All clamps serve the same purpose: to hold things securely. But you might be surprised at how many different types there are.
From spring clamps to pipe clamps, spreader clamps to parallel clamps, and the classics like F Clamps and G Clamps, these beauties put the pressure on when it comes to holding your projects together. Securing delicate objects? A plastic clamp will provide the perfect hold. And bar clamps, with their versatility and strength, are just the ticket when gluing, holding or screwing materials together on projects big and small.
So if you’re looking for a top-notch set of hand clamps, or the quick-release triggers and powerful clamping force that Irwin clamps offer, Tool Kit Depot has the lowdown on the perfect clamp for every job!
Come on down and chat to our friendly experts today—we’re your ultimate hand tool destination!
Clamp FAQ
What is a clamp?
A clamp is a tool that holds the fort down while you do the work. They temporarily hold materials or objects securely in place until they’re permanently secured with nails, glue, screws or adhesive. The C clamp or G clamp will be your trusty sidekick in carpentry and welding, and they’re great at holding wood or metal pieces together.
Need to glue or fasten pieces of wood? Then reach for a G clamp! Got a larger piece that's too thick for a C or G clamp? Then F clamps are the answer. And don’t forget about the unsung hero of decking—the deck clamp—that keeps your deck boards in check while you work your magic. There’s wood clamps for your carpentry, long clamps for those extended projects, and everything in between. They’re a great choice for any project—big or small.
How tight should a clamp tool be?
You might be under pressure to get a job done, but you want your project tightened with just the right amount of force to avoid warping, or the material slipping out of the clamp’s grip. That means you need to vary the pressure to suit the material you're working with.
Too tight and you could risk weakening or warping your joint. Too loose and everything falls apart. For instance, with woodworking clamps, aim for 100 to 150 psi for clamping softwoods and 175–250 psi for hardwoods. Whether you're dealing with small clamps or bar clamps, the key is finding that sweet spot—not too loose, not too tight. That's the secret to a first-rate finish!
What is the most useful bar clamp size?
The most useful bar clamp size depends on the type of job that you're trying to tackle.
For example, if you're a furniture or cabinet maker and need to clamp some 914 mm panels, find a clamp with a bar length longer than the object at hand.
Spread capacity is the maximum width that can be clamped. If you regularly work with longer pieces, then you'll need longer clamps. Throat depth is also important, measuring the distance between the jaws and the body of the clamp itself. Like spread capacity, the larger the depth of your clamp, the more materials you can accommodate, especially when it comes to bigger jobs.
Clamping pressure is essential when choosing a quality clamp bar. It should have a tight, firm grip to ensure materials, no matter how thick or thin, are held securely in place. You should also look for a bar clamp with protective pads on the jaws to avoid scratching your work.
So come on down and chat to our friendly experts today—we’re your ultimate hand tool destination!
