C clamps, F clamps...

[F-22]

I really need to get some quality clamps and I wonder which do you like to use. Recent PF video made me believe C clamps are a lot more popular in the US. Not so sure which is a better design, I feel like a big C clamp clamping on something thin will have the screw extended really far out and that probably means the screw gets very bendy. Cheap F clamps are ****, but once you get into the higher end stuff they're quite rigid and the screw is always extended only a centimeter or two but you do get a huge capacity compared to a C clamp.

So what are your experiences? Are C clamps only around because "that's what was always used" in some areas? Cause they're possibly cheaper to make?

I mean for general homeowner needs. Of course an industrial C clamp made for a specific task will be very stout and exactly the right size for what is needed, but you can't really find those useful at home, even just due to the weight...

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I don’t currently own either. I do quite a bit of various home repair type stuff, and never needed them. I had to repair a broken wooden Side table leg Recently and I was nervous as to how I’d put pressure on the re-inserted and glued leg.

Then I realized I could flip the table back around so it’s in its usual upright orientation. And I put a few kettlebells spread around the surface of the table. Putting downward pressure forcing the glued leg back into the joint. No clamp needed

I am big on having tools in advance of need to avoid a wasted trip to Home Depot just to waste money on some Chinese ****. so I’ll be keeping an eye on this thread.

 

[subroc]

What are you using them for? Woodworking, cabinet making, metal working, metal fit-up and welding, vice grips or just the occasional clamp to hold something? Buy clamps to do the work you need done.

 

[Shiftless]

 

[nadogail]

Many of my C clamps are only in two sizes; too large or too small. I have seen a few that had extremely deep throats, they may have been pretty special clamps. Sometimes I have need of a pair of Pony clamps with 10 foot long pipe bodies. I agree with the statement that it is Physically Impossible to own too many clamps. I have employed Ratchet Straps and Water Filled buckets as clamps.

 

[Dave455]

Good quality C clamps are what I have, and I seldom need anything else!

Screw getting bendy when extended? I don’t think so. All of mine are older British made ones by makers such as Record (the classic C clamp) or Woden and they’re all rock solid!

I was fortunate to inherit a load of these in a variety of sizes from both my Dad and Grandfather. If I hadn’t, I’d have gone out and bought the same style used.

I don’t know how many of these were built over the years, many million I suspect, but they don’t really wear out so good quality ones can be a acquired relatively inexpensively.

Most of the new ones are poorly made so I wouldn’t bother with those. F clamps always look a bit cumbersome to my eyes.

The only other clamps I own are sash clamps for bigger projects, which I use maybe every other year, and a couple of the “quick grip” style, which are useful when working on your own!

 

[shawhite]

For general homeowner usage I tend to grab my quick grip bar clamps. For welding it’s usually vise grips or f claps. Can’t tell you the last time my c-clamps have seen action.

 

[HenryAZ]

Sometimes I have need of a pair of Pony clamps with 10 foot long pipe bodies.

You can always use two shorter pipe/bar clamps, end-to-end, to make a longer clamp.

 

[Retroman]

I have a couple different sizes of Kant Twist clamps and really like them along with some F clamps adapted to fit my welding table.

 

[BigMike782]

I have a love hate relationship with F clamps. I love how versatile they are but I hate that once I get something right where I need it I need 12 hands to hold the beam in place while I work the screw. It would be amazing if the beam was spring loaded.

 

[dr_clyde]

The truth is both are useful in their own way and worth owning.

If I could only have one, C-clamps are more stout and have a firmer hold under impact or vibration, but that’s pretty negligible most times.

Strong hand makes a very serviceable F clamp, I have several. The best ones tho are the German made Bessey clamps. They are VERY high quality.

I prefer older American made C-clamps. You can usually find them at flea markets, estate sales, auctions and the like. Wilton, Armstrong, Williams, Cincinnati/Hargrave, and Grand Tank are all worth owning.

 

[RTM]

I have both beefy C clamps, and some wimpy ones. A few deep ones, but mostly standard configuration. They get used for anything. Pushing disc brake piston in, straightening tool boxes, holding stuff to grind on it. The big light duty pair is a Record, long thin body with a long thin fine screw, more appropriate for lighter applications like woodworking.

I also have lots of F clamps, as well as Bessey K Body cabinet clamps, and quick clamps and pipe clamps. The Bessey cabinet clamps get reserved for table top glue ups, when I have time to position them carefully for flat square glue ups. The quick clamps are often the predecessors, getting things lined up, then swapping to the Bessey. The F clamps, in three flavors, most everything else. Some have extra long reach. Pipe clamps when I need cheap, long or extra clamps.

Some clamps shaped like jumper cable clamps, mostly used for quick stupid stuff, not precision clamping.

Got some weird face frame clamps I have not used yet, Universal Wedge I think.

