Bar Clamps

Select a clamp with a throat depth and jaw opening that accommodate your workpiece—jaw opening should exceed the widest piece you need to clamp, and throat depth must reach the distance from the clamp edge to the clamped area; common sizes range from 6" for small tasks to 36" or more for large assemblies

Common types include quick-release/one-handed bar clamps, parallel clamps, F-style bar clamps, and pipe clamps; parallel clamps provide evenly distributed pressure good for glue-ups in woodworking, while heavier-duty F-style or pipe clamps with metal construction are typically preferred for metalworking

Look for wide, flat clamp faces or parallel jaws to distribute pressure evenly, rubber or plastic jaw pads to protect surfaces, and a ratcheting or screw mechanism that allows fine pressure control to avoid over-tightening

Prices vary by size and build: budget options commonly fall under $50, mid-range clamps are often between $50 and $100, and heavy-duty or specialty parallel clamps can exceed that; the category average price is in the mid‑tens to low‑hundreds depending on size and brand

Keep moving parts clean and dry, remove pitch or resin with appropriate solvents, apply light machine oil to screws and sliding bars periodically, and store clamps flat or hanging to prevent bending of bars and protect jaws

For typical woodworking glue-ups, aim for clamps that can apply steady, controllable pressure rather than maximum tonnage; many woodworking clamps provide sufficient force in the tens to low hundreds of pounds of clamping pressure—choose enough clamps to distribute pressure along the joint rather than relying on a single high-force clamp

Check for common sizes and mounting styles if you plan to use aftermarket pads, spreader blocks, or end caps; some brands use proprietary jaw shapes, while others accept generic pads and screw replacements—measure thread sizes and bar profiles before ordering parts