Woodworking clamps are an essential tool in the home workshop. They allow you to hold two pieces of material together while you cut, drill, screw or glue them.
If you want to learn more about the different types of woodworking claps, keep reading.
Woodworking clamps: Types and Uses
There are many kinds of woodworking clamps available on the market today. Some are designed for specific purposes such as holding a workpiece steady during drilling or cutting.
Others can be used for multiple tasks like clamping boards together when making a box or bench top.
The most common type is probably the vise-type which has jaws that grip both sides of your workpieces. These come with either open or closed jaw designs.
The following are other types of clamps:
- Miter clamp
Miter clamp is used for mitered joints. You place one end against the fence and then tighten it down using screws.
This allows you to make 90-degree cuts without having to use a table saw.
- Parallel clamps
Parallel clamps are used for gluing long strips of wood together.
One side goes into the parallel arm and the second piece slides through the opening. When tightened, they create a strong bond between the materials.
- Spring clamps
Spring clams are great for small projects where space is limited. Simply put, the spring around the project and pull up until it’s tight enough to secure the object.
- Band clamps
This band clams are similar to spring clamps but have a metal loop instead of springs. It works much better than its counterpart, because there isn’t any give at all.
- Deep throat bar clamps
Deep throat bar clams are also known as deep throat vises. They are very useful for larger projects. There are several sizes ranging from 1/2 inch wide to 3 inches wide.
- Vise grips
These are another kind of handheld clamp. Vises usually consist of 2 parts; a base and a handle.
The base holds the workpiece securely while the handle lets you move the whole thing easily.
- Edge clamp
This edge clamps are made specifically for working along edges. They are often used by cabinet makers who need to trim out their cabinets before installing them.
- Bench clamp
Bench clamp are typically found attached to benches.
They are used to support large objects like tables and chairs. Bench clamps are generally adjustable so you can change how far apart they are spaced.
- Clamp jaws
Clamp jaws are simply the part of the clamp that actually grabs onto the workpiece. Most commonly these will be round holes that fit over bolts or nails.
- Pipe clamps
Pipe clamps are used for pipes. They are basically just pipe holders.
You slide the pipe inside and then tighten the clampdown. Pipe clamps are not recommended if you plan on doing anything heavy-duty since they aren’t meant to take the pressure.
- Quick action clamp
Quick action clamps are used for quick assembly jobs. They allow you to quickly attach two pieces of material together.
- F-style clamp
F-style clamps are designed to hold things in an F shape. They are mainly used for holding sheet goods such as plywood, particleboard, etc.
- Handscrew clamp
Handscrew clamp are used when you want something really sturdy. Handscrew clamps are available in different lengths and diameters.
- Locking clamp
Locking clamp are used for securing items that may shift during transport. These clamps come with locking mechanisms which prevent movement once set.
- Single clamp
Single clamp are used for smaller tasks.
You can find single clamps in many shapes and sizes. Some common ones include: box clamps, vise grip clamps, bench clamps, and pipe clamps.
- Angle clamps
Angle clamps are used for making 90-degree angles.
You place one end into your workpiece and turn the other end to make the angle. Angle clamps are most commonly seen on table saws.
- Carriage Clamp
Carriage clamp is used for attaching carriage-style furniture. This type of attachment is only suitable for small projects.
- Parallel-jaw Clamp
This parallel-jaw clamp is similar to a vice but it has multiple jaw options. One side allows you to adjust the distance between the jaws while the other side adjusts the width.
- Pinch clamps
Pinch clamp are used for creating tight joints. Pinch clamps have two opposing jaws that pinch around each other.
- Quick-release clamps
Quick-release clamps are used for fastening/unfastening materials from machines. Quick-release clamps also help reduce vibration.
- Ratchet action bar clamps
Ratchet action bar clamps are used for tightening nuts and screws. The ratcheting mechanism helps keep the nut or screw secure until tightened.
- Sash clamps
Sash clamps are for hanging doors and windows. Sash clamps usually consist of a metal frame and wooden sashes.
