C-clamp????

[Thumper68]

I need more clamps in the shop.

The question is what kind?

and what size?

The choices are screw type C-Clamps, F-Clamps, or Vise grip type

I have found myself using more of the screw type over the last year for metal fab and using my Vise grip type less often.

Then there is size most things have fit well in the 6 inch range and I have several of the C and vise grip type in this range. I have larger and smaller in both types as well but do not reach for them very often.

What type and size do you find yourself reaching for most often?

 

[d.mcfarland]

What about the ratcheting squeeze type?

 

[Captain Spaulding]

D. All of the above.....and as many as you can get

 

[Brad54]

You can't have too many clamps.
When looking to increase the numbers, it really depends on what kinds of projects you're working on.
For metal fab, I have found that if I'm doing sheet metal and angle iron, I almost always use Vise-Grip clamps.

If I'm doing anything with box tubing, or round tubing (which isn't often... I don't have a drill jig and can't weld round tubing worth a damn!), I go with C-Clamps.

If I'm holding brackets to box tubing, it's either C-clamps or Vise-Grips.

I've got a couple of different sized F-Clamps, too (metal... plastic doesn't much appreciate welding heat!). I have two each Small, Medium and Large. I use the small ones pretty frequently, the large almost never, and I just picked up a pair of medium, because they were free.

I also have three Pony Bar Clamps: I think they're four, six and eight feet long. RARELY used, but I've used them a time or two. And when you need one that big, nothing else will work.

Probably didn't answer your question, but hopefully it gives you a direction.
-Brad

 

[Professur]

My personal suggestion ... flea market old tool tables. Today's clamps are chi-com ****. Even paying premium prices is no guarantee of quality and strength.

 

[DerekV]

Since pretty much all Irwin Vise Grip pliers/clamps are TOTAL junk nowadays (soft metal, "loose" feeling, etc.), I searched high and low for quality replacements that are also: 1) easy to get and 2) easy to warranty. I'm telling you, you gotta check out the Milwaukee locking pliers/clamps. Made in Taiwan. They are leagues better than the post-USA Vise Grips...tighter, more robust, nicer finish, I can keep going...

They have a more positive "snap" when clamped down. And what I initially thought of as a gimmick I actually grew to love: the forged eyelet lock tension adjuster. You can really really reef on these things man. They hold up very well.

As for other clamp styles, I love the heavy duty F clamps. Besseys are pretty much king, but they are not easy on the wallet. No lie, check out the Harbor Freight metal working F clamps. They're like $15 and a steal at that. They clamp tightly, hold up to high clamping loads well, and don't feel cheap.

My 2 cents. Good luck [emoji106]

 

[d.mcfarland]

My personal suggestion ... flea market old tool tables. Today's clamps are chi-com ****. Even paying premium prices is no guarantee of quality and strength.

They still make good C clamps in first world countries, just so everyone knows.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I need more clamps in the shop. Who doesn't

The question is what kind? All

and what size? All


The choices are screw type C-Clamps, F-Clamps, or Vise grip type That's only a few

I have found myself using more of the screw type over the last year for metal fab and using my Vise grip type less often.

Then there is size most things have fit well in the 6 inch range and I have several of the C and vise grip type in this range. I have larger and smaller in both types as well but do not reach for them very often.

What type and size do you find yourself reaching for most often?

Most often C clamps. 6"-8"
Close second pipe or bar clamps.

 

[dr_clyde]

They still make good C clamps in first world countries, just so everyone knows.

Quoted for truth. Wilton still makes a hell of a nice c-clamp. Unfortunately the idiots at Bane Capital shut down Armstrong, so get them NOS while you can. You can't buy your clamps from the big box store and expect them to be any good. I believe you can buy Hargrave still new on amazon.

Williams are imported, but still high quality clamps.

I need to get some more Kant-Twist clamps to add to my collection. Super useful in the machine shop.

Old photo, but here's my clamp tree. I use the sliding bar clamps the most.

