6 Best Parallel Clamps for the Money | Reviews & Buyers Guide
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If you’re looking for the best parallel clamps to help with your next woodworking project, read on! The models we’ve selected here are not only great value (because of our diligent research!) but they also have a number of other fantastic features that will make them indispensable in a variety of scenarios.
Welcome to our guide on the best parallel clamps. If you’re like me, you will have had your fair share of woodworking projects that haven’t exactly gone to plan?? Even now, after so many years of woodworking, something goes awry, and I’m left scratching my head wondering, ‘how did that happen?!’
But, that’s part of the joy of it, to continue to learn and develop my skills. More often than not, I need more than one pair of hands in my workshop, especially when assembling and gluing my creation! The success of any project always depends on how well it is built and finished.
Fortunately, I have a decent set of parallel clamps that enables me to put the pieces together using just the right amount of pressure. These clamps are a real life-saver, and it means I can set it and forget it.
Woodworking is my absolute passion, and I recently had the need to look for a new set of parallel clamps and was struck by just how many there were to choose from! And this gave me the idea of researching the market, filtering down the top 5, and sharing this with you. 6 made it onto my list!
I have chosen my Best Overall and Best Value pick and written a review of each model. You can see them side-by-side in the comparison table where I have scored each one. At the end of the article, I have written a Buyers Guide, and this gives you some extra information to consider before making your final purchase decision.
Comparison of our Favorite Parallel Clamps
| Image | Model | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | Jorgensen Cabinet Master | Click Here | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | POWERTEC 71368 | Click Here | 4.5 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | Bora 50’’ Parallel Clamp | Click Here | 4.7 / 5 |
  | Jet 70412-2 | Click Here | 4.5 / 5 |
  | Yost Tools K7040 | Click Here | 4.6 /5 |
  | IRWIN Tools (2026500) | Click Here | 4.4 /5 |
Top 6 Parallel Clamps – Reviews
1. Jorgensen Cabinet Master (Best Overall)
- In case you are looking for an excellent addition to your workshop’s collection, Jorgensen has got you covered. This incredible tool has a similar jaw design, allowing 90 degrees clamping of materials such as wood, composite, and plastic.
- It is pretty light, weighing only 7 kilograms. It has a deep 3-3/4-inch jaw depth, which optimizes the distribution of pressure. The secure locking system in the jaws prevents them from slipping, protecting you from unnecessary accidents.
- This item boasts of a rapid action jaw opening and closing, saving you time. All you need to do is raise the handle away from the steel rail and slide the moveable jaw to the desired point. You can also reverse the movement for spreading.
- This product is made of steel and wood, which makes it suited for several applications. You can use it in flat panel, box, cabinet, frame and panel door assemblies, or any other project that requires one to apply pressure.
- Lastly, it has an ergonomic design thanks to the perfectly molded soft-grip handle.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Further reading: 10 Best Corner Clamps – Reviews & Buying Guide
2. Bora 50’’ Parallel Clamp
- Our second recommendation features a 16-pound clamp from the formidable Bora. Retailing slightly higher than our first option, this product is suited for different projects. It is strong and steady, thanks to the 3.5-inch padded jaw, which offers users constant and even pressure.
- This clamp counters some of the common problems that users face while clamping. The perfectly designed jaws eliminate chances of damaging the material when winding the clamp. You will also enjoy the perfect pressure of 1000lbs.
- It is available in different lengths, 12, 24, 31, 40, and 50 inches. You can trust the manufacturers, who rely on consumer feedback when designing their tools. This clamp will, therefore, meet your expectation.
- It is highly stable; in case you need high levels of precision in your artistry. This woodworking clamp can serve both enthusiasts and professionals, thanks to the careful design. Users also enjoy a lock bottom jaw and a large easy to grip handle.
- This item boats of several positive reviews from real users if you are having trouble making up your mind.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Further reading: 13 Types of Clamps – Which One is Right For You?
