All About Clamps

I’ve seen woodworkers struggle with projects simply because they’re using the wrong clamp for the task at hand. Here’s a look at some common clamps and how they’ll fit into your shop.

Parallel jaw

Parallel jaw clamps are an excellent choice for edge to edge glue-ups. The no mar jaws don’t require pads, and your work will stay dead flat in these clamps. They’re also great for door assembly.

F-style clamps

On a face to face glue-up your best choice is an F-style clamp. The large threads and ergonomic handles give you lots of pressure. Jaw depth varies. Extra deep jaws allow you to reach the center of a wide board.

One-handed clamping

Need to hold your work with one hand while tightening a clamp with another hand? Trigger clamps work very well for this. So do lever clamps, which act like a ratchet and can quickly put plenty of pressure where you need it.

Band clamps

Any time I’m assembling mitered work, like picture frames, I reach for a band clamp. Band clamps apply even pressure to all sides of your work, making them a great choice for closing miters.

Face frame clamps

When you’re installing cabinets it’s hard to beat face frame clamps for drawing the face frames together AND keeping the faces flush. They also allow you to drill and drive for screws holding the cabinets together while the clamps are still in place.

Edging clamps

Gluing on edge banding? Edge band clamps simplify the process and easily draw the banding tight.

Gear clamp

Gear clamps have an offset built into the handle that allows you to get into tight spots.

More info

For more information on Bessey clamps visit the company’s website or call (800) 828-1004.