Good and proper C clamps

[ChiefBeef]

Howdy fellas,

I'm looking for some C clamps that can actually stand up to hard work. I am so tired of using HF clamps and the second I start reefing on them, they pretzel up or I flare out the pad and soon as it comes off, only thing that's left is the dingus end floating in the breeze.

Enlightenment is greatly appreciated.

 

[matt_i]

I have a few sizes of Wilton 400 series in pairs and they seem to perform well for general purpose work.

 

[bobcatdan]

Wright offers some nice beefy ones.

 

[zkling]

Kant twist, and F clamps. Bridge clamps if you must C clamps.

 

[metaleltr]

Yost seems to be the next best competition to Wilton. Large acme threaded screws, even the smaller one are built quite strong.

 

[danielbuck]

Kant twist, and F clamps. Bridge clamps if you must C clamps.

agreed, I like Kant twist and F clamps

 

[ChiefBeef]

agreed, I like Kant twist and F clamps

What's the trick for getting tons of pressure on an F-clamp? It looks like they all have rubberized handles and so forth.

 

[danielbuck]

What's the trick for getting tons of pressure on an F-clamp? It looks like they all have rubberized handles and so forth.

those are probably the wood clamps. the metal working clamps are all metal, like this, and also in a few different configurations:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G2WSMPV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They don't really look like they will hold a lot because of the sliding arm, but they will.

If I were you, I'd get 2 of this style f-clamp, and two Kant-twist clamps in whatever size you normally use, and see which you like best. I have a variety of sizes of both F and Kant, and can't really say which I like better. sometimes one works better than the other depending on the situation. Can't have too many clamps ;-)

 

[Steve_P]

Williams forged c-clamps are great and made in USA. not cheap, but a fair price for the quality and USA made

 

[ChiefBeef]

If I were you, I'd get 2 of this style f-clamp, and two Kant-twist clamps in whatever size you normally use, and see which you like best. I have a variety of sizes of both F and Kant, and can't really say which I like better. sometimes one works better than the other depending on the situation. Can't have too many clamps ;-)

That's a good idea, and no you can't. Could have used a few more sturdy ones today, trying to guide a spindle back into a strut!

 

[dr_clyde]

I buy Wilton clamps if I can for new. Used, old Hargrave Armstrong, Williams and Grand Tank are my preferred clamps.

We use mostly sliding bar clamps or “F” clamps for general clamping, but sometimes you gotta have a C-clamp.

 

[Willie Makeit]

i buy mine used on eBay. Requirements: they must be forged. they must be Made in the USA.

 

[lardy1]

Garage sales & flea markets. You might have to derust and/or clean them but they're often cheap.

 

[RTM]

The Wood use F clamps have wimpy handles so you can’t over torque the handles and ruin the clamp. I’ve seen people tighten then with pliers, and they slipped ever after.

I buy lots of C clamps used.

 

[dr_clyde]

FWIW, there is a HUGE difference between woodworking “F” clamps and ones designed for metal.

Stronghand, Wilton and Bessey makes good ones.

 

[redwrench60]

Forged Wilton 400 series

 

[Indexmill]

I buy Wilton clamps if I can for new. Used, old Hargrave Armstrong, Williams and Grand Tank are my preferred clamps.

We use mostly sliding bar clamps or “F” clamps for general clamping, but sometimes you gotta have a C-clamp.

This right here is the correct answer. Buy old USA clamps that aren't fucked and restore them.

 

[Tinner]

Wilton 400 C clamps and Bessey sliding bar clamps are what I use.

 

[seanb02]

I purchased 2 sets of these ones last year:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CVKL1B8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I like them a lot for clamping things to the table for welding and whatnot. They hold extremely well, and feel very solid when applying a lot of pressure. I'll likely get another couple sets of them in the near future so as to have 4 total of each size. Originally thought I would just get the two sets and see how the quality was then just buy a couple more individuals in the larger sizes, but I find the smaller ones to be quite useful as well.

 

[Jason280]

Go to your local pawn shops, and buy all the USA manufactured clamps you can find.

 

[ChiefBeef]

Curiously, as far as old clamps go, my best & most reliable one is made "SRI INDIA" (presumably built in Sri Lanka?)

Never seen another like it, but I've given that thing a beating and it refuses to quit.

 

[Joebass]

For C clamps, look on Ebay for older Wilton 400s. I like Besseys or Strong hand f clamps.

 

[matt_i]

I found a couple of these Hargrave hi-viz clamps in the shop as well. Very nice as well.

They are a WMH Tool Group brand just like Wilton.

https://www.southern-tool.com/store/wilton-400cs-spark-c-clamp.php

 

[tarbellb]

Compared to HF clamps, most will be a upgrade.

Bessey still makes some high quality F clamps, be sure to look for the German made options. Same with older Jorgenson, Wilton.

And like others have mentioned, a wood clamp is not a metal clamp, clamps are where the boys get separated from the men.

 

[MushCreek]

I have nearly every size of Kantwist, from 3/4" up to 12". I used them as a toolmaker, and they're great, but expensive. I also have a couple of 24" Bessey F-clamps. Also good; also expensive.

 

[N8sToolz]

Curiously, as far as old clamps go, my best & most reliable one is made "SRI INDIA" (presumably built in Sri Lanka?)

Never seen another like it, but I've given that thing a beating and it refuses to quit.

Reviving an old thread.

I just picked up an entire lot of 50 C clamps. Nearly all USA from the before times. Williams, Bessey, Wilton, Jorgeson, Craftsman and others. Ill never have to buy a clamp again.

In the lot was about a dozen of the clamps labeled SRI- India. They appear to be rugged as hell heavy and thick threads. Just trying to see if there was any more info on them. If that was the COO or the name of manufacturer.

 

[Wamsutta]

 

[RTM]

Curiously, as far as old clamps go, my best & most reliable one is made "SRI INDIA" (presumably built in Sri Lanka?)

:: SRI TOOLS ::

www.sritools.com

SRI TOOLS INDUSTRIES
E-183, E-184, E-185, Phase-IV, Focal Point,
Ludhiana- 141010, Punjab (INDIA).

 

[ricleh]

Lobster brand Japanese C clamps.

 

[tarbellb]

I see youve replied to the 4yr old thread post and didn't read the request 2 post above, meh


also most Wilton clamps are now made overseas!