Some tools provide the members of Woodwork Nation with glitz and glamour. The best woodworking clamps provide an unsung rugged durability instead. There are numerous types of clamps that are available to meet your needs these days, so the goal is to purchase the clamps you will need while ignoring the clamps that you don’t need.
Best Woodworking Clamps 2020 Reviews
1. Irwin
These clamps are sturdy, durable, and keep their grip extremely well. They may be smaller than your average clamps, but they also take care of some of the specific jobs you may need to finish as a woodworker. The one-handed triggers release the clamps instantly. You also have non-marring pads on the grips so your work isn’t damaged just because you’ve clamped it into place. Each clamp provides up to 140 pounds of clamping force and the resin construction with hardened steel bars limits movement. Grab this set and you won’t be disappointed.
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2. Bessey 5-1XXX Edge Clamp
This large clamp gives you the ability to clamp virtually anything, anywhere. With the edge clamp on the bar, you have extra mounting power as well. The wood handle is a nice touch to this clamp, but the high strength roll-formed threaded spindle threads is where the real magic happens. Lock the knob in place for your attachments, put this clamp into place, and you can rest assured that your working piece is not going to move.
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3. MLCS 9012 Woodworking Exclusive Merle Multi-Corner Clamp
This Merle multi-corner clamp is about to become your best friend. It allows you to clamp a working piece of any shape with ease. It’s a self-adjusting clamp with non-marring jaw inserts that will align to any angle. If your woodworking projects included cabinet frames or picture frames, then you will wonder how you ever managed to work without this clamp once you try it. One just isn’t enough either. Grab at least 4 so that all of your corners are covered because this is the clamp you’re going to rely on for everything in the future.
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4. TEKTON 36-Inch x 2-1/2-Inch Ratchet Bar Clamp and 42-Inch Spreader | 39186
This 36-inch ratchet bar clamp provides you with a precise clamping force that will help you get your work done. Unlike other ratchet clamps, you don’t need to worry about excessive noise with this tool. It operates silently, smoothly, and precisely without a threat of marring. Position the jaw wherever you wish along the bar with the quick release button and then apply the appropriate amount of clamping pressure that your project needs. If 36 inches is too much, there are various models in the 6-inch to 30-inch range to consider as well.
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5. Can-Do Clamp
These 90-degree angle clamps make your right-angle woodworking a snap. With a maximum clamping thickness of 75 millimeters, you’ll be able to quickly make the square corners that you need for multiple projects. You also have room to insert your staples, nails, or screws into place without movement or drift thanks to the design of these clamps. We did find a bit of grease from the threads could get on the hands as you make adjustments, so take that into account as you set your working pieces. Otherwise this is a great product at a surprisingly good price.
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The best woodworking clamps make life easier. You could rely on the good old C-clamp, but there are several better options available today for certain projects too. Pick up your preferred design today so that when you’re ready to work, you won’t have to worry about your working pieces drifting all over the place.
Our Favorite Woodworking Clamps
There are several different styles of clamp that might be available to woodworkers, but not every clamp performs as advertised. These are the top-rated options that you’ll want to consider first.
| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irwin Quick Grip Mini Bar Clamp Set | 4.7 | $$$ |
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| Bessey 5-1XXX Edge Clamp | 4.9 | $$$ |
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| MLCS Woodworking Merle Multi-Corner Clamp | 4.3 | $$$$ |
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| Tekton 36-Inch Ratchet Bar Clamp w/ Spreader | 4.2 | $$$ |
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| Can-Do Clamp | 4.0 | $$ |
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| Kreg KHC-Premium Face Clamp | 4.7 | $$ |
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| MLCS 9001 Can-Do Clamp | 4.5 | $$$ |
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| Irwin Tools Quick Grip 36-Inch Bar Clamp | 4.5 | $$$ |
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| Bessey BPC-H12 H-Style Pipe Clamp | 4.7 | $$ |
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| Pony 50 Clamp Fixture | 4.7 | $$$$ |
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| Picture | Name | Our Rating | Price |
The Essential Woodworking Clamps That You Need
Most woodworkers are going to want the basic C-clamp. This type of clamp comes in light, medium, or heavy duty forms in a variety of sizes. If you don’t have any clamps at all, this is the place to start.
Then you may wish to consider these additional clamp styles so that you have the essentials needed for your next woodworking projects.
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Double-Headed Clamps
This clamp is like a C-clamp, but it gives you three clamping points instead of the standard two. It gives your working piece more stability because of the added pressure point.
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Pipe Clamps
These clamps are fitted onto a pipe, allowing you to suspend your working piece into the air. This allows you to complete tasks that would be difficult to do with the wood clamped to a work bench with an extremely secure hold.
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Bar Clamps
These clamps slide on a bar, allowing you to hold thicker pieces of wood in place with relative ease. Their adjustability makes them one of the most versatile clamps for your projects, especially if you purchase the deep-throated style.
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Handscrew Clamps
These woodworking clamps should not be overlooked. They are often made of wood instead of metal, giving you a softer hold for fragile projects.
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Spring Clamps
This is your standard clothespin-style clamp. It’s useful for keeping pieces together when they are drying or holding small items while you work on something. They tend to be relatively small compared to the other clamp options, but don’t mistake size for weakness.
There are several other types of clamps that are available as well, including ratchet spring clamps. Each type of clamp serves a specific purpose, while also being able to pull double-duty on certain projects. Consider your needs and you’ll know which type of clamp you’ll want to have on your work bench.
If you need to choose the best woodworking clamps, we suggest you try the MLCS – a truly versatile choice.
What will it cost me to buy the Best Woodworking Clamps?
Woodworking clamps are highly affordable. You can find several options available for $10 or less. You can also purchase a complete set of woodworking clamps if you prefer, with most sets priced for $100 or less.
Larger clamps tend to be priced a little higher, so if you need a deep high-capacity clamp, you can expect to pay up to $20 per clamp. Some professional clamps can be found in the $30-$50 price range, but they are intended for large shops only.