3. Jet 70412-2
- Our third product is this fantastic parallel clamp from Jet. This is a 2-pack clamp that comes with a precision measurement system, ensuring that you have a consistent setup and quick identification of the opening capacity as you go about your projects.
- You can rapidly and precisely adjust this clamp thanks to the exclusive slide glide trigger. This product is also highly ergonomic, which makes it comfortable and easy to use. It has a Sumogrip handle, which is integrated with a soft grip for added power and comfort.
- Other notable features include a moveable rail stand and an end stop, which helps users pre-set clamping capacity rapidly and precisely. The marring jaws are also extra wide, which offers even clamping pressure.
- Jet is a reputable company, and therefore, this product comes with a lifetime warranty, making it one of the best products on our list.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4. POWERTEC 71368 (Best Value)
- This is one of the cheapest clamps on our list in case you are working on a budget. It has several applications, which makes it a versatile option. It uses a resounding 3-3/4” throat depth, which offers optimized pressure redistribution and a clamping force of over 880lbs.
- This product boasts of a premium design, which gave it a spot on our list. Each of the clamps has an ergonomic soft-grip handle, cold steel rail, and three removal jaw pads, which are also non-marring. These jaws have a rapid action movement, meaning that you can easily convert this tool into a clamp spreader tool.
- This is the best tool in case you are looking for high precision clamping. It keeps all your material and workpieces square and free from the movement as you work. It is highly convenient and can be used in different projects. It does not matter whether you need evenly applied clamping pressure, a secure locking system, or a quick bar clamp spreader-this tool serves all these applications.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5. Yost Tools K7040
- Our fourth product is this heavy-duty parallel clamp from Yost. It weighs only 3 kilograms, making it one of the lightest tools in this review. Keep in mind that Yost has been manufacturing tools for over a century, making it one of the most trusted tool brands in the world.
- This tool is built for professional woodworkers, thanks to the notable improvements from the other versions. It has a patented anti-slip system, which prevents the moveable jaw from sliding around when working on your projects.
- Users enjoy a pivoting handle, which allows them to clamp projects together with more pressure. The handle is also built with comfort in mind. Other notable features include an anti-slip design that keeps the jaw steady, even when you decide to use the clamp vertically.
- This product also boasts an end stop support and steel bar, preventing it from tipping when working. Each of the two clamps also comes with protective supports, which helps position your project off the rail of the clamp, giving you an easier time.
- You get to save time and energy when you use this product for your projects, with the limited lifetime warranty.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
6. IRWIN Tools (2026500)
- Irwin is one of the biggest producers of woodworking tools. Our last recommendation is this fantastic, well-built, and cost-friendly tool that will offer you the level of precision you need. It is made of alloy steel, which makes it highly durable.
- This tool is highly versatile, thanks to the tremendous clamping force. It delivers a mighty clamping power of up to 1150 pounds, which is suitable for most if not all the clamping projects that you may be thinking of.
- This product has a resin body and jaws, which prevent marring and resist glue adhesion. The pro touch handle offers an ergonomic group that is highly needed for comfort and ease of usage.
- It is made of alloy steel, which makes it sturdy enough for heavy-duty usage. It boasts of several positive reviews from satisfied customers. Users will not suffer from fatigue or slip when using this product.
- Lastly, this product is relatively cheaper than other clamps in its category, making it a good option.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Video: Using Parallel Clamps
Parallel Clamps Buyers Guide
There are several parallel clamps available in the market, owing to the influx of manufacturers. Therefore, you should consider a set of factors before settling on one lest you fall for a low-quality product.
Length
This is perhaps one of the first considerations you should have in mind when buying a parallel lamp. The clamp you settle on should reach across the entire length of your project if you need to do an outstanding job. Ensure that the clamp you get is slightly larger than the size of your project if you would like to be on the safer side.
Strength
Is your parallel clamp strong enough to handle the type and nature of projects you are working on? Strength is an essential trait in a clamp since you need to firmly hold your project in place for an extended period or all through your project duration.