- Screw clamp
Screw clamp are commonly used for assembling parts by hand. Screw clamps are often made out of plastic.
- Sheet metal clamps
Sheet metal clamps are for bending sheets of steel. Sheet metal clamps are typically found at welding shops.
- Squeeze clamps
Squeeze clamps are used for squeezing objects together. Squeezable clamps are useful for pressing paper against walls.
- Toggle clamps
Toggle clamps are for connecting pipes. Toggle clamps are generally adjustable so they fit any size pipe.
- Trigger-activated bar clamp
Trigger-active bar clamps are used for heavy-duty applications. Trigger activated bar clamps use levers to tighten down onto the object being held.
- Twist clamp
Twist clamps are used for twisting pieces of lumber together. Twist clamps are very strong because their design prevents them from slipping off.
- 4-foot long pipe clamps
4-foot long pipe clamps are used for holding large diameter piping. Pipe clamps should be able to hold up to 4 feet of tubing.
- Aluminum alloy corner clamp
Aluminum alloy corner clamp is a versatile tool used for joining aluminum sheeting. Aluminum alloy corner clamps are available in different lengths and diameters.
- Beam clamps
This beam clamps are used for securing beams during construction. Beam clamps come with either an open or closed head depending on how much pressure you want applied.
- Bessey wood handscrew clamp
Bessey wood clamp are used for securing boards, plywood, etc., using a simple hand screw. Bessey wood clamps can be adjusted as needed.
- Black clamps
Black clamps are used for making temporary connections.
Black clamps are designed to make quick work of assembly jobs. They’re easy to remove when not required.
- Cabinetry clamp
Cabinetry clamps are commonly used for attaching cabinets to wall studs. Cabinetry clamps are available in many sizes and shapes.
- Cable clamps
Cable clamps are used for pulling cables through conduit. Cable clamps are available in various styles, including spring-loaded cable clamps.
- Chain Clamps
This chain clamps for woodworking are used for holding items such as saw blades while cutting. Chain clamps are available in several designs.
- Eight-foot-long pipe clamp
8-foot long pipe clamp are used for holding 8 foot sections of pipe. These clamps have two handles that allow it to be lifted easily.
- Flooring strap clamps
Flooring strap clamps are used for fastening floorboards. Flooring straps clamps are also known as strapping clamps.
- General-purpose clamp
General purpose clamps are used for general purposes like hanging pictures, shelving, etc. General purpose clamps are usually made of cast iron.
- Heavier-duty f-style clamp
This type of a clamp are used for heavier duty applications. Heavier-duty F-style clamps are often referred to as “f” clamps.
- Heavy-duty metalworking & welding clamp
This heavy-duty welding clamp can also be used for woodworking. This clamp has a wide jaw opening, which makes it ideal for working with thick materials.
- Jorgensen parallel jaw bar clamp
This type of clamp are used for holding objects at right angles. Jorgensen Parallel Jaw Bar Clamps are adjustable so they can fit any size hole.
- Kant twist clamp
Kant twist clamp used for tightening nuts onto bolts. Kant twist clamps are available in both single and double jaws.
Double jawed kants twist clamps are more expensive than the single jawed ones but offer greater strength.
- Light-duty clamp
Light-duty clamp are used for light duty tasks like hanging picture frames, shelves, etc. Light-duty clamps are generally less durable than other types of clamps.
- Medium-duty f style clamp
Medium duty clamps are used for medium duty tasks like hanging picture frame, shelves, etc. Medium-duty clamps are typically stronger than light-duty clamps.
- Non-ratcheting clamps
Non-ratcheting clamps used by woodworkers for holding material during sanding or finishing operations. Non-ratchet clamps come in different models and configurations.
- Pneumatic clamps
This pneumatic clamps are used for holding pieces together temporarily. Pneumatic clamps are useful for assembling furniture parts before gluing them into place.
Conclusion
There are many different types and styles of a clamp out there for woodworking purposes. You just have to choose one according to your needs.
