C-clamp qualities

[Modern Garage]

We've all had clamps labeled "Malleable" but really, isn't THIS the quality you want in a clamp?
I don't know how long I've had these but for some reason I actually looked at them today.

 

[RTM]

Adjustable was the brand. I prefer to see Malleable or Unbreakable on mine, but Adjustable were pretty good.

 

[gleman]

A memento from Dad, I laugh every time I look at it.

 

[gleman]

Adjustable was the brand. I prefer to see Malleable or Unbreakable on mine, but Adjustable were pretty good.

Were they the Adjustable clamp co from Chicago?



I tried looking into my woodworking vise but came up with little information.

 

[RTM]

Were they the Adjustable clamp co from Chicago?



I tried looking into my woodworking vise but came up with little information.

Yup

Adjustable Clamp Company, est. 1903 - Made-in-Chicago Museum

A complete history of the Adjustable Clamp Company; part of our growing research archive of notable Chicago manufacturers and their products.

www.madeinchicagomuseum.com

 

[Modern Garage]

I thought they just looked like hardware store quality clamps. It never occurred to me that was the brand name and someone was proud enough of 'em to label them.
Joe

 

[humber2]

I have a few clamps which could be defined as Distortable.

YMMV

 

[Ultradog MN]

We've all had clamps labeled "Malleable" but really, isn't THIS the quality you want in a clamp?
I don't know how long I've had these but for some reason I actually looked at them today.

Good clamps are forged - not cast.

 

[MichaelP]

Adjustable was the brand. I prefer to see Malleable or Unbreakable on mine, but Adjustable were pretty good.

Both brands, "Adjustable" and "Malleable", were acquired by HF and re-branded into "Bendable" and "Breakable" a while ago.

 

[NHtoolguy]

Good clamps are forged - not cast.

I agree that forged is the way to go for serious C-clamps. I prefer the older Williams and Armstrong brands.

 

[Ultradog MN]

I agree that forged is the way to go for serious C-clamps. I prefer the older Williams and Armstrong brands.

Yes, Williams and Armstrong.
Older US drop forged Wiltons too.
And don't forget about the slide type Bessys - from Germany.
I kinda got a jones for good clamps.

 

[Jgaz]

I kinda got a jones for good clamps.

Agreed.
Here’s a shot of many of mine taken for insurance purposes. (Don’t mind the OSHA approved sandals)

Most are Williams, Armstrong, and a few smaller Wiltons.

One of my favorite used tool places in Detroit would sometimes have these for a buck an inch when they bought out a shop in the mid 1980’s

 

[peter_l]

This is a rather apropos thread. Yesterday I picked up a Stanley 763 vise for my hifi bench. I went and bought some new spray paint, including some clear coat. Just for fun I stripped and clear coated this little guy.

There's just something about C-clamps...