C Clamp thread?

[SRX]

I just did a quick scan but did not see anything that stood out. Is there a specific C Clamp thread or any discussion on brands, suppliers, etc?
Thanks.

 

[Farmall450]

I think they just get scattered everywhere! welding may have one?

 

[SRX]

Thanks, I'll dig through there.

It seems that on cl and ebay, a deal is no more than a dollar an inch? Less in sets? Does that sound about right?

 

[Farmall450]

Thanks, I'll dig through there.

It seems that on cl and ebay, a deal is no more than a dollar an inch? Less in sets? Does that sound about right?

I'm really not sure on that. I always think people's "great deals" are high for them lol.

 

[Outlawmws]

You should start one, but "the Adjustable Clamp Company" (Now owned by Jorgansen?) makes good clamps and are readily available both new and used. My local ACE hardware has them. Not exactly inexpensive, but way better prices than Wilton, and light years better quality than Asian imports...

Used I'm cheap because I a) have so many already; and b) there is always another waiting that IS cheap.

Up to 6" I pay $1-$2 each, maybe a bit more for larger clamps. Rusty is fine; it wire wheels off easily, and cleanly. I generally paint the frames post wire wheeling, and oil up the screw post paint.

Most of mine come from the yard sale/flea market circuit.

 

[rlitman]

Dollar an inch makes no sense.
$1 for a 2oz 1" clamp, $6 for a 5 lb 6" clamp, $12 for a 40lb 12" clamp?

If it is cast iron, and not Craftsman brand, pass. (I'll only consider the Craftsman ones for real cheap, because they're easy to warranty).

If it is malleable/nodular iron, and cheap, I'll think about it.
If it is forged steel, now we're talking. Especially if it has acme threads, or better yet, copper plated threads.

I'll pay around $8 for a 6" Wilton that's "brown". The last 12" I got for was $20, but that was a screaming deal.
My favorite is Williams. I have a 6" Williams Aggrippa that feels like it could pull continents together. It's got an especially fine thread that give you more leverage on the screw. That one I'd pay $12 or more for if I saw more of them.

 

[SRX]

Thank you both. I was looking for some keywords to begin the search.

 

[Outlawmws]

If you are looking for bands here's a list, many defunct or the name sold to
Asia, but for vintage its a decent list:

Adjustable Clamp Company
Armstrong
B & C co.
Brownie
Craftsman
Cincinnati
Durabuilt
Jorgansen
Maleble Iron
Stearns
Williams
Wilton
W.C. Co.
W.S. & P

 

[SRX]

So, would $100 for 80 misc. clamps be decent? They range in size from 3" up to 10" with a few wood clamps, pipe clamps, and tension/spring clamps in the count as well. I need the C Clamps and would use the wood clamps.

 

[SRX]

Thanks Outlaw! Outstanding as always!

 

[Outlawmws]

Depends on brands if dominated by import stuff I would probably not be interested. If it has mostly or all vintage US stuff, its a great way to be instantly ready for most any clamping job.

 

[bulletpruf]

Resurrecting an old thread instead of starting a new one...

Plan to get a bit more involved in general fab work, body work, welding, etc when I return to the states. Have several months to source clamps, but no garage sales here in Korea and haven't seen any at the flea markets. Was looking at new stuff - D@MN, you can spend some coin on new forged c-clamps!

Looking on eBay, I see a LOT of Wilton, Armstrong, and JH Williams forged clamps. Since I have some time, I figure I'll try to find decent deals, preferably all forged, and preferably of the same manufacturer. I'm guessing Wilton, Armstrong, and Williams are all comparable quality? Should I stay away from the newer Wilton clamps? I know you have to be careful about buying new Wilton vises these days.

Any thoughts about how many and what sizes? I realize this is a dangerous question to ask y'all (the crowd who doesn't see a problem with having more than 100 ratchets!), but still interested in feedback on how many of each size, what sizes, and should I also get standard and *********** of each size?

Thanks!

Scott

 

[Outlawmws]

If you need a lot of them, your best bet is the used market; and why would you care if they are different brands?

Size is a tough question without knowing what you fabricate. is opening the driver, or is depth of clamp? Most C clamps don't have a lot of reach and extra *********** clamps are not common.

Just grabbing my collection as an indicator, there are some that are more common and some that are less:

Adjustable/Jorgansen (Jorg, bought Adjustable) are by far the most common around here, followed by Cincinnati and Malleable Iron.


