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10 Best Parallel Bar Clamps 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

JORGENSEN 36-inch Bar Clamps, 90°Cabinet Master Parallel Jaw Bar Clamp Set, 2-pack

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,118
Clamping Capacity
Clamping Force
Bar Material

Most important from
1028 reviews

Clamping Capacity
These clamps are essential for large glue-ups and perform tasks where others cannot, although they are relatively expensive.
Clamping Force
The bars are stiff and do not flex much even under a lot of pressure, making stressful glue-ups manageable.
Bar Material
The smooth bar design is a standout feature, making it very easy to clean off glue drips, unlike other parallel clamps with ridged bars.
Handle Design
The grips are comfortable and provide a firm grasp, enhancing user experience during extended use.

The JORGENSEN 36-inch Bar Clamps are designed to handle a wide range of woodworking tasks, from panel glue-ups to cabinet making. With a substantial clamping capacity of 36 inches and a clamping force of up to 1500 lbs., these clamps can secure large and heavy projects effectively. The high-carbon steel bar and heavy-duty steel jaws ensure durability and strength, making these clamps a reliable choice for both hobbyists and professional woodworkers.

The reversible head feature adds versatility, allowing for spreader clamping when needed. The clamp stand enables easy adjustments, enhancing user convenience. The maple handles are designed to be comfortable and minimize hand fatigue, even during extended use. The reinforced steel jaws with protective orange plastic add extra durability and prevent damage to the workpiece.

While the product is relatively heavy at nearly 17 pounds per pair, this weight contributes to its sturdiness and stability. It's worth noting that the package size may be bulky for some users, and the bright orange color might not appeal to everyone's aesthetic preferences. These clamps are ideal for woodworking enthusiasts who need reliable and strong clamping tools for a variety of projects.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,118
Clamping Capacity
Clamping Force
Bar Material

Most important from
1028 reviews

Clamping Capacity
These clamps are essential for large glue-ups and perform tasks where others cannot, although they are relatively expensive.
Clamping Force
The bars are stiff and do not flex much even under a lot of pressure, making stressful glue-ups manageable.
Bar Material
The smooth bar design is a standout feature, making it very easy to clean off glue drips, unlike other parallel clamps with ridged bars.
Handle Design
The grips are comfortable and provide a firm grasp, enhancing user experience during extended use.
#2

Bora 4-Piece Parallel Clamp Set 571550I

Rating
9.6
Clamping Force

Most important from
432 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
9.6
Clamping Force

Most important from
432 reviews

Clamping Force
The clamping force and versatility make these clamps worth the cost.
#3

BESSEY KREX2450 K Body REVO Clamp Kit, 2 x 24 In., 2 x 50 In. and 2 KBX20 Extenders - 1700 lbs Nominal Clamping Force. Spreader, and Woodworking Accessories - Clamps and Tools for Cabinetry

Rating
9.4
Bar Material

Most important from
55 reviews

Bar Material
The 50-inch clamps are heavy-duty and arrived without damage, showcasing their durability.

The BESSEY KREX2450 K Body REVO Clamp Kit is an excellent choice for woodworking, especially cabinetry. This kit includes two 24-inch clamps, two 50-inch clamps, and two extenders, allowing for versatile use. One standout feature is its impressive clamping force of up to 1700 lbs, ensuring that your projects are held securely.

The ergonomically designed two-component handle can be used with a hex key or driver for added torque, making operation easier and more efficient. Additionally, the operating jaw stays in place for a simple setup, which is particularly beneficial for precise work with sensitive surfaces.

The large clamping surfaces distribute force evenly and come with removable pressure caps that are resistant to glue, paint, and grease solvents, protecting your workpieces effectively. The cold drawn steel rail bar showcases high-quality production and durability, vital for long-term use. The weight of the kit is 12.5 pounds, which is manageable for most users, though some might find the size of the clamps cumbersome in smaller workshops. The warranty reflects the reliability of this product. It's especially suited for professional woodworkers who need robust and accurate clamping tools.

Rating
9.4
Bar Material

Most important from
55 reviews

Bar Material
The 50-inch clamps are heavy-duty and arrived without damage, showcasing their durability.

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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