Bar clamps

[Chris Traver]

I am looking for advice on bar clamps. I need quite a number but unsure who makes the best bar clamp for long term use in a commercial environment so durability is a must (NO Harbor Freight suggestions, please). Any thoughts? 

[Ken Darga]

There are a variety of clamps types and styles, on today's market,

from light duty to heavy duty applications.

Chose a clamp type, most suitable for the application. 

I use a variety of clamps---

including the pipe clamp style, out to 8 ft long.

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Sure-Foot aluminum bar clamp style

offered by Rockler WoodWorking.

It offers a rapid adjusting feature, and can produce heavy clamping forces.

Jaws stay parallel.

Light weight aluminum channel shaped frame.

Acme threaded rod for easy of clamping.

available in 2, 3, 4 and 5ft lengths.

Reasonable priced.

My most favored and universal type clamp.

      

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=29076&TabSelect=Videos

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Sure-Foot F-style

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This style by Besse 

is very nice, and preferred by many---

popular with the cabinet makers---

more costly over other type clamps.

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This style by Jorgenson

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Besse Deep Jaw style

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This style  that utilizes a threaded pipe----

has been around a long time---

favored by many, in the wood working, metal fabrication and welding shop.

It utilizes a piece of water pipe---

threaded on the ends.

For increased lengths, shorter sections can be joined, using a coupling to make longer lengths---

very useful feature.

Sizes available for 1/2 and 3/4'' pipe size. (I use the more economical BIP vs galvanized).

This type is economical---

offers large clamping forces with the acme threaded rod---

has a quick adjusting feature---

very useful tool.

Depending on how many you need,

add 'em up, compare prices, and 

select what suits your budget.