No Name 7
Adjustable Clamp Company 35
Armstrong 1
B&C co. 5
Brownie 3
Craftsman 6
Cincinnati 20
Durabuilt 2
Grand Specialties 1
Jorgansen 13
Jorg. Pony 3 way 2
Jorg, table clamp 1
Malleable Iron 10
Stearns 6
Williams 2
Wilton 1
W.C Co. 1
W.S. & P 1

 

[MagnumForce]

I have a billion, if I find a deal I buy more, as a fabricator you can never have enough, same with vice grip clamps. I have never found a particular brand that is better than another nor do I pay much attention, it's a C Clamp. I get what I can get a deal on.

 

[southalabama]

All I ever seem to find in yard sales are ones missing the pads.

 

[WWIIjeep]

Adjustable/Jorgansen (Jorg, bought Adjustable)

Not quite, but you're not alone in that assumption, so that's why last year, The Adjustable Clamp Co. officially changed its name to "Pony Tools, Inc."

The Adjustable Clamp Co.--now Pony Tools, Inc.--has been under the same family ownership ever since its founding in 1903. "Jorgensen" is simply one of its brands, as is "Pony."


Looking back upthread, adding a few more mostly old brand names:

Bessey (popular with woodworkers)
Brinks & Cotton (AKA "B&C," formerly a decent quality US brand; name now used for a line of imports)
Hargrave (AKA "Cincinnati Hargrave" and later, Cincinnati Tool Co., now out of business)
Judd (mostly lightweight clamps)
Stanley and Stanley Handyman (mostly lightweight clamps)
Universal (Good quality US-made bar clamps, that have unfortunately now been cloned by the Chinese)
Wetzler (very high quality, now out of business)

 

[Outlawmws]

Well they should make some effort on their web site then because that's what led me there. Maybe with the re-name they fixed it? I haven't looked recently...

 

[Outlawmws]

All I ever seem to find in yard sales are ones missing the pads.

You can get replacement pads for the larger ones at Grangers/Mcmaster...

And I'll even buy slightly bent clamps, as they are usually not that hard to tweak back into alignment.

 

[nicksnothereman]

The trick with clamps and anything threaded like that (vises) is hell of a lot of grease on the threaded shaft. For me...maybe not for other people. Turns something from p.i.t.a. to use to awesome sauce.

I have crappy c clamps though because I'm cheap and prefer a full compliment of tools/options. I don't have a negative opinion of the vintage stuff, it's probably better built and comparatively cheaper to the modern good stuff just...not for me because it's harder for me to find and shipping can be a killer. Usually I pick up something from the auto parts store, lowes or home depot...modern (fairly) cheap stuff (great neck) works really well for me. Usually I need big jaw stuff so mucho diniero.

 

[WWIIjeep]

Well they should make some effort on their web site then because that's what led me there. Maybe with the re-name they fixed it? I haven't looked recently...

Well, maybe they sort of fixed it. Their current website is:

http://www.ponytools.com/

If you need a lot of them, your best bet is the used market; and why would you care if they are different brands?

This ^^^

I'd say about a third of my clamps I bought new. The rest have come from auctions/swap meets/estate or yard sales.

They certainly don't all need to be one brand, mainly because no one maker makes all types.

I'm picky about brand and COO though. Of the 150+ clamps I've got of all styles (C-clamp, bar clamp, welding clamp, spring clamp, etc.) most are Cincinnati/Hargrave or Adjustable/Jorgensen/Pony. My heavy-duty C-clamps--the type that need a wrench to tighten them--are all Armstrong or Williams. My heavy-duty bar clamps for metal fabricating are all Cincinnati/Hargrave or Wetzler.

 

[ritzblitz]

150 clamps? Jeez. I think you should put up a picture to really get this thread going.

Another company I didn't see mentioned is Billings. Input them up there with Williams for quality.

My favorite clamps in my collection are Wilton c clamps. For their size, they are built heavier than the others. The screw is considerably larger. Got them at a flea market.

 

[bulletpruf]

If you need a lot of them, your best bet is the used market; and why would you care if they are different brands?

Size is a tough question without knowing what you fabricate. is opening the driver, or is depth of clamp? Most C clamps don't have a lot of reach and extra *********** clamps are not common.

Just grabbing my collection as an indicator, there are some that are more common and some that are less:

Adjustable/Jorgansen (Jorg, bought Adjustable) are by far the most common around here, followed by Cincinnati and Malleable Iron.


