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10 Best Parallel Bar Clamps 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bora 4 Piece Parallel Clamps for Woodworking Clamps 4 Pack 2 x 24 inch plus 2 x 31 inch Parallel Clamp Spreader Set Bar Clamp 1100 Lbs clamping force Bar Clamp Set 571550I

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,114
Clamping Force

Most important from
509 reviews

Clamping Force
The clamping force and versatility make these clamps worth the cost.

The Bora 4-Piece Parallel Clamp Set 571550I is a robust choice for woodworking tasks, offering significant clamping capacity with its 1,100 lbs clamping force. The padded jaws are 3.5 inches wide, providing even pressure without damaging the work material, which is ideal for delicate woodworking projects. The jaw pads remain in place while winding, adding to the precision of your work.

The set includes two clamps of 24 inches and two of 31 inches, providing versatility for different project sizes. The aluminum and alloy steel construction ensures durability and strength, while the large, easy-grip handle makes maneuvering and adjusting the clamps straightforward and comfortable.

However, this clamp set is relatively heavy at 26.3 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users during prolonged use or transport. Additionally, the large size (6 x 5.25 x 40.25 inches) may require ample storage space in your workshop. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Bora 4-Piece Parallel Clamp Set is a reliable option for serious woodworking enthusiasts looking for efficient and effective clamping solutions.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,114
Clamping Force

Most important from
509 reviews

Clamping Force
The clamping force and versatility make these clamps worth the cost.
#2

JORGENSEN 36-Inch Parallel Bar Clamp, Heavy-Duty Cabinet Master Clamp for Woodworking Glue-Up, 2200 lbs Force, Quick Release, Spreader Function, 2-Pack

Rating
9.7
Clamping Capacity
Clamping Force
Bar Material

Most important from
97 reviews

Clamping Capacity
The clamps provide excellent value by balancing solid weight and durability, making them a reliable choice for serious woodworking.
Clamping Force
They combine rugged construction with smooth, precise locking that holds workpieces firmly without slipping.
Bar Material
These clamps deliver a noticeable upgrade with a stronger, more refined design that feels built to last.
Handle Design
The improved mechanism prevents accidental sliding, effectively eliminating the risk of finger injuries.

The JORGENSEN 36-Inch Parallel Bar Clamp is a solid choice for woodworking and DIY projects that require strong, even clamping pressure. Its 36-inch clamping capacity and 2,200 lbs of clamping force make it ideal for tasks like cabinet assembly, glue-ups, and furniture repairs where keeping pieces steady and aligned is important. The rigid steel bar helps prevent flexing under pressure, contributing to consistent results. The ergonomic soft-grip handle and quick release trigger offer comfortable and safe operation, allowing you to tighten clamps firmly without much effort and reposition them easily during work.

A convenient feature is the quick clamp-to-spreader function, which adds versatility by letting you use the clamp to spread materials apart as well. The clamp’s throat depth is typical for this size, suitable for most bench-top applications. Protective jaw pads help prevent damage to your workpieces and improve glue resistance, while the included accessories like the glue separator and clamp stand help keep your workspace tidy.

One downside is the weight—at 20.5 pounds for two clamps, they’re a bit heavy, which might be tiring if you need to move them around a lot. Also, while the clamp is robust, beginners might find the clamping force a bit much if not used carefully. This set is best suited for serious woodworking enthusiasts or professionals who need reliable, heavy-duty clamps for precise glue-ups and assembly. For those seeking durable, versatile clamps that hold firmly without slipping, this product performs well.

