Good clamps make woodworking possible. I’ve accumulated maybe thirty over the years, and there’s still always one more I wish I had. Here’s what I’ve learned about the different types.
F-Clamps
The workhorses. F-clamps have a sliding arm that gives you quick adjustability. I use these more than anything else. Get them in multiple sizes – 6″, 12″, and 24″ covers most situations.
Quality matters here. Cheap F-clamps flex under pressure and the clutch slips. Bessey and Jorgensen are reliable brands.
Pipe Clamps
For big panel glue-ups, nothing beats pipe clamps. Buy the heads and make them whatever length you need with standard pipe. I have heads on 3-foot, 5-foot, and 8-foot pipes.
The long reach makes them essential for tabletops, doors, or anything wider than 24 inches. Alternate them above and below the work to prevent bowing.
Parallel Clamps
Expensive but worth it for precise work. The jaws stay perfectly parallel, which means even pressure across the entire surface. I use these for cabinet assembly where everything needs to stay square.
Bessey K-body clamps are the gold standard. They’re not cheap, but they last forever and make glue-ups much less stressful.
Spring Clamps
Quick, cheap, one-handed operation. Limited pressure, but perfect for holding things temporarily while you grab a real clamp. I have a dozen scattered around the shop.
Bar Clamps
Similar to F-clamps but with longer reach. One-handed models let you position work and clamp simultaneously. Good for solo work when you need a third hand.
Specialty Clamps
Corner clamps hold pieces at 90 degrees – essential for frames and boxes. Band clamps wrap around irregular shapes. Toggle clamps mount to jigs for repeatable setups.
You’ll know when you need these – you’ll have a specific problem that only they solve.
My Advice
Start with a dozen F-clamps in mixed sizes and a pair of pipe clamps. Add more as specific projects demand them. You can never have too many clamps, but you can definitely have too few.
