Best Parallel Clamp? Harbor Freight vs Bessey, Jet, & More!

8 Parallel Clamps: Harbor Freight, Bessey, Jet, Jorgensen, Bora, Irwin, Semble, and Ehoma. I tested these parallel clamps for jaw deflection, build quality, bar deflection, durability, warranty, and price. I purchased all of these clamps with the exception of the Bessey and Semble which were gifts from a friend a year ago.
⚓️ Thank you for supporting the channel through memberships: / @731woodworks
⚓️ Thank you very much for supporting the channel through Patreon: / 731woodworks
🎥 See my past videos of tools reviews: • Woodworking Tool Reviews
🔩 PLANS and MERCH: www.731woodworks.com/store
🎁 Greatest Free Gift: story4.us/731Woodworks
As an Amazon affiliate member, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
📄 More detailed information on this test is on my website www.731woodworks.com/731-blog...
Clamps in this Video*
🥇 Best Clamp for Most People
Bessey Parallel Clamps 2-Pack - amzn.to/3L3bn6i
Bessey Parallel Clamps 4-Pack (better deal) - amzn.to/3QGWiZG
🥈 Budget Pick
Harbor Freight (Bremen) Parallel Clamps - sovrn.co/fd3b841
🥉 Other Clamps in the Video
Jet Parallel Clamp (good but pricey) - amzn.to/3RCO3yU
Ehoma Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3DfxIfl
Semble Parallel Clamp - bit.ly/3DkxYd3
Jorgensen Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3qypVBq
Irwin Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3BxAJXa
Bora Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3B3ogc1
🛠 Other Tools I Like
Woodpeckers Delve Square - amzn.to/3DcCgD9
Woodpeckers Stainless Square - bit.ly/3B56NAa
Jorgensen F-Clamps - amzn.to/3B2Kg73
Bessey 6-inch F-Clamps - amzn.to/3QDdCP0
Follow me on Amazon for more tool reviews: www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4e5e1fdd
I get my stickers from Sticker Mule: www.stickermule.com/unlock?re...
#woodworking #toolreviews #tools

[@731Woodworks]

▼EXPAND FOR LINKS TO THE TOOLS▼ This Sander will change the way you woodwork ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpvIiHR5raeXg5I Tools In This Video: Bessey Parallel Clamps 2-Pack - amzn.to/3L3bn6i Bessey Parallel Clamps 4-Pack (better deal) - amzn.to/3QGWiZG Harbor Freight (Bremen) Parallel Clamps - sovrn.co/fd3b841 Jet Parallel Clamp (good but pricey) - amzn.to/3RCO3yU Ehoma Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3DfxIfl Semble Parallel Clamp - bit.ly/3DkxYd3 Jorgensen Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3qypVBq Irwin Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3BxAJXa Bora Parallel Clamp - amzn.to/3B3ogc1 Other Tools I Like Woodpeckers Delve Square - amzn.to/3DcCgD9 Woodpeckers Stainless Square - bit.ly/3B56NAa Jorgensen F-Clamps - amzn.to/3B2Kg73 Bessey 6-inch F-Clamps - amzn.to/3QDdCP0 (If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I may receive a commission) Some other useful links: -Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals -Subscribe to our email Newsletter: mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter -Check out our easy-to-follow woodworking plans: www.731woodworks.com/store Outlaw's Board Butter - So Good it Should be Outlawed: www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter

[@13daniel1974]

I got the Bessey Parallel Clamp 2 pack. Very nice. Thanks for the review.

[@christopherpavlicas]

I highly suspect the slight inward angle on the clamps are "intentionally" engineered into their design to account for the deflection when the clamps are tightened. In fact, I am sure this is the case.

[@awlthatwoodcrafts8911]

I was thinking the same thing. Like a flatbed trailer. It is intentionally made with a crown so that by the time you add the weight of the freight, it's flat, instead of sunken. Having said that, Matt's test didn't seem to show that any of the clamps did a good job of deflecting back to parallel when under pressure.

