What size c clamps are most useful?

[PoorOwner]

I was looking at 8, 10, or 12". But I noticed my existing ones are only 4" that sort of get by for clamping down things to cut.

I am wanting to get some bigger ones for fabrications, help with warping during welding. Etc

 

[Ign]

C-clamps, none.

F-clamps, 6" is a good balance. But I use my small 4" Strong Hands A LOT, and other times ya gotta have 8" and 12".

I'd love some bigger than 12" but they're spendy. However furniture clamps (ie pipe clamps) can be a good way to clamp across very long distances, albeit with far less force than other styles.

 

[Packard V8]

What size c clamps are most useful?

How high is up?

How much *** is enough?

I couldn't get by without a couple of dozen; all the way from 1" to 12", they eventually all get used.

Those plus a dozen 3/4" pipe clamps from 2' to 10' and another dozen plus parallel jaw wood clamps.

jack vines

 

[MJD1]

Once you get over about the 6" size, the long screw can be a pita. The 12" f style is a good alternative to c clamps.I have a few of the 20" versions for larger stuff. At any rate, you will want the large , heavy duty versions of what is out there.

 

[dutchgray]

You can never have too many clamps, get as many different types and sizes as you can, I have C's to 12" then some F's and some sash clamps.

 

[KEH]

What packardv8 said. I have found uses for sizes large to small. Don't think I have a 12 inch though.

KEH

 

[Steevo]

If they are for welding, try to get some F clamps instead. They are far more versatile in welding situations.

I own a lot of C-clamps and F-clamps, and the F-clamps get used a lot more.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Maybe I'll answer the opposite question. What's least useful to me? The one's that don't close all the way. I don't have any need for an 8 inch clamp that leaves a 5 inch gap when fully tightened.

 

[Packard V8]

Maybe I'll answer the opposite question. What's least useful to me? The one's that don't close all the way. I don't have any need for an 8 inch clamp that leaves a 5 inch gap when fully tightened.

Yes, I'm gettin' old, but I'm drawing a blank on clamps which leave a 5" gap. Someone please enlighten me.

jack vines

 

[astroracer]

I have all kinds of clamps in my shop. C clamps, F clamps, spring clamps, pipe clamps, clothes pins and rubber bands and rope and whatever else gets put into service. C clamps in sizes from 1/2" to 14 inches... F clamps from 4" to 48".
What you are asking is really moot as any clamping situation requires the correct size and type clamp to get the job done. If I were you I would start buying clamps at Harbor Freight when they are on sale. Smallest to biggest in pairs of two. They are very affordable when on sale.
I have been using the HF clamps for years and they do the job just fine. I've never broken one and they get used hard in my shop.
Mark

 

[tarbellb]

Im with Ign on this, NO C CLAMP is the best.

F-clamps trump C-clamps. I honestly cant think of a situation where a C is better then a F clamp. Please, enlighten me.

 

[General Geoff]

I've found locking C-clamp pliers to be more handy than traditional C-clamps for most uses.

 

[MJD1]

Im with Ign on this, NO C CLAMP is the best.

F-clamps trump C-clamps. I honestly cant think of a situation where a C is better then a F clamp. Please, enlighten me.

C clamp is a lot easier to position and clamp down in many situations. Also in most sizes a C clamp provides more clamping force.

 

[anndel]

I use my 6" C-clamp to compress the caliper piston when doing brake jobs. I have the Lisle hand grip version but it doesn't go in enough as I need to use a block of wood which I didn't have. The C-clamp did the job!

 

[General Geoff]

I use my 6" C-clamp to compress the caliper piston when doing brake jobs. I have the Lisle hand grip version but it doesn't go in enough as I need to use a block of wood which I didn't have. The C-clamp did the job!

That's about all I use standard C-clamps for anymore.

 

[LumpyMusic]

C vs F clamps...

C clamp is a lot easier to position and clamp down in many situations. Also in most sizes a C clamp provides more clamping force.

What situations would a C clamp be easier to position and clamp down than an F?


Sgt Lumpy

 

[MJD1]

C vs F clamps...