Rating
9.7
Clamping Capacity
Clamping Force
Bar Material

Most important from
97 reviews

Clamping Capacity
The clamps provide excellent value by balancing solid weight and durability, making them a reliable choice for serious woodworking.
Clamping Force
They combine rugged construction with smooth, precise locking that holds workpieces firmly without slipping.
Bar Material
These clamps deliver a noticeable upgrade with a stronger, more refined design that feels built to last.
Handle Design
The improved mechanism prevents accidental sliding, effectively eliminating the risk of finger injuries.
#3

JORGENSEN 24-inch Bar Clamps, 90°Cabinet Master Parallel Jaw Bar Clamp Set, 2-pack

The Jorgensen 24-inch Bar Clamps are strong and reliable tools designed primarily for woodworking tasks like panel glue-ups, cabinet making, and frames. With a clamping capacity of 24 inches, these clamps can handle larger workpieces comfortably. Their steel jaws and high-carbon steel bar provide a solid clamping force of up to 1500 pounds, which is powerful enough for most woodworking needs.

The reversible head adds versatility by allowing both clamping and spreading functions, and the clamp stand helps with easy, precise adjustments. The handles are made of maple wood, which is comfortable and reduces hand fatigue during use. The jaws are reinforced with steel and protected by plastic coverings, which help prevent damage to your workpieces. On the downside, these clamps are relatively heavy at over 15 pounds each, which might make them a bit cumbersome for very long projects or frequent repositioning.

Suitable for hobbyists and professionals alike, these clamps provide a great balance of strength, durability, and ease of use, making them a solid choice for woodworking projects that require steady, high-pressure clamping.

Buying Guide for the Best Parallel Bar Clamps

Parallel bar clamps are essential tools for woodworking and other projects that require precise and even pressure across a large surface area. They are designed to keep your workpieces aligned and secure while glue dries or while you perform other tasks. Choosing the right parallel bar clamp involves understanding several key specifications that will affect the performance and suitability of the clamp for your specific needs.
Clamping CapacityClamping capacity refers to the maximum distance between the jaws of the clamp when fully opened. This is important because it determines the largest size of the workpiece you can secure with the clamp. Clamps with smaller capacities (e.g., 12 inches) are suitable for smaller projects like picture frames or small furniture pieces. Medium capacities (e.g., 24-36 inches) are versatile for a range of projects, while larger capacities (e.g., 48 inches or more) are ideal for large furniture or cabinetry. Choose a clamping capacity based on the typical size of your projects.
Throat DepthThroat depth is the distance from the edge of the bar to the inside edge of the clamp's jaws. This measurement is crucial because it determines how deep the clamp can reach into the workpiece. A shallow throat depth (e.g., 2-3 inches) is sufficient for most edge clamping tasks, while a deeper throat depth (e.g., 4-6 inches) is necessary for clamping further into the workpiece. Consider the types of projects you work on and how deep you need the clamp to reach when selecting the throat depth.
Clamping ForceClamping force is the amount of pressure the clamp can apply to the workpiece. This is important for ensuring a strong, secure hold, especially when gluing pieces together. Clamps with lower clamping force (e.g., 300-500 pounds) are suitable for light-duty tasks, while those with higher clamping force (e.g., 800-1,000 pounds or more) are better for heavy-duty applications. Choose a clamping force that matches the demands of your projects; higher force is generally better for larger, more complex assemblies.
Bar MaterialThe material of the bar affects the strength, durability, and weight of the clamp. Common materials include steel and aluminum. Steel bars are very strong and durable, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks, but they can be heavier. Aluminum bars are lighter and easier to handle, which can be beneficial for frequent use or for users who prefer a lighter tool. Consider the balance between strength and weight that best suits your needs.
Handle DesignThe design of the handle affects how easy and comfortable it is to apply clamping pressure. Handles can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, or rubber, and may have different shapes such as T-handles or ergonomic grips. A comfortable handle design can reduce hand fatigue and make it easier to apply the necessary pressure. Choose a handle design that feels comfortable in your hand and allows you to apply pressure efficiently.
Jaw PadsJaw pads are the surfaces that come into contact with the workpiece. They are important for protecting the workpiece from damage and ensuring even pressure distribution. Some clamps come with non-marring jaw pads made from materials like rubber or plastic, which are ideal for delicate surfaces. Others may have harder pads for more robust applications. Consider the type of materials you work with and choose jaw pads that will protect your workpieces while providing a secure hold.

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