8 Best Woodworking Clamps 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Woodworking clamps ensure the precision, efficiency, and accuracy of your various projects, making it important to find the best clamp for your needs and preferences. Unfortunately, there are a lot of woodworking clamps on the market, which can make it extremely difficult to find the best model for you.

To make the process a little bit easier, we have made a comprehensive roundup of the best clamps for woodworking. In this article, we will review the top 8 woodworking clamps and provide you with a convenient Buyer’s Guide that will help you select the best option. To find out which woodworking clamp is right for you, read on.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Bessey GSCC2.524 Economy Clutch Style Bar Clamp	Includes protective finishes for further protection Highly maneuverable and lightweight Includes protective padding on the jaws	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		IRWIN 1964758 QUICK-GRIP Clamps	Maneuverable Easy to use Applies 140-pounds of force	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Jorgensen 24" One Hand Clamp	Provides a lot of pressure Comfortable to use Includes a quick-release lever	CHECK PRICE
		Bessey LM2.004 LM General Purpose Clamp	Lightweight Maneuverable Made with durable materials	CHECK PRICE
		PONY 50 Pipe Clamp	Made from heavy-duty materials Can screw onto different pipes Includes a multi-disc clutch design	CHECK PRICE

The 8 Best Woodworking Clamps

1. Bessey Economy Clutch Style Bar Clamp – Best Overall

The Best Overall woodworking clamp is the Bessey GSCC2.524 Economy Clutch Style Bar Clamp. This clamp is highly powerful, maneuverable, and versatile, making it perfect for a variety of projects and purposes.

Notably, this model is made from very durable materials. The metal is protected finish and zinc finish rail, which ensures that it will withstand a lot of pressure. Additionally, both the top and bottom jaws include protective pads, which will also keep your projects safe.

Another notable feature of the CC2.524 is that it is highly maneuverable. Weighing only 2.1-pounds, it is very easy to transport, clamp, and store this product. This feature will be highly useful for those who need a clamp on the go.

The only possible downside of this model is that it will not be suitable for industrial projects. With this being said, the Bessey is the perfect size for most jobs and projects.

2. IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Clamps – Best Value

The next woodworking clamp on our list is the IRWIN 1964758 QUICK-GRIP Clamps. If you are looking for the best woodworking clamps for the money, then this is the option for you. This model is highly affordable, versatile, and functional, making it our Best Value pick.

These clamps have a one-handed, mini bar design. This allows the product to be highly maneuverable and easy to use. It is ideal for clamping smaller work pieces and for working in confined areas. More so, the one-handed trigger allows you to release the clamps instantly.

Despite its maneuverable appeal, the IRWIN clamps are also very sturdy and powerful. This product offers 140-pounds of force, which is evenly distributed to your project.  It is made from a heavy-duty resin construction with hardened steel bars. This prevents the resin from flexing or bending under the pressure of weight.

The only reason that we have named this product number 2 on our list, as opposed to number 1, is because it provides less force than our Best Overall pick given its extreme maneuverability and lightweight.

3. Jorgensen 24″ One Hand Clamp – Premium Choice

If you are looking for a more heavy-duty and premium option, then you may be looking for the Jorgensen 24″ One Hand Clamp. We have named this product our Premium Choice because it is highly easy to use, extra-long, and provides a lot of force. More so, it has a more expensive price tag to match these premium features.

The Jorgensen 24″ One Hand Clamp is a one-handed clamp that can open up to 2-feet long with a load limit of 300-pounds. It is made from high carbon steel, ensuring that it is durable as well as long. At the same time, the jaws are furnished with soft and durable plastic pads, which protects your projects. These features make this clamp suitable for a variety of purposes.

Additionally, the Jorgensen is highly comfortable to use. It includes a contoured comfort grip with a quick-release lever. This makes it more comfortable to use, and it allows you to release the pressure quickly and easily.

The most obvious and notable downside of this model is that it is very expensive. Although the Jorgensen does offer great features, it simply may be out of some people’s price range.

4. Bessey LM General Purpose Clamp

A great general-purpose woodworking clamp is the Bessey LM2.004 LM General Purpose Clamp. This clamp is incredibly affordable, great for lighter projects, and made from durable materials.

The LM2.004 LM is a lightweight general-purpose clamp. The purpose of this clamp is to replace a larger C-clamp. The bars and clamps are made of steel, while the handle is made from comfortable grip wood.

Another great feature of the clamp is a great bargain price, making this option highly affordable. At the same time, it is offered a Lifetime Warranty against defects and workmanship, ensuring that this tool lasts a lifetime.

With that being said, there is a notable downside of this product. Notably, the Bessey LM2.004 LM General Purpose Clamp is small, meaning it is only suitable for delicate projects. If you intend to need a clamp for medium- to large-sized tasks, then this is not the clamp for you.

5. PONY 50 Pipe Clamp

The next product on our list is the PONY 50 Pipe Clamp. This product is a medium-sized clamp that is durable, highly secure, and versatile.

The PONY 50 is made from high-quality ductile cast iron, drop-forged steel, and anodized aluminum. These materials assure that this product is highly durable and will last many years, no matter the project you use it on. This product even comes with a multi-disc clutch design, which creates a firm hold.

One of the most unique features of the clamp is that you can use the product to create different lengths of pipes. All you need to do is screw the head assembly onto the pipe threads at one end. Then, slide the tail stop onto the other end of the pipe and apply the coil spring stop. This allows the model to be more versatile than other options.

However, there are some downsides to this model as well. Most importantly, the clamping capacity is only limited to the length of the pipe. This means that you will need to change the pipe length for larger projects.

