[2025]10 Types of Clamps

Clamps are used to hold workpieces tightly together. They are widely used in woodworking, metalworking, and other construction tasks. This post explores 10 common types of clamps and explains their key features, uses, and advantages.

Types of Clamps	Key Features
Pipe clamp	Hold pipes and hoses securely in place.
Bar Clamp	Expanded or contracted to accommodate different sizes of workpieces.
Spring or Pinch Clamp	Use two jaws to secure a material firmly in place.
Corner or Band Clamp	Adjust straps or bands to apply pressure on all sides of the workpiece.
F Clamp	A long bar with a sliding jaw adjusting to apply pressure; more compact and lightweight.
Ratcheting Hand Clamp	Operate with a trigger, rapid adjustments, and easy release.
Bench Clamp	A stable clamping platform for holding materials in place, with a fixed jaw and a movable jaw.
Wooden Hand-Screw Clamp	Independently adjusted jaws; apply pressure at different angles.
Strap Clamp	Hold and secure large or irregularly shaped objects together.
Parallel Clamp	Ensure pressure across the entire surface of the workpiece.

 

Types of Clamps

A clamp is a device that holds or presses parts tightly together in carpentry, woodworking, furniture assembly, etc. It can ensure precision and stability during operations. In this section, we focus on their types, features, uses, and advantages.

Pipe clamp

A pipe clamp is specially designed to hold pipes and hoses. And it has two jaws attached to a length of threaded pipe. One of the jaws is fixed to the pipe, and the other can be adjusted to fit different sizes and shapes.

Use: It is widely used in woodworking, plumbing, and cabinet-making due to its durability and reliability.

Advantages

• It can be adjusted to fit any size by changing the length of the pipe.
• The powerful clamping force makes it ideal for heavy-duty tasks.

Bar Clamp

Bar clamps, also known as C-clamps or G-clamps, are similar to pipe clamps but use a metal bar. They have a long, rigid bar with adjustable arms that can be easily expanded or contracted to accommodate different sizes of workpieces.

Use: Bar clamps are widely used in woodworking, especially for holding large or irregularly shaped workpieces together. They are also useful for assembling furniture and frames.

Advantages

• Applies even pressure to the entire length of the workpiece.
• They come in a range of sizes to accommodate different projects.

Spring or Pinch Clamps

Spring clamps, or pinch clamps, are spring-loaded handheld clamps that function similarly to a clip. They have various sizes, from 2 inches to 9 inches, suitable for delicate tasks to heavy-duty tasks.

Use: Spring clamps are ideal for lightweight materials and are commonly used in crafts, model-making, general household repairs, and light-duty woodworking projects.

Advantages

• Lightweight and portable make them ideal for small, quick, and temporary tasks.

Corner or Band Clamp

Corner clamps, or band clamps, are designed to hold corners and joints at right angles. They have adjustable straps or bands to wrap around the workpiece, applying even pressure on all sides.

Use: Corner clamps are suitable for picture frames, cabinets, and other projects that require 90-degree angles.

Advantages

• Provides uniform and consistent force around the workpiece.
• Ensures accurate alignment of corners and joints.

F Clamp

F-clamps, named for their “F” shape, feature a long bar with a sliding jaw that can be adjusted to apply pressure. The design is similar to a bar clamp but generally offers a more compact and lightweight option.

Use: F-clamps are perfect for general woodworking, metalworking, and DIY projects, used to hold components together during gluing or assembly.

Advantages

• Provides robust clamping force in a compact design.
• Easy to adjust and operate with one hand.

Ratcheting Hand Clamp

Ratcheting hand clamps are quick-action clamps. They use a ratcheting mechanism to apply and maintain clamping pressure. And they are typically operated with a trigger, allowing for rapid adjustments and easy release.

Use: Ratcheting hand clamps are well-suited for quick and repetitive clamping tasks. They are commonly employed in woodworking, crafts, and home repairs.

Advantages

• Quick and easy to adjust with a single hand.
• Provides steady force with minimal effort.

Bench Clamp

Bench clamps, also known as bench vises, are stationary clamps mounted on a work table or other sturdy surface. They can provide a stable clamping platform for holding materials in place. Equipped with a fixed and a movable jaw, users can adjust them to hold workpieces securely.

Use: Bench clamps are crucial for heavy-duty tasks such as sawing, drilling, and sanding. They are frequently used in workshops to securely hold materials during machining.

Advantages

• Offers a stable and secure hold for a range of tasks.
• Ideal for use with larger or heavier workpieces.

Wooden Hand-Screw Clamp

Wooden hand-screw clamps are a traditional type of clamp. They have two wooden jaws connected by two threaded screws. The jaws can be adjusted to apply pressure at different angles, making them highly versatile.

Use: Wooden hand-screw clamps are perfect for woodworking projects that need gentle yet firm pressure. They are often used in furniture making and joinery.

Advantages

• The wooden jaws prevent marring or damaging the workpiece.
• It can provide even force across a wide area.

Strap Clamp

Strap clamps, also known as web clamps, use a flexible strap to hold large or irregularly shaped objects together.

Use: Strap clamps are best for round, oval, or irregularly shaped objects. They are frequently used in woodworking, metalworking, and various craft projects.

Advantages

• Adjusts to fit various shapes and sizes.
• Offers pressure evenly around the workpiece.

Parallel Clamp

Parallel clamps, also called plate clamps, can keep parallel when tightened, ensuring even pressure across the entire surface of the workpiece. They are often used in woodworking for precise tasks.

Use: Parallel clamps are perfect for securing panels, doors, and other flat surfaces. They are often used in cabinetry and furniture making.

Advantages: Provides uniform pressure across large surfaces. Ensures precise alignment and prevents warping.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, each type of clamp has a unique use, and it's important for every woodworker to understand the differences between these clamps. It will help you choose the right one for your task and ensure accuracy and efficiency. No matter which material you need to tackle, there's a clamp designed to meet your needs.

Findbuytool supplies high-quality clamps for your woodworking, as an essential tool that can help you fasten wood during cutting, routing, sanding, etc. Our store can provide you with all of clamps you need for your projects.