[@christopherpavlicas]

@@awlthatwoodcrafts8911 BTW - Your truck bed analogy is perfect! Just a final point. Matt wasn't testing the clamps on wide material (i.e. holding cabinet sides together) that would put pressure along the entire length of the clamps out to the ends where the deflection would be the greatest. He was comparing the clamps with boards about an inch or less thick which only pressed into the lowest corner of the clamps.

[@jimbusmaximus4624]

You're correct, they're specifically made that way. It's not a defect. It really irked me that he made it sound like it was.

[@bluepeakworkworking]

I agree with your flatbed analogy but I have some Bessey Revos that will not deflect enough for the jaws to become parallel no matter how much pressure. Also, the amount each clamp is out of parallel is not consistent from one to the next. My advice is to check them while you can still return them.

[@thisiscristian]

Absolutely! This guy doesn't know how to test these. Clamping pressure measurement is essential for nearly all the [important]testing he did.

[@txrazor2643]

I thought i was on Project Farms channel for a minute there. 🤣

[@731Woodworks]

😂

[@731Woodworks]

You could say I was I inspired by his videos on this one

[@txrazor2643]

@@731Woodworks I will say you were as thorough as he is.

[@731Woodworks]

That’s a huge compliment. Love his videos.

[@GentleGiantFan]

I thought the same thing. Great video!

[@brentfrench752]

I saw this video when it first came out, but since then I learned a little more about parallel clamps. The head of a parallel clamp is not supposed to be 90 degrees parallel to the bar. There should be a slight deflection, or toe in at the upper portion of the head, or the area opposite the bar. When you tighten the clamp, the bar deflects or bends slightly upward which in turn pulls the top of the head out slightly which brings it 90 degrees with the bar. In theory that’s how it’s supposed to work anyway. Obviously, if you tighten the parallel clamp too hard, it’s most likely going to raise your panel in the center so it no longer sits flat and level. However, in all likelihood, the panel will return flat and level one the clamps are released, but this may not always be the case. When gluing up panels, you only need to tighten parallel clamps, well probably any clamp until the boards come together and you get the glue squeeze out. There’s no need to tighten it further. So, since the Harbor Freight parallel clamp head is almost, or at 90 degrees, or square to the bar, when you tighten the clamp the top of the head, or the area of the head furthest from the bar will toe out a bit as the bar deflects, or slightly bends upwards. Again, the bar deflection or bend, and toe out will all depend on how tight you set your clamps. This shouldn’t have much, if any impact on panel glue ups, as most panels are 1” or less. However, it really shouldn’t matter if your panel is 2” or so. The only time this could be a problem is when you actually need the full hight of the parallel clamp head and base to hold a workpiece. So what is that 4-5”? Therefore this is more for your education as in practice, it probably isn’t going to impact your clamping, unless you need equal clamping pressure along the full area of the head and base. I personally believe if you’re clamping panels that are 1” or less, “F” style clamps would be just as effective as parallel clamps. This information is my opinion only. I have not tested this theory, but I have seen it tested on a couple KZbin woodworking channels.

[@gnshp8167]

That Projekt Farm thumbnail 👌Fantastic video as always

[@731Woodworks]

👊🏻

[@rikityrik]

Very impressive!👍

[@arthurjacobs5579]

I have Bessey and Jet clamps, both great clamps. I recently had a broken jaw on my Bessey clamp, I contacted Bessey, and they sent me a replacement clamp. Outstanding customer service!!!

[@louiecal4480]

“ in this video we are going to compare 731 woodworks KZbin thumbnails to project farms”

[@timvoiss1568]

As a metal worker, when i make jaws on the cnc lathe i put a taper in them, smaller at top and about .003 bigger at the bottom, when clamping the part it will push the jaws out and will make the jaws parallel. that should be the same on the clamps, top will deflect out to put more surface area clamped, this how its done on a cnc lathe, Had my hands on HF 24" clamps but I bought 3 scopes for a rifle before i bought the one for the job so I bought the 18" Bessey guess i will go back and get the HF 24" Thanks for saving me money

[@misterfee6467]

this is why they are out of square, These clamps are designed to apply even pressure.

