Clamps and Vices: Essential Holding Equipment

You can never have too many clamps. They're essential for holding work securely while you work on it. Here's a guide to the main types.

F-Clamps (Bar Clamps)

The workshop workhorse:

• Quick to adjust and apply
• Various sizes from small to very large
• Good clamping pressure
• Affordable enough to own many

Quick-Release Clamps

One-handed operation for convenience:

• Squeeze trigger to tighten
• Fast application
• Lower maximum pressure than F-clamps
• Good for positioning before final clamping

G-Clamps (C-Clamps)

Traditional screw-adjusted clamps:

• High clamping pressure
• Very sturdy
• Slower to adjust
• Various sizes and throat depths

Sash Clamps

For large panel glue-ups:

• Long reach for wide assemblies
• Essential for door and frame work
• Heavy-duty versions for heavy loads
• Pipe clamps offer economical alternative

Spring Clamps

Quick and light:

• Instant application
• Low clamping force
• Good for temporary holds
• Inexpensive

Workbench Vices

Fixed clamping for your bench:

• Engineer's vice: Metal work, heavy clamping
• Woodworker's vice: Larger jaws, softer grip
• Quick-release vice: Fast jaw adjustment

Specialist Clamps

• Corner clamps: Hold 90-degree joints
• Band clamps: Irregular shapes, round objects
• Edge clamps: Apply edging strips
• Toggle clamps: Quick on/off for jigs

Using Clamps Effectively

• Apply pressure evenly across the joint
• Use blocks to protect surfaces
• Check alignment before final tightening
• Don't over-tighten - you'll squeeze out all the glue
• Remove excess glue before it sets

Browse our hand tools for quality clamps and holding equipment.