects. It’ll often not be enough as you’ll use different stock, and you need consistency in your work.
Therefore, we have a packed set of woodworking clamps, the WORKPRO Bar Clamps for Woodworking.
Naturally, the first thing that pops up is the design.
These clamps are made from reinforced nylon with HSS bars, which has been shown to be perfect for outdoor work and construction work. Many professionals use these clamps as they’re extremely durable and hold up to an abundance of pressure.
Another reason many people prefer this set over others is the quick-change button that can transform each clamp into a spreader that can hold up to 150 lbs of weight power, squeezing and pressing.
All you should do is push the red button and remove the jaw, then spread it to your liking; you have a multi-purpose tool.
It is a solid tool, meaning you’ll get all the perks that premium products have - a non-marring grip, replaceable pads, and a non-slip design.
You will pay nicely for these wood clamps, but they are a reflection of their price.
On the other hand, we have to note the fact that they’re not really suitable for larger projects and you’ll find that they’re much more efficient with thinner boards made of plywood.
Still, for a beginner, this set will work wonders.
- HSS bars and reinforced nylon
- Quick-change button
- Transforms to a spreader
- Non-marring grip
- Not made for larger projects
Moving on from the top three products, we present another quality clamp that will make all your woodworking jobs effortless. Say hello to the MLCS Can-Do Clamp.
Since operating clamps have proven to be quite a meticulous and precise job, a quality one is needed to ensure the best results.
So, the ideal way to do that is to get a clamp that’s precise but also easy to use, and that’s where MLCS Clamp comes into play.
You can set it up instantly and see that magic work itself. It can support a 2-3/4 inch width of a frame, which is ideal for all woodworking processes - from drilling, doweling, framing to joint creation.
To help you with some tougher workpieces, this clamp features two swivel points and a sliding T-handle that facilitates high-clamping pressure.
Also, the construction is sturdy enough to handle the workload, and it’s made out of aluminum.
Still, it is a bit over the average price range that woodworking clamps go for, so if you plan on investing a bit more than usual, you won’t regret it.
By all accord, it’s a great asset and a valuable tool to have in your workshed.
- Sturdy
- Precise
- Universal
- Easy to use
- Price
In terms of design, a wood clamp must have a proper build, construction, and ergonomic functions that make it customer-friendly.
In light of this, we give you the E-TING Hand Tool Toggle Clamp 201B.
The material used to craft this wood clamp is cold-rolled carbon steel reinforced with a zinc-plated coating that improves corrosion resistance.
Cold-rolled steel has enhanced strength and hardness, while the zinc coating continues to be a valuable anti-corrosive.
The hands of the clamp are quite well-built as well.
The adjustable rubber pressure tips help improve the comfort of use, while the vinyl serves as an excellent coating material.
Not only all of this, but the grip that this clamp brings to the table is off the charts. It’s perfectly safe to use with jigs, tool fixtures, and any type of wood.
The overall application of this clamp is suitable for both beginners and experts, and you’ll have no trouble finding your way around it. It isn’t the most ideal in terms of heavy-duty processes, but it’ll still get you places with most workpieces.
All in all, you won’t go wrong with this wood clamp!
- Design
- Build
- Construction
- Easy to use
- Not suitable for heavy-duty processes
If you’re worried about the overall use and application for your clamp, and if it’ll fit all your needs, it’s time to bury those concerns with the POWERTEC 71017 Band Clamp.
This quick-release band clamp is suitable for all types of stock and workpieces, ranging from the square and round to all atypical shapes.
The levers ensure that both your clamp and the workpiece are stable and secure while the hand screw helps to tighten and adjust the load.
You can use it to build chairs, tables, and furniture, but also to repair old cabinets, sheds, and dog houses - pretty much everything an everyday carpenter needs.
It has a quality-made plastic frame with jaws that are non-marring that do not damage your workpieces.
Furthermore, the sheer accuracy and precision will amaze you. The webbing does stretch a bit after a couple of use, which might pose a problem. Still, the overall effect prevails.
Also, a quick side note - if you plan on doing some more significant work with this clamp, you’ll probably benefit more if you have two of them to work in tandem.
Besides this, it’s a fantastic product that will undoubtedly do you good!
- Application
- Stability
- Accuracy
- Not that easy to use
- Works better with another clamp
Next, we showcase to you the last product on the list that should not be disregarded as such, the Bessey GSCC2.536 Economy Clutch Style Bar Clamp.
In terms of stability, it’ll get the job done. No matter what type of workpiece you’re dealing with, it provides a constant grip to ensure sturdiness.
Also, the jaws are movable and have protective non-marring pads, both on top and bottom.
The non-marring pads ensure that your workpiece stays intact during heavy-duty processes so as not to damage the surface and create scratches or dents.
The cast heads have a powder-coated finish that adds to the overall durability but also improves the anti-corrosive features of this product.
Furthermore, compared to some other products on the market, it’s not that expensive and will undoubtedly be within your budget.
Still, you might find yourself wanting to opt-out for some other product since this one is not recommended heavy-duty operations.
Overall, it’s a great product, and you won’t be sorry if you go and order it now.