[@bucknboard]

Agree wholeheartedly on minor jaw defection. I believe this is part of the design for parallel clamps. It would have been interesting to measure bar thickness and it’s relation to bar deflection. I did a review of trigger clamps this way. It is no surprise that the Bremen came in so high after doing some in store evaluation. Solid clamp

[@themontashu1]

They do the same with woodworking clamps. If the vast majority of them are all angles, it’s probably for a reason

[@anthonyreyes6642]

Great job Matt I love comparison videos, makes life much easier for everyone

[@Mike-ou5ps]

Howdy Mr. 731... I stopped my entire router table build just to watch this video . If ya don't recall, I'm the one who kept buggin ya to do a tool review on the Bora clamps. I am very excited and pleased that ya did these tests. I am not to to surprised on the outcome of the Bora but at the same time a bit puzzled as to why Izzy uses them? Perhaps he just needed some extra clamps at the time, I dunno. Ironically...speaking of "needing clamps". I needed some a few weeks back and being on a VERY low budget, Hello Harbor Freight. So, being in the need, I got some just to complete my build. I agree, they worked great and I got mine for around $20 bucks each cause they were on sale to members. 2 clamps for less than the cost of a single Bessey clamp. SCORE!!!! Thanks for taking the time and money to do these tests. Just so you know, it """IS""" appreciated. I've got another idea for ya for another tool review, but based solely on Harbor Freight. How bout Harbor Freight bandsaws, drill presses (both bench top and stand alone) and perhaps toss in their Jointer too. Compare them to the Wen and Ryobi. I know you've done tool reviews on the Wen's...but I don't think you've done a side by side with other "budget" tools of those categories. Just a thought Keep up the good work...I'm getting back to my router table build now.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks for the idea Mike! Keep us posted on the router build! 👊🏻

[@edv59]

Thanks for doing this test, been on the fence about the HF clamp! Will give them a try

[@fredcheung1940]

When I use my Bessey clamps, I drape wax paper strips over the rails to eliminate having to remove glue drips later. It has been effective so far.

[@johnh9962]

I use cheap painter's tape on the clamp bars under the work piece. Glue sticks to the tape and is simple to remove.

[@scottadams2624]

Loved the video, Matt. Great job, great perspective.

[@michaelhudsondrums-mhd2380]

Amazing thanks for taking the time

[@susantipsyhealy7655]

Thank you for this video. And great timing. I never realized there is so many different brands. So I was confused by whichever would be a good choice. I learned much.

[@NicksMind21]

You missed the allen key in the handle option, that is great!... Bessey all day everyday... But might pick up Bremens as I have broke a Bessey before with normal hand clamping. HomeDepot took care of me.

[@littlepoolefam3]

Wow...I am so glad I subscribed to your channel. I have been wanting to see a comparison of these clamps for a long time. Knowing that HF's clamps perform that well is a comfort for me, as my budget right now is small.

[@robertkerby2581]

You did an excellent job of comparing the Parallel Clamps! I have been a fan and very satisfied (happy) user of the Bessey Brand "F" Style Clamps for many years. I am happy to learn that the Bessey Parallel Clamps are a top performing brand, too! Well done, and please keep bring us more!

[@miserablesod1]

Just picked up 4 Bessey 800mm parallel clamps - direct from Bessey UK - for about £26 each. They have numerous special offers on at the moment...

[@design8studio]

Awesome video. Super helpful. Thank you!

[@pointblankokc]

Bud I recently ran across you channel and loving it. Very helpful stuff. I've been wanting to get some of these clamps for making furniture and have been very tempted to get the harbor freight ones. Now I'm for sure getting those.

[@alanr745]

Well, that was helpful. I did not know about HF's, but that looks promising! Great test and review! Thank you!

[@frankglass]

Great video on the clamps. Very thorough.

[@scottgloster3601]

The Wood Whisperer just called you out. They're not supposed to be square. When you tighten the clamp the bar flexes and that allows the faces to square up.