No Name 7
Adjustable Clamp Company 35
Armstrong 1
B&C co. 5
Brownie 3
Craftsman 6
Cincinnati 20
Durabuilt 2
Grand Specialties 1
Jorgansen 13
Jorg. Pony 3 way 2
Jorg, table clamp 1
Malleable Iron 10
Stearns 6
Williams 2
Wilton 1
W.C Co. 1
W.S. & P 1

Sourcing all one brand and model to start off appeals to me, but I realize it's not terribly practical.

Opening size is what I'm looking for.

I didn't see many Adjustable/Jorganson's on eBay.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[bulletpruf]

Looks like Wilton 400 series and Williams 400 series are some of the most common forged models on eBay. Fair number of Armstrong, too.

The Williams vulcan series are heavier duty, need a wrench to tighten, good bit more expensive.

 

[Outlawmws]

150 clamps? Jeez. I think you should put up a picture to really get this thread going.

Another company I didn't see mentioned is Billings. Input them up there with Williams for quality.

My favorite clamps in my collection are Wilton c clamps. For their size, they are built heavier than the others. The screw is considerably larger. Got them at a flea market.

Heh, Between WWII, myself, and some others, the pictures would take days to get... I've 132 C-clamps, and just ticked over 200 of all classes...

I'll try to get some pics of representative samples going.

 

[Outlawmws]

The trick with clamps and anything threaded like that (vises) is hell of a lot of grease on the threaded shaft. For me...maybe not for other people. Turns something from p.i.t.a. to use to awesome sauce.

I have crappy c clamps though because I'm cheap and prefer a full compliment of tools/options. I don't have a negative opinion of the vintage stuff, it's probably better built and comparatively cheaper to the modern good stuff just...not for me because it's harder for me to find and shipping can be a killer. Usually I pick up something from the auto parts store, lowes or home depot...modern (fairly) cheap stuff (great neck) works really well for me. Usually I need big jaw stuff so mucho diniero.

For me the trick is wire wheeling the rust and crud off the threads, then possibly a light oiling w/ motor oil.

The problem with that is the lube collects **** and then the problem is worse, much worse if you are grinding on steel parts being fabricated in a welding environment.

 

[Outlawmws]

Bullet, another good clamp to have lots of for metal fab are the C-grip vise grips, both with and without the swivel pads, and of course the Kant-Twist (Sp?) clamps, but those are $$.

If you are doing a lot of sheet metal, then Cleco fasteners are the hot setup.

 

[WWIIjeep]

150 clamps? Jeez. I think you should put up a picture to really get this thread going.

You left out the "+" after the 150.

Heh, Between WWII, myself, and some others, the pictures would take days to get... I've 132 C-clamps, and just ticked over 200 of all classes...

Yeah, really. My camera doesn't have that much memory. Given all the places in the shop where mine are stored, it would take about 16 photos just to get a basic view of most of them.

Here's what was in one drawer:

The Armstrong T-slot clamps in the middle are really handy if you've got a drill press with T-slots. I don't know if they still offer them; I bought those new a long time ago.

And here's part of what's hanging next to my drill press:

That represents about 25% of my large (5" and larger) C-clamps and maybe 10% of my bar clamps.

If I ever decide to sheetrock that wall, I'm going to have to come up with a new storage method.

2 pictures down, 14 to go....

 

[Outlawmws]

And you already know what to do: a 2X2 screwed to the studs on top of the sheet rock. then the same as what you have done... My pipe clamps are stored that way. I need more wall space to do the same for the bar clamps.

Maybe that same wood bar on spacers for your C clamps.

 

[Outlawmws]

OK, A sampling:

C- clamps; there are 4 aluminum clamps in thre, handy for clamping things thst owudl be delfected at best, borken at worst if a hesvy steel clamp wes used. most of these are Adjsutable. I have another drawer in anothe rbox with a lot of older clamps, many of which have wing nuts not bars to tighten then, adn I thinkl that is where my Havy bridge clamsp are also. I had 3 really big bridge clams a couple of years ago but I sole them to a guy here on GJ since I really don't use thae adn wil probsbly find more in my travels...

Pipe Clamps, Most of them. The wood "bar" above is also a clamp, very antique.

Most of my C Grips:

My bar clamps and more pipe clamps - It's a mess. Two yeas ago I had maybe 1 or 2... then they started popping up... I need to do something like I did with the Pipe clamps. My wood screw clamps are in a similar messy pile...