 

[AreBeeBee]

I have lots of C-clamps, mostly older American-made ones, in sizes from an inch or two up to 12 inches. Brands are mostly Cincinnati, Adjustable, and no-names. I also have some PSW ornate oldies (19th century) that work just fine but are mainly great to look at.

The bulk of the clamping I do is for woodworking and I use F-clamps, mostly bought used at ReStore over the years. These are older Jorgensens in lengths from 6 inches to 36 inches. (I've never been tempted by the fully adjustable wood Jorgies that so many love; they just don't work for me.)

My shop also has a number (a dozen?) Irwin quick-set "trigger" clamps mostly in the 1-foot length, again from ReStore (which is my main tool source!). I was really dubious about these things initially, but after getting a couple that were very reasonably priced and trying them, I can see their utility.

As has been pointed out up-thread, your clamp needs will depend largely on what you're using them for.

 

[F-22]

What are you using them for? Woodworking, cabinet making, metal working, metal fit-up and welding, vice grips or just the occasional clamp to hold something? Buy clamps to do the work you need done.

As has been pointed out up-thread, your clamp needs will depend largely on what you're using them for.

Well, on a small European farm... Sometimes I need it in mastonr construction, other times for fabricating metal stuff, third time for woodworking, then for working on a motorcycle.

But yes, I should know by now - just need to get one of each

 

[strutaeng]

I do hobby woodworking and have some pipe clamps, those cabinet parallel jaw clamps and a few f clamps.

I also do a bit of light metal fabrication and have a few c clamps, vice grip clamps and maybe 2 of the specialized F clamps that have that copper plated screw where the weld spatter doesn't stick to it.

They each have their uses, but in a pinch I've used some clamps for one use instead of the intended use. It really depends what you are working with.

You're obviously not going to use C clamps to put together a kitchen cabinet carcass or do a tlabletop glueup. But maybe for a bent lamination they'll work...and lot's of them.

Likewise, don't use clamps with plastic handles or jaw pads to hold something you are welding since the heat will melt the plastic.

 

[ecotec]

I have “all of the above” as far as clamps go.

I have more than enough.

If you have an immediate need… buy whatever you need… but there is tonnage of barely used Made in USA clamps of all kinds out there.

You can probably buy 20 to 40 or so for the price of one at retail.

 

[carmantl]

As an ironworker welder we almost universally use F-clamps for their speed and strength. Once you figure them out they can almost be applied singlehandedly. Big Bessey's get expensive but they can apply upwards of 5 tons clamping force. For good mid grades we like the Tractor supply and HF and Airgas Radnors. Beware though, my 9 ton Bessey J-clamp was $400.00 but it will move steel to my will. Every time.

 

[carmantl]

BigMike, several of the smaller lighter duty Stronghands are spring loaded. We like them for light work. Northern tool has a decent selection.

 

[MushCreek]

C clamps, F clamps, Kant Twist clamps, Vise Grip clamps, pipe clamps; I have 'em all and use 'em all. Kant Twist are my favorite, but expensive, so I try not to expose them to weld spatter or glue. I have two of almost every size they make. I have a pair of big Bessey F clamps that can really put a lot of clamping pressure on stuff. I don't think I have any C clamps over 6".

 

[F-22]

Based on most responses, I think some F clamps make the most sense for me.
In my area, Unior and Gedore seem to be cheaper than Bessey. I don't know if they actually forge them too, but they seem a bit different yet similar and both brands are known for decent tools...

 

[NoahG]

The first rule is you can never have enough clamps!

I can get by with modern import F clamps for most of my projects. I picked up a boat load of 6” Bessey clamps from the Depot a few years back during holiday deals.

For C clamps, sometimes you need that extra clamping power. we’ve been buying the Pony ones from Lowe’s for the shop and they’re fine, but for myself I keep an eye out for old iron.

 

[RTM]

In my area, Unior and Gedore seem to be cheaper than Bessey. I don't know if they actually forge them too, but they seem a bit different yet similar and both brands are known for decent tools...

I prefer the cylinder handle vs T handle for my WW stuff

 

[LeeG]

Take a look at Piher Maxipress clamps. Made in Spain. They are my #1 go-to clamp for anything that I can’t use a vice grip for.

Lee

 

[4 FN 27]

They all serve a purpose. Some better than others. I have no problem investing in Clamps. They make the job easier and more accurate.

 

[F-22]

Take a look at Piher Maxipress clamps. Made in Spain. They are my #1 go-to clamp for anything that I can’t use a vice grip for.

Lee

Those are actually really cool! Thanks! The price is quite reasonable over on German Amazon, most normal sized models under 50€!

 

[tarbellb]

Can't stand using C clamps!

They are so cumbersome, but absolutely do the job.

