Clamps:what to buy

[EdK]

Hi,
I was after some clamps as my dad has asked for his back ! I was using his Irwin plastic squeezy clamp things for a multitude of quick clamping - sort of like another pair of hands to hold stuff down.

I was tempted to buy the same ones but thought there might be something better.

Something less plasticy and longer lifed.
Something with more range (his have a mouth of about 300mm)

Had a look on APTC and thought these in 450mm might be good ?
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Pair ... -32045.htm

Anyone used them ? Got any other recommendations ? Was lookingfor a pair...
Cheers
Ed

 

[stevel]

I have these clamps in all the sizes. They work well but are not as convenient or easy to use as the quick clamps. They are strong and can pull joints together nicely. IMHO a good buy at the price.

Steve

 

[bugbear]

You can never have too many clamps!

I find Jorgensen style clamps invaluable for all kinds of work holding (don't remember ever using them for glueups), and a single handed clamp is wonderful for those tricky setups.

http://www.geocities.com/plybench/tour. ... rtice_hold

BugBear

 

[dunbarhamlin]

I've got a dozen of these, in 12" and 18" and they seem OK.
I have one that slips - though haven't looked at it properly (maybe the teeth just need redefining)
Must admit I use wooden cam clamps most, but the stuff I'm doing mostly just needs light cramping rather than clamping.

 

[Pete W]

I like the Bessey Duoclamps for one-handed use. Available (I think) in 12/18/24-inch sizes.

 

[Jake]

As far one handed clamps go, these are awesome:
http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/product.php/s ... n/BESEHZ30

You can nip them up one handed pretty tight, and then once the two parts are held firmly enough to give you two free hands again, they have as much power as a normal f-cramp.

 

[OPJ]

With regards to the Irwin Quick Grips; shop around! You may still be able to find people doing a 2 For £14.99 offer on the 6" and 2 For £19.99 offer on the 12" clamps.

The Screwfix 'Solo' clamps are pretty good for one-handed use too. But they can also mark your work, so be careful.

 

[George_N]

The Bessey DuoKlamps are so much better than the Irwin Quick clamps. I got a pair that came bundled with a pair of K-bodies in the Axminster low price deal a while back. The Duos can apply more pressure and hold more securely than the Quick Clamps. Bessey UniKlamps are also an alternative to think about. These are effectively F-type slip clamps but with the advantage of having heads that won't mark your workpiece if you are using them for glue-ups.

 

[neilyweely]

i bought 2 clamps today from pound land in Bedford, and have to say for a quid each they are great!

They are the same as a set of Irwin clamps i have that were 12quid each! padded jaws, trigger action, metal bar and that tough plastic handle etc...
I think they would likely be in all poundland shops, so knock yourselves out. I am gonna go back tomorrow for 4 more.

 

[neilyweely]

just checked 'em out, they are spreaders too!!!

Its a sad day when a grown man gets all exited about a one pound clamp.

 

[guyos]

Neilyweely

I saw these clamps in my local poundland, thought they were too good to be true. Bought two, got home tested them, they are brilliant. shot back 2 days later. looked at shelf and it was empty. What a disappointment, anyway I got 2, don't think I will ever see them again.

guyos

 

[neilyweely]

yeah, i managed to get the last two from the bedford store.

Irwins sell 'em, for 12quid a go!!!

I have 6 of them, used one today to hold a kitchen worktop jig down and it worked a treat! I think the woman in the shop said they would have more in soon, so it is worth checkin again. If you do see 'em again then stock up!!!!