6. WEN Quick-Adjust Steel Bar Clamps

The WEN 10236F2 Quick-Adjust Steel Bar Clamps are notable clamps that provide micro-precision and comfortability. They feature a 36-inch rail and a 2-inch throat. The product also comes with a micro-adjustment knob that allows for additional grip.

At the same time, these steel bar clamps have unique features. They feature a quick-adjust design that allows you to slide the clamp closed without pressing a single button. More so, the jaws have non-marring pads, which allows you to work without fear of scratching your projects.

Unfortunately, there are some negatives to this product. Notably, the WEN 10236F2 are not very easy to use. After you have clamped them shut, it can be difficult to get them back open again. This is partially because the rubber is prone to coming loose on the handles and footings.

Additionally, these clamps are not made from durable materials. As previously stated, the rubber comes loose. Even though the rest of the model did not break initially, it is easy to assume based on the product feel that it will not last very long.

7. WORKPRO W001411A Bar Clamps

The next woodworking clamp on our list is the WORKPRO W001411A Bar Clamps, which comes in a set. This set comes with four 6-inch bar clamps and two 12-inch bar clamps. This ensures that you have two different options for a variety of your needs, making the kit more versatile and useful.

Each clamp provides up to 150-pounds of squeezing force and a metal ratcheting mechanism, which provides sufficient pressure for light- to medium-sized projects. Additionally, the jaws come with reusable and replaceable pads, which protects your projects.

With that being said, there are some major downfalls of this product as well. Most importantly, the WORKPRO Bar Clamps are made from nylon that is reinforced with steel bars. Even though the product is reinforced, the nylon is easy to break, making the product less durable than other options on this list.

8. Mr. Pen IC04 Clamps

Finally, the last option on our list is the Mr. Pen IC04 Clamps. This product offers a set of two 4-inch clamps that provide 65-pounds of force, which are great for small or light work. The product is made from hardened steel, which ensures that the product is heavy-duty and durable despite its small frame.

However, there are more cons to this product than pros. For example, the clamps are only suitable for light jobs. Although they supply a lot of force for their size, these clamps simply will not work for medium- to large-sized jobs. This causes the product to lack versatility.

Additionally, the orange feet slip often. This makes it difficult to use these clamps since they don’t properly grip the material.

Buyer’s Guide – Purchasing the Best Clamps for Woodworking

When selecting any product, including the best woodworking clamps, you must base your decision on well-informed information. To help you learn key facts surrounding purchasing a woodworking clamp, we have created this Buyer’s Guide. In this buyer’s Guide, you will learn how to select the best woodworking clamp for you and other important information.

Factors to Consider When Buying A Woodworking Clamp

Clamp Purpose

Clamps can serve a variety of purposes. It is important to consider the purpose of your clamps to get the correct clamps for your needs and preferences. See the chart below for more information about clamp types and uses.

Clamping Power

Based on the purpose of your clamp, make sure that the clamp has enough clamping power. You want your clamp to be able to hold items for an extended amount of time so that you can complete your tasks in a timely and efficient manner.

Size

Also related to the clamp purpose, you need to consider the size of your clamp. Make sure that your clamp is large enough for most of your intended or future projects. At the same time, you don’t want your clamp to be too large. If the clamp is too large, it will be more difficult to maneuver and use for smaller projects.

Materials

Clamps go through a lot of wear, tear, and pressure. To ensure that your clamp will last many years, be sure to select an option made with durable materials. For metal clamps, look for options with cast iron, carbon steel, and anodized aluminum. If you are considering a wooden clamp, make sure that it is made from solid hardwood. Your materials will have a lot to do with the clamping power, as well as the size of your clamp.

Maneuverability

Some projects will require you to work from odd angles or move around your clamp. As a result, you want your clamp to be maneuverable enough for most intended projects. Unfortunately, increased maneuverability results in decreased durability and power. Try to find a balance between power and maneuverability so that way you can maximize the advantages and uses of your clamp.

Woodworking Clamp Uses

Here is a comprehensive list of woodworking clamps based on the intended use:

How to Use Woodworking Clamps Properly

Once you select the best woodworking clamp, you need to be able to use it effectively. Here are some key tips to help you maximize the efficiency and longevity of your woodworking clamp:

1. Work on Flat Surfaces

Always work on a perfectly flat table. If your table is not perfectly flat, then the clamp can be out of square. This will cause a lot of unforeseen problems down the line.

2. Spread Glue Evenly

Whenever you glue your clamp, make sure that the glue spreads evenly across the entire joint or lamination surface. A small brush or glue roller will help.

3. Add A Barrier

To prevent stains and dense, add wax between your clamps. This will keep glue, stains, moisture, and dents from occurring on the clamp’s surface.

4. Change Clamp Placement

To prevent your surface from being warped or dented, change the clamp placement. This will allow pressure to be evenly distributed on the flat surface, keeping it flat for the future.

5. Don’t Apply Too Much Pressure

Whenever using your clamp, only use the amount of pressure needed. Don’t apply more pressure than necessary.

Conclusion

Overall, we recommend the Bessey GSCC2.524 Economy Clutch Style Bar Clamp, our Best Overall pick, because it is highly versatile, durable, and maneuverable. With this product, you will be able to clamp a variety of projects.

If our Best Overall pick is a bit out of your price range, however, then we recommend our Best Value pick, the IRWIN 1964758 QUICK-GRIP Clamps. This product is also maneuverable and powerful while also being highly affordable.

After reading these reviews, we hope to have provided you with the best woodworking clamp for your needs. Regardless of whether you choose a clamp from our list or elsewhere, remember to keep in mind our Buyer’s Guide. If you think about the factors discussed in the guide, you are sure to find a woodworking clamp perfect for you and your needs.

Related: which bar clamp is our favorite?

You may also want to consider a set of pipe clamps instead.