What situations would a C clamp be easier to position and clamp down than an F?


Sgt Lumpy

If you ever had to hold something with one hand and position a clamp with the other it would be obvious. Nothing wrong with F clamps, but they are not the perfect solution either. Another situation is where the bottom jaw on an F clamp doesn't have enough clearance to fit over an object. Most C clamps have more clearance on the bottom jaw.

 

[pepi]

This is a Strong Hand clamp, I much prefer them over the C clamp, has many tricks... as seen. You really cannot just buy clamps and have what you need.

Make your best guess and grab 4 to start and buy as the projects present the problems to solve.

Shown below why I like Strong Hand over the C clamp

 

[tarbellb]

Dont get me wrong, having multiple styles of clamps is the best solution.

But, other then rare clearance issues, the F Clamp trumps the C clamp. Keep in mind its also trade based, the majority of my use is welding and wood work.

_ more clamping force, not likely, hand pressure or handles will succumb before maxing out the body.

_ jaw clearance? Not sure which is the bottom, the adjustable side? That usually is dictated by body size, not the adjust screw.

_ Im with lumpy, I dont see how one handed adjustment is easier with C Clamps?

 

[tarbellb]

The HF clamps seem like a good enough option, I personally really like the Bessy mid tier F clamps. They have a composite handle for better ergonomics (clamping pressure), a deep jaw, and more robust body.

If you want to spend the money, StrongHand has a excellent clamp product line.

 

[Monte]

i would check out F clamps also. Faster adjustment...

 

[dutchgray]

Im with Ign on this, NO C CLAMP is the best.

F-clamps trump C-clamps. I honestly cant think of a situation where a C is better then a F clamp. Please, enlighten me.

F clamps fall off easier if they get bumped or are clamped on to something with vibration in my experience. I definitely trust a good drop forged C more.
F's are definitely more versatile for a given size and much cheaper for a given size capacity.

 

[Monte]

F clamps fall off easier if they get bumped or are clamped on to something with vibration in my experience.

All-steel F clamps are flexible and can be used in conjunction with angle grinders or if you hammer on the work piece.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Yes, I'm gettin' old, but I'm drawing a blank on clamps which leave a 5" gap. Someone please enlighten me.

This style:

 

[MJD1]

Dont get me wrong, having multiple styles of clamps is the best solution.

But, other then rare clearance issues, the F Clamp trumps the C clamp. Keep in mind its also trade based, the majority of my use is welding and wood work.

_ more clamping force, not likely, hand pressure or handles will succumb before maxing out the body.

_ jaw clearance? Not sure which is the bottom, the adjustable side? That usually is dictated by body size, not the adjust screw.

_ Im with lumpy, I dont see how one handed adjustment is easier with C Clamps?

I believe that the highest capacity F clamps is 4800 pounds of force. A good forged Armstrong or Wilton in 8" size is about 10,000 pounds, double the force. If that isn't enough , there are bridge clamps, a much heavier version that you tighten with a wrench. I have some 5" ones that are rated at 26,000 pounds. As for adjusting and clamping with a F clamp, try it upside down with one hand . For light to medium use the F style is fine, but expensive.

 

[tarbellb]

I see what your saying about capacity, and yes its correct. But the handles on a typical C clamp are awkward and typically bend well before the rated capacity.

If I was trying to hold a bridge up I would choose a C clamp. But in the shop, where speed, adjustability, clearance come into play I choose the F clamp.

The ultimate in both ease of use and price are the ratcheting F clamps... drool worthy.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Check out Hobart on Amazon and Cripe for F Clamps. For the money they work great. I have 2-8" 2-12" and 2-16. They are not USA, but seem good.

 

[rlitman]

As for adjusting and clamping with a F clamp, try it upside down with one hand.

I hear you. I can think of two easy potential fixes for this:

1) a set screw that stops the sliding action when it isn't desired (basically turning the F clamp into a C clamp, albeit with more limited clamping power).

2) a return spring that keeps the f clamp from slipping open before it is tightened.

