Parallel clamps
Clamping ForceĪvoiding gaps between boards or pulling together challenging joinery sometimes requires a bit of extra pressure from parallel clamps. There’s also a method of hooking two clamps together-jaw to jaw-but the pressure isn’t quite as evenly distributed. For larger projects like cabinets and doors, however, 30-inch or even 48-inch clamps might be necessary.įor massive projects, many manufacturers do sell brackets to convert two smaller parallel clamps into one longer clamp. These clamps are small, light, and easy to maneuver around a tight shop. If you’ll be gluing mostly small projects, such as a cutting board or a picture frame, 24-inch parallel clamps will likely do the trick. However, keep in mind that while purchasing the longest possible clamp will provide the widest clamping range, it might not be the most logical move. When it comes to choosing the best parallel clamps for your workshop, length is definitely a factor as well. Many of the best parallel clamps actually feature a plastic coating over the top of steel jaws, providing strength, a lightweight design, and a mar-free surface. They do tend to be more expensive than plastic models, and longer steel clamps can be heavy and awkward to set up until you are used to their design.īut there’s good news. Steel parallel clamps are the heavier-duty option, exerting a lot of force and resisting becoming deformed under pressure. Also, they’re unable to provide quite as much strength as steel parallel clamps. However, because plastic isn’t as sturdy as steel, it can become damaged or deformed under enough pressure. They can sometimes cost and weigh less than half of a steel model. Plastic parallel clamps are all about both cost and weight savings. While almost all parallel clamps feature steel bars, the actual clamping jaws are the focus here. Parallel clamps are typically made from one of two materials: plastic and steel. With the large number of parallel clamps on the market and the range in price, choosing the best parallel clamps often comes down to the material first and foremost.
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It’s important to keep these and other considerations in mind when shopping for these handy tools. These clamps provide even pressure, and they span a range of sizes and materials. The best parallel clamps are-by far-one of the most useful clamps for woodworking glue-ups and assemblies. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Parallel Clamps ALSO CONSIDER: JET 70431 31″ Parallel Clamp (2-Pack).BEST KIT: Bora 4-Piece Parallel Clamp Set 571550.BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Bessey KR3.524 24-Inch K Body REVO Fixed Jaw Parallel.
Parallel clamps upgrade#
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BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: POWERTEC 71368 Woodworking Parallel Clamps 24-Inch.BEST OVERALL: Jorgensen Cabinet Master 24-inch 90° Parallel Jaw Bar.This guide will explore the most important factors to consider as you choose the best parallel clamps for your woodworking projects and then highlight the selections of some of the top products on the market. There are plenty of products on the market, and choosing the right one for your specific needs can be challenging.
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Shopping for the best parallel clamps can be fairly involved, however. They create evenly distributed pressure that prevents joints from warping or shifting, providing a workpiece that requires less finishing and flattening. Whether you’re creating high-end cutting boards or building custom cabinet doors, having the best parallel clamps can make glue-ups and assembly go smoothly.