Welders clamps:

 

[ritzblitz]

Yes! Just what I asked for. Now we have the beginnings of a good thread I'll have to post some pictures of my clamps. Nothing compared to what you guys have, but I haven't been around nearly as long.

WWII, here's your "+" sorry I forgot that important character.

Kant-Twist clamps are awesome, just have to say that since they did get a mention.

 

[bulletpruf]

Bullet, another good clamp to have lots of for metal fab are the C-grip vise grips, both with and without the swivel pads, and of course the Kant-Twist (Sp?) clamps, but those are $$.

If you are doing a lot of sheet metal, then Cleco fasteners are the hot setup.

I have a few c-grip vise grips, but need more.

I'm not familiar with the Kant-Twist clamps but found some on eBay. The ones that I saw weren't unreasonable $. Where/how does one use one of these?

Need to pick up Cleco fasteners.

Thanks!

Scott

 

[Outlawmws]

Well, when I'm spending an average of 1-2 bucks on yard sale C-Clamps, Kant-Twist seems less than reasonable...

 

[bulletpruf]

You left out the "+" after the 150.




Yeah, really. My camera doesn't have that much memory. Given all the places in the shop where mine are stored, it would take about 16 photos just to get a basic view of most of them.

Here's what was in one drawer:

The Armstrong T-slot clamps in the middle are really handy if you've got a drill press with T-slots. I don't know if they still offer them; I bought those new a long time ago.

I have a large floor model DP with T-slots. Those Armstrong T-slot clamps are NICE, but EXPENSIVE! I didn't see any on eBay. Did a search and looks like these are $200+ each new.

Thanks

Scott

 

[bulletpruf]

OK, A sampling:

C- clamps; there are 4 aluminum clamps in thre, handy for clamping things thst owudl be delfected at best, borken at worst if a hesvy steel clamp wes used. most of these are Adjsutable. I have another drawer in anothe rbox with a lot of older clamps, many of which have wing nuts not bars to tighten then, adn I thinkl that is where my Havy bridge clamsp are also. I had 3 really big bridge clams a couple of years ago but I sole them to a guy here on GJ since I really don't use thae adn wil probsbly find more in my travels...

Pipe Clamps, Most of them. The wood "bar" above is also a clamp, very antique.

Most of my C Grips:

My bar clamps and more pipe clamps - It's a mess. Two yeas ago I had maybe 1 or 2... then they started popping up... I need to do something like I did with the Pipe clamps. My wood screw clamps are in a similar messy pile...

Welders clamps:

Ok, more questions....

What's the application for a pipe clamp? I'm not familiar with these.

Do you have a side view of the welders clamps? When are these helpful?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[Outlawmws]

Pipe clamps are usually used by furniture makers, but I've used them for metal fab as well. Anywhere you need to clamp across a long distance. Limited only by the pipe length...

The welders grips allow you to clamp something and weld on either side or in between the clamps fingers. Once well tacked, up they can be removed so you can fully weld it up if needed.

 

[bulletpruf]

Pipe clamps are usually used by furniture makers, but I've used them for metal fab as well. Anywhere you need to clamp across a long distance. Limited only by the pipe length...

The welders grips allow you to clamp something and weld on either side or in between the clamps fingers. Once well tacked, up they can be removed so you can fully weld it up if needed.

Thanks, Outlaw. Appreciate the info.

Scott

 

[ritzblitz]

Kant-Twist clamps are nice for holding two things together when you don't want the rotation of the screw to influence the clamping. Hence Kant twist. They are usable with one hand in some cases. And the jaws are copper I believe so weld doesn't stick and they don't mark your part.

They sort of take the place of parallel clamps in my box.

 

[bulletpruf]

Kant-Twist clamps are nice for holding two things together when you don't want the rotation of the screw to influence the clamping. Hence Kant twist. They are usable with one hand in some cases. And the jaws are copper I believe so weld doesn't stick and they don't mark your part.

They sort of take the place of parallel clamps in my box.

Ok, that makes sense.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I have one large c clamp I use for doing brakes. All my other stuff is vice grips or small import c clamps. This one is a 6" Cincinnati Tool Comp made in USA.

 

[BJ42LX]

Found these J. H. Williams forged clamps in a bucket in the garage. I forgot I bought them last year. They cleaned up OK.