As for what size is most useful? I've got a 12" Wilton C clamp I picked up at a pawn shop for fifteen bucks simply because it was cool. Never used it once, probably never will. If I need something this big, I use my Strong Hand F clamps. Smaller, I've got 6" C clamps I use a lot, 4", 5", and 8" ones I use occasionally, and smaller modeling sized ones too. One can never have enough clamps!

 

[sberry]

I didn't have a money shot handy for clamps but some variety is good and I have a few specialty tings but a lot of the staples. You cant have too many vise grip 11r and traditional Clamps. They are super versatile and a guy doesn't have money ******* in specialty stuff fits only the bench he uses on occasion.
Whoops, had a shot. It is handy to have enough to clamp up the whole job on occasion and use clamps a lot for prototype work.

 

[dutchgray]

All-steel F clamps are flexible and can be used in conjunction with angle grinders or if you hammer on the work piece.

We have some Bessey ones much like that at work, they are the best F's we have but they really do bend alot when you tighten then up. There has been situations where I would not trust them to hold.

 

[Monte]

We have some Bessey ones much like that at work, they are the best F's we have but they really do bend alot when you tighten then up. There has been situations where I would not trust them to hold.

Then you need the larger ones
50x25mm rail

 

[LumpyMusic]

One handed F vs C clamps...

If you ever had to hold something with one hand and position a clamp with the other it would be obvious...

Interestingly enough, I find just the opposite. I can one hand apply an F clamp quite easily. Even upside down, reaching through things, at the extent of my reach etc. But a C clamp requires "something" to hold it in place while I turn the screw.

I guess everyone works with he's comfortable with.


Sgt Lumpy

 

[BFBOB]

I've got all sizes (well, many, anyway) and I find I use the 2 1/2 x 2 1/2's a lot.
F clamps and C clamps are really different animals. F's just don't provide anywhere near the clamping force of C's, but I wouldn't part with my Jorgensen F's. Unbeatable in their place.

 

[davewo]

C-clamp meets F-clamp and has babies:

View media item 56523
I just substituted a solid cold rolled bar for the pipe.

 

[MJD1]

C-clamp meets F-clamp and has babies:

View media item 56523
I just substituted a solid cold rolled bar for the pipe.

That's woodtick stuff.

 

[LumpyMusic]

On C clamps are capable of exerting more force than F's...

Some of you must be using your clamps for a purpose that I can't imagine. I clamp parts together so I can tack/weld. I compress brake caliper pistons. I clamp a workpiece to a bench/table so I can grind/cut/plasma/drill it. I've never run across the need for 10,000 lbs of clamping force.

I suppose some of you are using them to bend railroad tracks or battle ship hulls. Just something I don't do.


Sgt Lumpy

 

[davewo]

That's woodtick stuff.

You have a point... These can't be used to bring ship hulls together.

The OP's question is "what size C-clamps to buy?" Average c-clamps are marginal in my opinion. Anyone can buy 8" or 12" clamps and use them down to 0". They just need to be aware of the screw pad flexing off center. It's not helpful to pick out high-dollar and specialized clamps for general purpose duties.

Those "woodstick" clamps (with a 1-1/16" bar, not a pipe) are far more rigid than my Strong Hand f-clamps, and a good deal more rigid than average c-clamps. The greatest advantage is you can have a "c-clamp" of any bar length, yet still have a short (and far more rigid) clamp screw.

 

[MJD1]

What keeps the fixed end attached? The sliding clamping head is more useful than the more common style. Problem I have commonly had with pipe or bar clamps, is that the overhanging lentgh gets in the way. The configuration you have there would work well as a spreader.

 

[davewo]

What keeps the fixed end attached? The sliding clamping head is more useful than the more common style. Problem I have commonly had with pipe or bar clamps, is that the overhanging lentgh gets in the way. The configuration you have there would work well as a spreader.

It screws on with a 3/4 pipe thread.

 

[kball]

I just picked up some of these at HD. They seem pretty sweet. I have F clamps from HF and they work fine. I can't believe how much most places charge for simple F clamps.

Real Tool Reviews video on the Hart Clamps from our fellow member here