Big fan of F clamps, if you aren't doing high load jobs ie building bridges etc
F Clamps will serve you well. Bar clamps cover a wide range of projects as well


As everybody says, can't have enough clamps, and they all have a purpose

 

[GeoBruin]

Those are actually really cool! Thanks! The price is quite reasonable over on German Amazon, most normal sized models under 50€!

Cyberweld has the 12" model for $41.

 

[BukitCase]

Another "can't have too many" believer here, 'speshully if you're gonna make your own glue-lams for mezzanine stairs - level (but NOT floor level) work area consisting of one PM66 + 4 Rockler roller stands - this was several years ago, I now have over 2 dozen of the Stronghand F clamps plus a couple of their "one hand" sorta F clamps and a second hand truck stand (no more room on the first one which is 3 rows deep) ... Steve

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

Definitely F clamps over C, they typically are way more adjustable and quicker to use, just slide it to where you need it, a couple twists on the handle and its tight. C clamps you waste half the time turning the screw to where you need it...
Granted, any clamp is better than no clamp when you need one lol.

 

[KenC]

I have a lot, repeat, a lot of clamps. Spring clamps, bar clamps, c clamps, F clamps, the specialized Vise-grip long reach etc. Since I've been buying these for over 60 years there are a lot of brands and price points in the group.

Cheap F-clamps are my most used. From 6" up to 36". Mostly because I once did a project that needed a lot of clamps and I needed cheap because I unbid the job. So, I grabbed a bunch of cheap 6" ones. They worked fine. But I also have a lot of the better ones, especially in longer lengths because the bars rigidity is more important then.

For making frame and panel doors the little aluminum HF bar clamps are great. Light, strong enough and affordable in quantity.

The thing is with clamps is that strength is rarely a big requirement. If you need a big honkin' clamp to make things fit, improve the fit.

In short, I'd recommend what I've done, buy clamps as the need arises, buy to fit the need. Don't get hung up on 'quality'. I define it as fitting to the task, not some arbitrary standard.

 

[MushCreek]

We used to use big F-clamps to assemble molds on the bench, often weighing a ton or more. They can be tight going together, especially when you put new pins and bushings in them.

 

[rharman]

C-Clamps for metal. F & others for wood. Although, I don't own any F-Clamps.

I get the most use out of this style - I have a number of a quality brand but I've found a lot of use for the Harbor Freight small ones. I have about 20 of those for quick small jobs.


Also, the Rockler small versions in every size they make.

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

C-Clamps for metal

Oof. I think not. Bessey or equivalent F clamp are the norm in welding shops everywhere.

 

[Kuma601]

The trigger clamps are convenient. Easy to hold the work then trigger the clamps into position one handed. C-clamps, spring, parallel wood clamps, etc. The Kant Twist cantilever type is my favorite, they are $$.

 

[rharman]

Oof. I think not. Bessey or equivalent F clamp are the norm in welding shops everywhere.

Basically, I meant that I would not use C-Clamps for woodworking. There are better alternatives.

Also, not being a welder, I think of F-Clamps like this....


But, I hear you on the welding style...


And, for some reason, when I hear F-Clamp, I always tend to visualize K-Clamps. No idea why.

 

[F-22]

Basically, I meant that I would not use C-Clamps for woodworking. There are better alternatives.

Also, not being a welder, I think of F-Clamps like this....


But, I hear you on the welding style...


And, for some reason, when I hear F-Clamp, I always tend to visualize K-Clamps. No idea why.

I think the single piece "welding style" Is just the better more expensive F clamp design. The upper one uses cast parts. Overall, the cast one might be better for welding in some cases because weld splatter does not "grip" on cast iron as much, and it's more resistant to corrosion - but in the end they mainly do that only because it's cheaper.

For the one with cast parts, you basically need that strip of steel for the bar and two cast pieces. It's all mass produced in continuous fashion. The upper one has to be individually forged (bent, shaped...) which is a lot more intensive and probably less automated.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

What do you guys think of the vise grip style C-clamps?

 

[F-22]

What do you guys think of the vise grip style C-clamps?

We have some at work, they use them for welding. For that they're really nice, but I don't think you can apply nearly as much torque on them as on the more quality made F clamps. We don't have C clamps here.

So if they're making something new, the vise grip style is great for clamping together sheet metal as it's welded, or even steel tubes. But if what you're welding is a bit crooked and you want to realign it with the clamp as you weld, they typically use the F clamp.

Also, while nicer regular vise grips with good teeth do make a difference, I think that for the clamp style the cheap ones are just as functional. They only squeeze anyway, the jaws can be totally soft mild steel and it will work just as well (even be better perhaps...).

 

[ObnoxiousFumes]

What do you guys think of the vise grip style C-clamps?

Yep, what F-22 said, they’re good for smaller welding projects. Very handy.