 

[bob15]

A little bit of all clamp types are good. You did forget one: Kant Twist

 

[sberry]

dr has a good collection. If you don't have a couple larger C go for those. I use mostly C and Vgrip if possible. I really don't have to distort a lot of heavy things, its mostly holding and since I am the designer do it as easy as possible.
F would be ok but I get by without them, a couple pipe clamps help out now and then.

 

[bw77]

ChuckE2009 just did a review of c-clamps, he likes Yost.

 

[rsanter]

You need all types of them
More and more I have been buying Fclamps instead of the C clamps. Faster to adjust to size.
No matter how many I have I always buy more when I can get good used USA made ones for cheap

Bob

 

[Empty Pockets]

Since pretty much all Irwin Vise Grip pliers/clamps are TOTAL junk nowadays (soft metal, "loose" feeling, etc.), I searched high and low for quality replacements that are also: 1) easy to get and 2) easy to warranty. I'm telling you, you gotta check out the Milwaukee locking pliers/clamps. Made in Taiwan. They are leagues better than the post-USA Vise Grips...tighter, more robust, nicer finish, I can keep going...

They have a more positive "snap" when clamped down. And what I initially thought of as a gimmick I actually grew to love: the forged eyelet lock tension adjuster. You can really really reef on these things man. They hold up very well.

As for other clamp styles, I love the heavy duty F clamps. Besseys are pretty much king, but they are not easy on the wallet. No lie, check out the Harbor Freight metal working F clamps. They're like $15 and a steal at that. They clamp tightly, hold up to high clamping loads well, and don't feel cheap.

My 2 cents. Good luck [emoji106]

I still snap up older Petersen Vise Grips, whenever I see them, I have quite the assortment, and it keeps growing

 

[DerekV]

I still snap up older Petersen Vise Grips, whenever I see them, I have quite the assortment, and it keeps growing

Don't get me wrong, me too. It's the Petersen VG's that set my standards in the first place. I have a few and they're great. But if buying new and I need it NOW, I'm picking up more Milwaukee's.

 

[MushCreek]

I have two of each Kant-Twist, from 3/4" to 12". Yes, that's a lot of money, but I use them in my trade as a tool maker. I have plenty of C clamps, and a few F clamps as well for bigger stuff. I have a ton of pipe clamps for gluing up big assemblies. I bought a bunch of cheap HF Vise-Grip type clamps for welding. I'd rather get spatter all over a $5 clamp than a $20 (or more) one.

 

[exmaxima1]

Depends on what you are clamping. There's all kinds of useful clamps.

 

[Super Sport]

Quoted for truth. Wilton still makes a hell of a nice c-clamp. Unfortunately the idiots at Bane Capital shut down Armstrong, so get them NOS while you can. You can't buy your clamps from the big box store and expect them to be any good. I believe you can buy Hargrave still new on amazon.

Just as an FYI, but from what I've read Wilton and Hargrave are now the same and both imported. Wright still sells USA C-clamps, not sure if they rebrand them or not.

 

[Thumper68]

I looked at the Wilton, Hargreaves, and Yost in person yesterday and all 3 are the same design except the name on the casting. The Yost was $3 cheaper per 6 inch clamp.

I am waiting on a quote for 10.

 

[dr_clyde]

Just as an FYI, but from what I've read Wilton and Hargrave are now the same and both imported. Wright still sells USA C-clamps, not sure if they rebrand them or not.

Depends on what ones you buy. Wilton still has a USA line, as well as an imported one. The imported ones are still top quality.

 

[motofool33]

Tektons C Clamps are priced well

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

I bought a USA made Wilton 404 a few years back to raise a order for free shipping. Good heavy beam, but the finishing was terrible and the jaw wasn't near level. I should have sent it back, but instead finished it with bench and disk grinder, then gave it a paint job.

 

[kctyphoon]

It's amazing how much you can tighten those Milwaukee clamps down with a flathead.

 

[doogdoog]

These are some of my clamps and for welding, I love the HD ones. Sorry for the upside down clamps, I wonder what went wrong?

 

[tym]

A little bit of all clamp types are good. You did forget one: Kant Twist

I got introduced to Kant-Twist clamps in a Tested video by Adam Savage. Where have these awesome things been all my life?!