Dubuque Clamp Works UC948 48" Adjustable Bar Clamp for Woodworking - 10-PACK

These things are incredibly lightweight, extremely strong, and they feature a clamping mechanism that feels extremely smooth and easy to use. Even the oversized wing nut attached to the tightening mechanism feels good to use, which I wasn't expecting. The spring adjustment feels a bit fiddly at first, but there's such a clear positive stop when you get it into a groove that it's very easy to get a feel for after a minute or two. In short: this was money well-spent.

This is by far the best aluminum bar clamp available. In terms of price, it is comparable or even lower priced than rocklers or Jorgensen's. For those that complain about clamping pressure, these are for finer projects that require more finesse in assembly. I have quite a few bessey kre's, jets, Jorgensen I bars, even some kreg automaxx hold downs which are all good quality clamps, but they can get pretty heavyand a lot of times you don't really need several thousand pounds of clamping pressure. As I have gained more experience in woodworking and my projects have grown more complex, I decided to treat myself to some specialty clamps. These are beautifully made tools, and as a bonus, they are made in USA. The closest comparison would be the rockler brand of aluminum bar clamps, but I read a few reviews that show the fixed jaw snapping off of the bar assembly. The crank handle looks easier to turn but you might end up putting too much stress on the fixed jaw. I think the wing nuts are perfect and gives you sufficient leverage to get the right clamping pressure. If you are gluing up entry doors with three inch long tenons, these clamps are not appropriate. But if you are gluing up cedar shoji screens or dining chairs, then these are perfect.

I get angry every time I use these clamps. Angry that I spent 20 years as a professional furniture maker before trying them. I have had another brand's aluminum bar clamps before, but they were fussy and lacked rigidity. I primarily used pipe clamps, favoring them over parallel jaw clamps for ease of operation. Here's what's good about these clamps: 1) Lightweight! It's easy to position these with one hand holding the clamp and one hand tightening it. I don't have to worry about these clamps coming crashing down and destroying my work. 2) The detents on the bar are sufficiently spaced. 3) The movable jaw slides smoothly and locks securely. 4) The fixed jaw has course threads that apply tremendous force. I strongly prefer the fixed butterfly handle over the ones with a rod that moves and gets in the way of the workbench. This handle does not hit the workbench when tightening. 5) These are extremely rigid and the proper amount of tightening force will not bend them. I am extremely surprised that an aluminum bar can be this rigid. 6) Made in the U.S.A! The fit and finish is far superior to any imported clamp I've used. If you are on the fence between parallel jaw clamps and Dubuque clamps, get these. It's better to use more clamps if necessary than it is to use fewer clamps that are fussy. These are by far the best clamps I have ever used and they will likely by my last ever bar clamp purchase.

These clamps are just about the best quality and ease of use I have. They're light weight, super smooth operation and do just as good of a job clamping up boards as the Bessey's and others with 1/4 the weight. Highly recommend these bar clamps.

Ive been using these clamps for years for fine furniture and cabinet making as well as custom finish work. They are light weight and easy to work with. The clamping pressure is more than adequate but not as strong as you'd get with a standard iron bar clamp. In the last 15 years I've been using them I've never encountered a time when the clamps couldn't provide enough pressure.

I figured well you get what you pay for and was ready to be let down by this product but YO...was not in the least.. solidly made..US made..quality equipment. 4 the novice woodworker you must take note of the height of he clamps..they are NOT jet or bessy type clamps..buy them for the use of the thickness of the stock you are working with...for example say you are making a few screen doors ..BOOM these are awesome...the material is light but plenty of tinsel strength..worth the money ALL DAY brother..ALL DAY

I had 6 of these 48" clamps and have really enjoyed the light weight and easy adjustment that they offer. The only problem I have had is that applying too much torque can bend the screw mechanism so that they become extremely difficult to tighten over time. It may just be me and my tendency to over tighten my clamps to get the best compression when gluing boards together. I am now down to one working clamp and have, one by one thrown the clamps away as they have broken.

Either the best clamps you'll ever buy you'll never want to buy another brand