[@731Woodworks]

Yep, I was wrong on that part. Only one man ever lived a perfect life and they crucified Him. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@rykastner]

Great review. Found this after looking for reviews of the HF clamps. I have two 50” Bessey clamps and a barrage of Jet clamps. But I bought them before a few years ago they got crazy expensive. Acme had a buy one get one free Black Friday special back then. Still a big fan of the Jet clamps but am also impressed that HF is starting to step up their game. I’ve bought some impact hex head drivers and their Hercules bench grinder in the past year and been very happy with both.

[@knights9188]

Thank you! I have been looking into what clamps to get as a starting set for myself and now I feel a lot more confident as in what to invest in

[@Jack-dk1pb]

Thanks for your time. Truly got very useful information on my next clamp purchase. If you have a video on a product I looking for I will DEFINITELY go by your recommendations because I trust you and your testing method again thanks and God bless

[@Coreyrkennedy]

Great video! Thanks for doing this

[@AlienLeader4]

Awesome video. Thank you for all the information that you provide.

[@jamiedevine2168]

I love how much detail you go into and you are fair with your judging. Also, the drop test was a great shout! I wish we had this much choice at this price point in the UK.

[@ryanm2214]

Thanks for this! I am a HF fan, usually on tight budget, but was hesitant to save on clamps. This helped!

[@kevinsigler6747]

Excellent review! Thank you.

[@rtgray7]

Great news Matt! Thanks for this. I have almost bought 48" Besseys several times but always felt they were over priced. Great to see the competition from Bremen.

[@davidsmalley9336]

Great video and test Matt, as far as parallel clamps I only own Bessie and recently the Bremen from Harbor freight, and after seeing your results and what I’ve put them through, (the bremen brand) is just as good.. So if you’re just starting woodworking, or been doing it a few years, and whether or not you’re on a budget, I think most people will be happy with them. 🤗👍

[@elizabethgearhart]

I definitely appreciate your comparison videos. I’ve always been into furniture flipping and renovating. Which doesn’t require a lot of tools. But recently I’ve expanded my interest. Which also means I need to start collecting the appropriate tools. You do a good job about comparing. So I don’t waste time and money. Which is good because I don’t have a lot of either! 😂 Thank you so much!

[@burakloft568]

Thank you for doing this video. It really helps me out. 👍👍👍

[@d_townnigil]

Really like the detail in your videos. Amateur DIY wood worker and have used a lot of your videos to get the best options for what I need.

[@scrappyoakswoodcraft]

This is the video I needed right now. Been waiting for the Bessey 4 pack to go on sale again but now I'll just go for the HF ones. And really glad I didn't pull the trigger on the Bora's. Thanks!

[@kevinweaver4265]

Thanks, very helpful video, great information! Do more please.

[@leewitherington4415]

Just picked up the Harbor Freight 24" clamp. Thanks for the recommendation

[@andrewjonas5523]

My man, are you following me around or something lol??? I was literally holding the HF clamps yesterday morning, trying to decide if I should buy a few just because, or just keep buying my bessy clamps. Ultimately I decided to do my research, found nothing. Then you release this. 13 hours sooner Matt and I would have had blues with the reds. Haha great video.

[@thehickorylanewoodshed2378]

Thanks for your test. I will be checking out the Harbor Freight brand. Very insightful. Thanks Matt!

[@robtowne5905]

thank you for the comparison. I see a lot of folks talking about HF Brand and how well they do, I am sold based on seeing it in action here.

[@devinbraun1852]

I picked up a few Bessey clamps about a month ago for $44 each (not a whole lot more than Harbor Freight). I’ve used them a bunch since then and I’m very pleased.

[@SavageVoyageur]

Thanks Matt for the video. I have Bessey clamps but wanted to try others. Today I picked up 2 of the HF Bremen clamps. I must say these HF clamps are very good. I will be buying more.

[@Ranger_1349]

Thanks for the video!