The chances are that the pieces you are holding together will move and dry in the wrong position if your clamp is not strong enough, giving you a hard time since you have to start all over again. To save time and effort, get a tool that can hold your projects in place for the most prolonged duration.
Surface protection
Some of the clamps that we have reviewed can exert up to 10000 pounds of pressure, which is high. Remember that when this pressure is applied to wood or any other soft material, it may result in tremendous damage, which may leave gouges, scratches, marring, and any other type of deformations. This is where surface protection comes into a shield against all these.
Most, if not all, of the clamps that we have looked at, have some surface protection covering the face of the jaws. This feature prevents damage, whether you are working on wood or concrete. Therefore, ensure that your clamp comes with adequate surface protection to help you avoid ruining your projects.
Price
This factor is dependent on your budget. We all know what we can spare and what we cannot. Even though parallel clamps perform the same function, a few models cost twice as much as others. This price difference is often brought by a set of additional factors, which we have looked at in our review.
However, also keep in mind that some products are just overpriced. We would advise that if you come across a tool with the same features as the overpriced one, settle for it. Also, remember that cheaper devices may have certain drawbacks that you are better off not experiencing.
Cheaper tools often have shorter warranty durations and even weaker parts, even though they may have the same features as the expensive ones. Also, certain brands sell their products at a higher price due to different factors.
Therefore, if you are keen on brands, be ready to spend more than somebody who will pick an average tool provided that it has the features they are looking for.
Ease of operation
The main reason why people use tools is to ease operation and conserve energy. Therefore, your parallel clamp should be easy to operate if you need a good time. One of the most challenging processes for any woodworker is dealing with wet glue.
Tow boards will not automatically stay on their own when gluing them together. In most cases, the glue can easily make them slide and fall apart, setting you steps behind. Therefore, when buying parallel clamps, ensure that ease of operation is one of your considerations.
One should operate the best tool with one hand to give you an easier time to steadily hold the wood with the other one as you clamp it. Ensure that your clamp of choice has an easy-to-use locking mechanism like a glide trigger or even a flip-up handle. You will be able to fully tighten or loosen the clamp as you hold the wood still with the other.
Pressure
Does your choice of clamp apply even pressure on your project? Parallel clamps have parallel jaws when tightened, ensuring that materials are held square and straight during woodworking. Working with unparallel jaws will pull your project out of the square, which is highly disappointing.
However, some jaws are also made so that they are slightly unparallel when open but straighten out on tightening. Such clamps can help you achieve a tight fit. Therefore, ensure that your choice becomes completely parallel when the jaws are tightened to prevent your projects from being square.
Brand/Manufacturer
Several brands are offering parallel clamps owing to the high demand. If you are a first-time buyer, you should settle on reputable brands with good reviews from customers to save you the stress and disappointment of a faulty tool. However, you can discover and try the less famous brands once you know what you are looking for in parallel clamps.
Conclusion
As I mentioned in the introduction, you won’t be short on choice as there are many parallel clamps to buy. But, some are total junk and a complete waste of money. There are not many features to differentiate them, so I looked mainly at the build quality and durability. From there, I whittled the list down to the six best currently available.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Of those, the Jorgensen Cabinet Master was the clever winner of the Best Overall prize. With 1500 pounds of clamping pressure, these will indeed hold your pieces together, and they remain to parallel once tightened to ensure even pressure. This gives you the best chance your project will turn out exactly how you want and not wonky or distorted. They aren’t that much more than some other models, so I do highly recommend them.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Best Value award went to POWERTEC 71368. These exert up to 880 pounds of clamping pressure and are dead easy to use. They have features that make them easily adjustable, and you can buy either a 2-pack or a 4-pack. A problem is with their quality control as many customers complain about missing parts, so if they can fix that, you’d have a quality product for not a lot of money!
I hope you have found this guide about parallel clamps helpful? If you have any additional queries, please email me, and I’d be more than willing to help you further.
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When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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