All woodworking projects require the right tools and techniques for a perfect assembly.
If you have some experience with woodworking projects, you’ll also understand the importance of using quality clamps for gluing wood.
Solid woodworking clamps are essential to ensure safety and precision.
There are various types of clamps on the market that offer distinct advantages depending on the kinds of projects you do.
Different projects will be suitable for specific clamps, so it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the various styles and makes.
Whether you’re looking for clamps with an easy-to-use design or stronger wood pads, this page will run through some of the best clamps for gluing wood for your future woodworking projects.
2022’s Best Clamps for Gluing Wood
From professional woodworkers to woodworking enthusiasts, anyone can benefit from investing in the right tools when dealing with wood.
If you’re looking for impressive results, you’ll need more than a simple spring clamp.
Every project may require different clamp features, so it’s good to have an idea of what kind of clamp is right for you.
From 90-degree clamps to pipe clamps and more, here are some of the best clamps for gluing wood.
Best for Smaller Projects
IRWIN Mini Bar Clamp
If you mainly work on smaller projects or have only a limited space in which to work, the IRWIN Mini Bar Clamp is the clamp you want.
This user-friendly model features a comfortable handle and a durable steel bar. Its proprietary QUICK-GRIP® technology enables one-handed use, perfect for tight working environments or smaller projects.
The IRWIN Mini Bar Clamp is built with non-marring pads to protect your work from any scratching. Although this clamp is small, it can apply about 140 pounds of impressive clamping force.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Resistant to bending or flexing
- Easy-to-use design
- Sturdy steel
Cons
- Could be more secure when strapping wood
- Only suitable for small projects
Best for Construction Projects
TEKTON Ratchet Bar Clamp and Spreader
The TEKTON Ratchet Bar Clamp and Spreader is ideal for construction projects due to its accuracy and strength. This clamping set works great with most woodworking materials.
The TEKTON Ratchet Bar Clamp and Spreader features soft jaw pads that provide enough traction while avoiding any scratches on surfaces. This clamp also comes with a quick-release button to detach the workpiece.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Sturdy design
- Suitable for most woodworking materials
Cons
- Weak handle
- Durability
Best for General Use
Pony 50 Pipe Clamp
The Pony 50 Pipe Clamp is one of the most popular woodworking clamps.
From professionals to DIYers, this clamp can be used by anyone dealing with wood.
The Pony 50 Pipe Clamp is designed with a multiple-disc clutch for a secure hold anywhere, so you don’t have to worry about keeping this tool in place.
With a reinforced steel thrust mechanism, the Pony pipe clamp is ideally suited to a range of tasks.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Reliable brand
Cons
- Durability
- Hard plastic handle
Best for Angles
Kreg 90° Corner Clamp
The Kreg 90° Corner Clamp is a solid and supportive clamp for working with angles. Its design helps you firmly grasp corners, with the built-in angle lock allowing for hands-free use.
This clamp is one of the best and most convenient corner clamps to use due to its auto-adjusting technology.
The angle is also suitable for projects such as mounting shelves or constructing drawers because the Kreg Corner Clamp aligns pieces, as its name implies, to a perfect 90 degrees. The handle adjusts to different thicknesses, making it an easy-to-use woodworking tool.
Pros
- Quick-release mechanism
- Automatic switch for easy use
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Durability
- The quick-release handle may fail
Best for Larger Projects
BESSEY BPC-H34 Pipe Clamp
The BESSEY BPC-H34 Pipe Clamp is a powerful pipe lock clamp for large woodworking projects.
The H-style model offers a high level of stability, and its foot construction provides dual-axis stabilization. This clamp also provides superior traction, while its jaws prevent marring on the woodwork.
In addition, you can use this clamp with a variety of different pipe lengths.
The BESSEY BPC-H34 is an incredibly efficient tool when it comes to woodworking, offering convenience and stability to allow anyone to work more accurately and safely.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Secure and sturdy clamping force
- Efficient and safe
Cons
- More expensive
- Durability
- Difficult to apply pressure on glued wood
Best for Framing
Can-Do Clamp
The Can-Do Clamp has excellent functionality and strength, featuring a 90-degree angle pattern and a lock for precision and security.
The clamp has a moving T-handle and a flexible jaw, making it easy to lock into your desired position while working. The design also allows you to mount it onto a workbench, providing a convenient temporary solution.
Pros
- Ideal for picture frames
- Precise 90-degree angle pattern
- Adjustable T-handle
Cons
- Can leave scratches and marks on wood
- Not suitable for large or heavy-duty projects
Best for Convenience
BORA 40-inch Parallel Clamp
The BORA 40-inch Parallel Clamp is a top seller for woodworking tools, and rightfully so.
Its 1100 pounds of clamping pressure ensure an unmatched level of stability, giving you everything you need to complete your woodwork.
Available in five different lengths, this clamp can be used for various types of projects.
The BORA Parallel Clamp boasts a padded jaw that can securely grip an object without leaving marks or damage. Its easy-grip handle is comfortable, and the jaw slides smoothly for a hassle-free user experience.
Pros
- Quick and convenient precision clamping
- Rock-solid stability
- Great clamping pressure
Con
- Available in limited lengths compared to other brands
Conclusion
Completing a woodworking project requires patience and accuracy.
While investing in a quality clamp might not be too expensive, it’ll require some research into which clamp is most suitable for you and your woodworking needs.
Investing in the right tools and materials for woodworking is always worth it, as it can increase your work efficiency and make it easier for you to complete your projects.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or have a newfound passion for woodworking, investing in the best clamps for gluing wood will save you time and stress.
#1 Resource for Woodworking Tools
At ToolGrader, our goal is to provide as much helpful information as possible about woodworking tools and projects.
Whether you’re new to woodworking or have been a professional for years, we hope that our tips, reviews, and hacks can be of use when it comes to your woodworking projects and tool collection.
Our team at ToolGrader reviews every tool by thoroughly analyzing quality, price, durability, and other factors.
We put in the necessary work, cutting through all the clever marketing language out there before you find out the hard way that a particular product isn’t right for you.
If you’re looking to learn more about woodworking, from the best clamps for gluing wood to setting up a workshop, stay up to date with our blog to get the latest woodworking tips!