[@terrmaso]

I recently got very lucky and purchased an older model of the Bessey at an amazing price, 8 clamps for $75. 2 of each 12", 24", 30" and 50". When I saw your review video, I was very curious as to how the Breman would compare and was pleasantly suprised. HF has been stepping up its game as of late. Looks like I will be adding a few more HF clamps to my line up. Thanks for the review 👍

[@stephenburrows8909]

Thank you for this review! When I first got into woodworking (many, many years ago) I got two Bessey 40" Parallel Clamps (PC) for a specific project. They were mid-priced but came with a good recommendations, they work very well and I was impressed with them. Fast forward to last November (2021) as I was getting my shop back up and running, after 15 years, not only did I need some longer clamps (PC 50") but smaller 24" PC for some small tabletops I was making. I was in Lowe's and they had the Jorgensen 24" PC were on sale for $29.98 (normally $50) each! Well, the Bessey's were right at $50 each so I got 6 of the Jorgensen's. For me they have worked very well through the 8-side tabletops and dozens of cutting boards. So was back a Lowe's last week and they are back on sale for $29.98 so I got 6 more. They also had the 50" Jorgensen PC on sale for $39.98 each but, I'm sticking with the Bessey's for anything longer.

[@BigDogChannel]

I own a set of 4 of the 24” Bessey’s, and I just picked up a pair of Bremen 48’s. The Bremens are every bit as good as the Bessey’s. As shocking as that sounds, there is no question about it. They are very well built and worked perfectly for me on my last big glue up. I am going to go back to HF and pick up 4 of the 24’s as well. You can never have too many clamps and at half the price of the Bessey’s its a no brainer.

[@michaellenorgant5079]

I've been holding off on getting these style of clamps because of the price. I see a trip to harbor frieght in my future. Thanks your your input.

[@calebsanz9826]

Same here big dog. These Bremen clamps are fantastic…and if you were lucky you were able to get 20% off during labor day. I walked out with 2 for $54. STEAL!!

[@jonz01]

I'm glad you did this! Being a woodworker on a shoestring budget, I was glad to see that the Harbor Freight clamps did so well. I also did some searching on the Ehoma brand and found that they in fact have a 1 year warranty.

[@averagemodeler]

Me too

[@natehaack4999]

I bought the Bremens recently. The 48" are only $40 while the 24" are $35 as Matt said. I got my 48" ones for $30 when they were on sale recently. An awesome price! They are fantastic and also come with those clips to hold up your workpiece. I was really happy that his tests showed they were comparable to Jet and Bessey. I was a little worried that I had just gotten some diamonds in the rough. Glad to see that if I need more, I can buy with relative confidence. Back at ya Matt!👊

[@731Woodworks]

👊🏻

[@sinsofvorador]

I got some of the Jorgensens and I hate these things. The bar sucks. I clamped up a pine panel and the lock cut into the bar so bad that they locked in place, so bad that I had to drop them on the floor to knock them loose. After getting them open I noticed how bad they cut the bar. And it's really bad. My bessey don't do that and I've cranked down on the hard.

[@mavision6525]

I too recently picked up the Bremens. Completely satisfied way more than my Jorgensen clamps.

[@chingonbass]

the bremens C clamps are also pretty good and the pistol clamps ain't bad

[@josephmasini6488]

Bessey’s prices went up at the Home Depot. It’s now $70 for the 50” clamp. Not sure it just the Depot or Bessey them selves. I have 2 50” that I got for $56 each a while back. It’s a. Great clamp but now at $70 makes me think a little am I getting value?

[@profcah]

Thanks Matt. Great review and I am going to get some HF clamps. Bessey is still a great clamp but I am still on a budget.

[@michaelseman8683]

Thanks for the review it was great. One more thing I would have loved to see on there was where these clamps are made. Many times I buy based on budget but I try to go made in USA if possible. If you could add that info to the description when doing reviews I think it would be a welcome addition. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@davidlong5400]

Really nice review! Been looking for better clamps. Fast pace overall but explanation and overview at end was best part flashing back of products! Surprised harbor freight came in so high! Thanks for going through all that trouble to help everyone else out!!

[@jaredmartin6164]

Hey David. I have a terrible experience with bora. Would never buy again. Big fan of the jet. Pony Jorgensen and bessey.

[@REDCRANE1944]

Thanks! I’ve been shopping for these clamps and leaning towards the HF brand due to price. I appreciate your report.

[@sneakyhippo8663]

When I seen the Bremen I was curious. Honestly I don’t have much need for these clamps yet as I don’t panel glue ups but when I do I have the knowledge. Thanks you for this and it’s a shocking turn out!!!