- Efficiency
- Sturdiness
- Non-marring pads
- Powder-coated finish
- Not suitable for heavy-duty operations
The final product we have here is another corner clamp that deserves mention due to its great resistance and adjustability.
So, without further ado, here are the WETOLS Corner Clamps for Woodworking.
By purchasing this woodworking clamp set, you’ll receive four different wood clamps, each made from polyamide materials.
It is a strong bind that can be found with many natural elements, which is why it’s also produced synthetically for products such as these.
Also, such a build decreases the overall weight by a ton, considering they measure only 1.76 lbs. This also means that you can use these clamps with one hand, thanks to their weight and overall design.
By this, we refer to the non-slip handle made of rubber and optimal dimensions.
Their application is quite varied - you can use them for furniture production and reparation, aligning, nailing, and so many other things.
The spring tension that is the main attraction behind these clamps can support a lot of weight and, therefore, it is a perfect accessory in the woodworking shed.
On the other hand, such a design has flaws in terms of not being able to support larger materials. The optimal thickness of a board shouldn’t exceed ¾ of an inch, so it’s best to use these clamps for smaller and undemanding projects.
Aside from this, you shouldn’t definitely consider just having them for smaller projects.
- Polyamide material build
- Rubber handles
- Various applications
- Spring tension
- Not for larger projects
A Guide to Different Types of Clamps
When you’re looking for the best woodworking clamps, there is often a myriad of things to consider. Most would agree that the most important one is the type of the clamp itself.
If you’re looking to perform edge gluing, you’re going to need pipe or bar clamps. If your goal is gluing a few boards to hold them while the glue adheres, your aim should be an F-clamp.
By choosing the right type of wood clamps, your woodworking projects will be more precise than ever.
These are the basic types and the differences between them are:
What to Consider When Buying Wood Clamps
The entire process of choosing the best wood clamps doesn’t have to be either a stressful one or a confusing one at that.
A thing that can always aid you and help you find the right solution is knowing exactly the type of work you need the wood clamp for.
In order to help you with your choice, we’ve decided to round up all the crucial factors that matter when looking for the best woodworking clamp.
1. The Right Type of Clamp
When pondering about which wood clamp to purchase, ask yourself this – for what do I exactly need this clamp?
Edge gluing, face clamping and work stabilization all require different types. Picking the right one can immensely help you with any project.
2. The Material of the Plank Itself
Most clamps, usually F-ones, are made of plastic nowadays.
This isn’t your regular material, but an industrial grade type of plastic meant to withstand years of constant pressure.
Metal is also a good option, but they don’t take a lot of beating, so you won’t need a hard one.
Hand screw clamps should have their wooden parts preferably made out of oak or maple, to ensure maximum strength and safety.
The strength of the wood is determined by scratching it, in case the exact kind isn’t specified anywhere.
3. What Are the Handles Made From
Nowadays, even the best wood clamps can have handles made out of extremely strong wood.
Any other material can last for years.
The first thing you should do when assessing the state of a clamp is to look if the handles have cracks or structural weaknesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are woodworking clamps so expensive?
Well, woodworking clamps aren’t necessary for most smaller projects you can do in an improvised woodworking station.
You can always make a type of clamp that’ll do the work, so that’s why they’re considered a bit of a privilege.
However, investing in woodworking clamps is a cool way to spend some money since it’ll make your work a lot easier.
What type of clamp is used to hold wood together?
There are various types of clamps for different types of materials, but you can use most of them for woodworking.
Face clamps and bar clamps will always do an efficient job, including screw clamps.
How do you clamp wood without a clamp?
There are several creative ways you can improvise and hold wood together without a clamp.
One way is to use classic rat traps, but they’re not as solid as wood clamps.
Also, you can try caulking guns that even look like wood clamps.
The least efficient method is by using tape, but you’ll still have to support the boards manually to ensure, at least, some sort of accuracy and stability.
Which is better: bar clamp or pipe clamp?
Generally, the main difference is in the price.
Pipe clamps cost way less than bar clamps, but there are disadvantages. Bar clamps are lightweight, easier to handle, and generally offer the user a more stable environment.
However, you’ll still be able to perform and successfully finish smaller projects with pipe clamps.
Final Thoughts
Since woodworking and general crafting requires a lot of patience but also precision, the right tools will help you to make your final product worth the time.
It’s essential to choose wisely and consider your purchase thoroughly before you select the perfect tool.
With the Kreg KHC-Premium Face Clamp, there’s no need to think about it - just order it.
It’s got all the right features and extensions that a professional woodworker needs to finish his job.
The sheer quality and precision compared to the price are unmatched by any other product. In light of this, if you’re searching for the best, you’ve found it!
- Woodworking & Carpenter Gifts for Men: At Kreg Tools, we offer tools for home improvement and DIY projects that make great gifts for dads, brothers, or any woodworker in your life
- Premium Home Improvement Tools: This 3-inch reach face clamp makes it easy to have flush, secure joints
- Accessible Woodworking Clamp: This clamp for woodworking has padded handles and an ergonomic grip for accessibility
- Secure Wood Clamp: This pocket-hole clamp has a screw that adjusts the clamp to match material thickness
- Kreg Tools: We offer products that help woodworkers close the gap between idea and outcome