Clamps and vices hold a workpiece steady while you cut, drill, glue, weld or assemble, and they suit woodworkers, metalworkers and tradespeople alike. Our range of over 130 products covers screw clamps, lever clamps and other hand tools for gripping, led by BESSEY, with a few products from EXTECH, BOSCH, DEWALT and MAKITA.
How to choose clamps and vices
Clamp type. F-clamps (also called bar clamps) suit general joinery and gluing, because the sliding arm adjusts quickly and the screw applies the pressure. Lever and trigger clamps can be tightened with one hand, which helps when the other hand is holding the part in position. Bench vices and fixed vices are better for work that needs a firm grip over a long time, such as filing or sawing metal.
Opening capacity and throat depth. Capacity is the maximum gap between the jaws, and throat depth is how far the jaws reach in from the edge of the work. Measure the thickest assembly you expect to clamp, then choose a capacity slightly above it. A deep throat matters if you need to reach into the middle of a panel or worktop.
Clamping force and build. Steel bars and drop-forged or cast heads cope with heavy pressure, while lighter plastic-bodied clamps are meant for holding parts in place rather than squeezing them hard. For glue-ups, metal fabrication and repeated heavy use, put strength ahead of weight. For quick positioning and light jobs, a lighter clamp is easier to handle.
Jaw faces and workpiece protection. Hard metal jaws can dent timber, veneer and soft metals. Look for clamps with pads or swivel faces, and keep offcuts of wood or rubber to spread the pressure. Swivel pads also help the jaws sit flat on surfaces that are not perfectly parallel.
Clamp and vice brands we carry
- BESSEY: a German specialist in clamps, known for screw clamps, lever clamps and other clamping systems used in joinery, metalwork and construction. Most of our range comes from this brand.
- EXTECH: best known for test and measurement instruments such as multimeters and clamp meters. Check the product title to confirm whether you are looking at a workshop clamp or a measuring device.
- BOSCH, DEWALT and MAKITA: major power tool makers, each with only a few products in this category. They are worth a look if you already work with one of their tool systems and want to stay with the same brand.
Clamps and vices: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a clamp and a vice?
A clamp is a portable tool that grips the workpiece wherever you are working, while a vice is fixed to a bench or stand and holds the work at one position. Clamps are used to hold parts together, for example while glue dries. A vice is normally used to hold a single part steady while you work on it.
What size clamp do I need?
Choose a clamp whose opening capacity is a little larger than the thickest assembly you want to hold. If you also need to reach in from the edge, check the throat depth. Many workshops keep several sizes, since a clamp that is too large is slow to adjust and awkward to use on small parts.
Which clamps are best for woodworking?
F-clamps and bar clamps are the usual choice for woodworking, because they apply even pressure across panels and glued joints. One-handed lever clamps are useful for holding parts while you position them. Use protective pads or scrap wood under the jaws so the timber is not marked.
Are one-handed clamps strong enough for gluing?
It depends on the job. One-handed clamps hold parts firmly for positioning, drilling and light assembly, but screw clamps usually apply more pressure, which makes them the safer choice for large glue-ups or tight joints. Many woodworkers use both types together.
