C Clamp Recommendations?

[Filson]

Hey guys n' gals,

Nothing too complicated or anything, just want some opinions on descent C Clamps? I think it's impossible to have too many of them, and would like to add ~60-100 of different sizes, and would like them to be descent quality. I've had some cheap **** that lasted 2-3 uses before I bent the screw handle and stuff.

So what have you guys used that you liked, and felt like it was strong and durable?

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Williams, Armstrong, Wilton, Bessey.

 

[Wamsutta]

I recommend Wilton, but they can get expensive.

 

[dlcwent]

Pony makes a fair clamp for the money.

 

[skruft]

I am mostly a woodworker so not a heavy user of C-clamps, but mine are all of old US brands, all found used. I would say, don't spend for new ones.

 

[Itinerant]

Wilton, Armstrong, Jorgensen, Brink & Cotton. I buy all of mine at garage sales or the flea market for pennies on the dollar verus new cost.

 

[MagnumForce]

We have Armstrong exclusively at work at they are all at least 20 years old and still in amazing shape.

 

[catalytic]

Bessey is the gold standard for metal working clamps these days. Take a look at this page:

http://besseytools.com/en/subcatego...600030023&ASIMOID_SC=0000000100030a6400020023

Note that truly heavy duty C clamps are actually called 'bridge clamps' by other companies. They are not cheap.

That said, are you absolutely sure you want a C clamp? I hate the things, as they always twist my work as I tighten them the very last bit. Most people I know who fab the screw types of these rather than 'C' clamps for the added capacity, and I actually switched over to the lever types (with red handles) shown here so they also don't ever twist the work:

http://www.besseytools.com/en/subca...300030023&ASIMOID_MC=000000000001f07600030023

and

http://www.besseytools.com/en/subca...500020023&ASIMOID_MC=000000000001f07600030023

I also keep a bunch of these around (vise grip 310s, 310r, 318s, 318r -- the 310r are probably my favorite among these). They are not as robust as others, but you can use them one handed with some practice:



Likewise, smaller Kant Twist (1", 2", 4", 6") have replaced my smaller 'C' clamps unless I'm doing something that will destroy a clamp. They are fantastic, and you can find them up to pretty large sizes (12"+):


If you don't want to pay Kant Twist prices, then the Strong Hand Tool shark clamps (SC50 for example) are very similar and have 1000lb of clamping force -- These would be my go-to if I wanted to buy C clamp replacements that were strong and still cheap:
http://www.trick-tools.com/Shark_Cl...SSFDgUliCCGiRXa1fi1smk4Tfmt8AvAqesaAjVe8P8HAQ

And if you really want something monstrously heavy duty, then check out Carver rack clamps. They're rare stateside, but industrial welders in the UK love them:
http://www.carver.co.uk/prod_rack.htm

 

[d.mcfarland]

USA made. That's the only thing you need. **** is **** when it comes to clamps.

 

[Filson]

Thanks for all the replies so far, guys. Time to do some comparing with all these brands to check out. =)

catalytic - I never even considered those other options, and those will most certainly represent at least half of the extra clamps I want to add - good recommendation! As for the Carver rack clamps - I have absolutely ZERO use for those, and yet I'd love to have a couple. >.>

This damn forum man, seriously... Hahaha!

 

[NoahG]

Pony is the baseline standard in my eyes. I've held a lot of stage decks together with Pony clamps. Jorgensen is great. But pretty much any USA made clamp is good.

 

[413dan]

look for some usa ones at tag sales and such, I always see c clamps, good usa malleable iron

 

[BellyUpFish]

This damn forum man, seriously... Hahaha!

Place has a great habit of causing you to spend money on things you had no idea you needed..

That said, 95% of the stuff I've bought due to this site, has been money well spent.

 

[fnieto]

Williams, Armstrong, Wilton, Bessey.

Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes!

You can find preowned quality clamps pretty often.

 

[HubbaBubba]

Wilton, Armstrong, Jorgensen, Brink & Cotton. I buy all of mine at garage sales or the flea market for pennies on the dollar verus new cost.

Used Used Used....+1.

 

[devoncoolman]

Ive only ever bought two new c-clamps. 2 wilton coated screw clamps. Great for welding the spater wont stick to the screw. But stupid expensive. I have probably 40 clamps ive bought used for pennies on the dollar. I always buy wilton, hargrave, williams, armstrong, pony. Got a couple used ponys they are a thinner cheaper clamp then the others but still good quality though. Some of my hargraves i think could hold a bridge together these things are serious and frikin heavy.

 

[tarbellb]

Seriously, do yourself a favor and look into bar clamps aka f-style clamps. Uses a fixed upper jaw and a bar with teeth and lower adjustable jaw. Totally adjustable, confess in different sizes and way way more user friendly.
I hate c clamps.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Ehoma........Have fun with that..........