Quality large C-clamps

[steve63]

Who Makes large C-clamps like 12 inch? We all know china does not make a
C-clamp you would stand under. Thanks

 

[jobo1004]

Wilton and Armstrong both do, but a 12" forged clamp will cost you $100+.

 

[bob15]

Wright, Proto, Williams

Kant Twist....different design, strong as hell.

Older companies: Bonney, Billings & Spencer

 

[Wamsutta]

Wilton

 

[jakemac]

Under the heading of older companies, if you go the used route :

Cincinnati Tool (they may also be labeled under the Hargrave name)
Stearns is another one, but I don't know if they made 12+ inchers.

 

[Techie1961]

Find some Bessey clamps. The sliding movable portion makes them really quick and they are very strong.

 

[MJD1]

For large clamps like that you would probably be better off with the F style clamps. Bessey, Wilton or strong hand make good clamps. For conventional ones Wilton, Armstrong or Hargrave make decent forged clamps.

 

[LordPsychon]

You're going to be hard pressed to find an inexpensive good quality 12" C-clamp. I agree with MJD1, I'd go with F-clamps. Bessey is the only company I can think of that might not break the bank for more than 2 of them but I'm not sure about the quality of their larger clamps (I like their smaller ones just fine though).

 

[Duth62]

As usual.Great quality.
http://www.ehoma.tw/

 

[turbowoodworker]

I picked up four Wilton 12' C clamps BNIB for $50 at an auction a couple of years ago.

Jumping for joy on a steal but got home and read the fine print "Made to Wilton standards in China". Still not a bad score but a little ego deflating. They are really built but you would expect that for a 12 incher.

I have seen that on Irwin stuff at Lowe's recently too. Not sure if all the Wiltons are Chinese or just mine/subset.

 

[Steevo]

I have a couple of 14" Cincinnati tool C-clamps, and they are the best made of any in my collection, which contains Wilton, and several other major USA brands.

 

[DanarchyCustoms]

The best clamps that we have in the shop right now are Hargrave. Not sure on COO but they are great and very beefy.

 

[jakemac]

I have a couple of 14" Cincinnati tool C-clamps, and they are the best made of any in my collection, which contains Wilton, and several other major USA brands.

The best clamps that we have in the shop right now are Hargrave. Not sure on COO but they are great and very beefy.

Hargrave IS Cincinnati Tool (or vise-versa). If you look closely at some of the CT clamps you may find the H-circle logo of Hargrave stamped into the yoke.

I believe that they're still made in the US, but I can't swear to that.

 

[southalabama]

I wouldn't stand under any c clamp.

That said those listed above are good.

I hear the garage sale story finds. I've just never been to a garage sale that didn't have hf ****.

 

[Tinner]

Enco has the Wilton *********** forged clamps in Hot Deals right now. I bought 4 each of the 3" and 4" when they had 20% off plus free shipping. They are made in China, but are excellent quality with lifetime warranty.

They also have the regular duty Besseys on the same page. They're not nearly as strong as a standard forged c-clamp, but they sure are handy.

Prices are good through the end of May. I'd wait for another free shipping and/or % off deal.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=16&PMKANO=391&PARTPG=INLMPA&PMCTLG=01

 

[tarbellb]

Who still uses C-clamps?

Im not sure I can think of a situation where a C-clamp would be better then a F-clamp?

 

[justanengineer]

Who still uses C-clamps?

Im not sure I can think of a situation where a C-clamp would be better then a F-clamp?

C-clamps are usually a bit stiffer. I prefer my quick-release Wiltons to any F-clamp Ive come across.

 

[MJD1]

I really can't see a 12" c clamp being stiffer than an f clamp unless its a heavier frame. The flex in clamps mostly is from the screw. Also with the f clamps there are a few different force ratings.

 

[Jack Olsen]

For big clamps, I've got Armstrong, Cincinnati, Hargrave, Williams and Wilton -- all of them bought second-hand. I've got a lot of Chinese clamps in the smaller sizes. There's no comparison, although you don't always need the better quality.

 

[HMCFab9]

I bought nice Wilton c-clamps from Enco & Zoro when they have the %off sales.
I have also bought really nice Stronghand tools F-style clamps from Enco & I like them better than regular c-clamps.

 

[Pinaud]

Adjustable Clamp company, I believe Epstein's carries them.

 

[d.mcfarland]

http://store.harryepstein.com/c/Cclamps.html