[@howardsmith5474]

Great breakdown thanks

[@rickpouley2857]

Hello to the group.. I have an up-date about my post about the Harbor Freight Clamps... I purchased 6 clamps from Harbor Freight, and I was really impressed with the way that they have worked. After about 3 weeks of using the clamps, I had two of the 6 clamps fail. Harbor Freight changed them out without any issues, so I was happy and just figured maybe it was operator error on my part. Two weeks later, I had three more of the clamps fail again. 1 of the clamps that failed was the replacement clamp. I took them back on Saturday and they again replaced them. Now, I am afraid to use these clamps anymore due to the failure rate of these clamps. I was lucky that I had Jorgensen clamps in the shop. So, now... I have to rate the Harbor Freight Clamps, a No Buy....

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks for sharing!

[@tom.coomes]

Thank you, been on the fence with the HF clamps. They have been making steps towards more quality tools, look at the Icon line, they are going after the tool trucks with them.

[@markelonich6783]

I appreciate your work, I have Bessey and Irwin, and I actually like the way the Irwin clamp slides all the way to the end. When I glue up I like how easy it slides compared to the Bessey. I'll probably stay away from the Harbor Freight, didn't like how the bins are compared to bolts and or rivets on the others. Thanks again.

[@MrMcTavishOBS]

Your thumbnail picture tricked me. I thought “oh wow project farm has a new video.” Trickery of the highest order.

[@731Woodworks]

lol

[@marting.7564]

Thank you for the review. I’ve been watching this type of clamp and you’ve helped me make my choice. 👍🏽

[@WaterN2WineCreations]

Thank you for an honest unbiased review. I would rather do without than “save” on something that is junk. Paying $200+ for a set of 4 clamps was out of the reach of my budget. Sounds like harbor freight to the rescue with a set of good parallel clamps. 👍🏼

[@jamesbrosious8168]

Awesome review, thank you !

[@731Woodworks]

My pleasure!

[@1averageamerican]

I have several Bora clamps and think they're great. I've never had a problem using or adjusting them. I must point out that they are supposed to start out of square and square up as you apply pressure. I also like that you can remove the jaw, turn it around and use the clamp as a spreader. I'm sure some of those other clamps have this feature as well. As far as those little feet go, the longer clamps come with 2 but I never used them.(have about 20 of them piled in a drawer somewhere) Funny thing is I had some Bessy clamps and hated them for many of the same reasons you didn't like the Boras. I guess no one product can please everyone. Thanks for doing this comparison.

[@jamesbannerman4804]

I have some Harbor Frieght 48" bar clamps in my shop. Got them on sale for $20 each. By far the best clamps for large panels, specially for that sale price. True story.

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Great review, thanks for the information. For what it is worth, I like when there is a summary table at the end of reviews like this. It can be super simple with 1 to 10 for each test and the price. Or super detailed with exact values and with superior performance and failures color highlighted…

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

I agree with you. However, since his tests were mostly subjective, there was very little data to compare. He didn’t measure the clamping force used on his deflection tests, so those results were non-conclusive. I prefer Project Farm’s testing techniques where objective numbers are accumulated and charted.

[@lincolndickerson1293]

@@MrJohnnyboyrebel I agree with you on the subjectiveness of the tests. Even in that there was information gathered and opinions expressed, even if there needs to be a disclaimer about the testing methods, that would be nice to have in a summary at the end.

[@731Woodworks]

I put the summary table on my website www.731woodworks.com/731-blog/bestparallelclamp

[@lincolndickerson1293]

@@731Woodworks You rock!

[@spencerjw]

I have 2 sets (4) of the Jett 36" parallel clamps that I got on sale, which they have often. I love them but I didn't even know they were as good as they performed in your review, so thank you for making me feel better about buying them. That being said, they are pricey, but if you find them on sale, which happens often, they are a great buy!

[@joejtrip]

Good comparison. I have Jet and Bessey clamps. I prefer the Bessey because the clutch on the Jet causes sticking when moving the head into position before turning the screw... a simple upward pressure on the Bessey allows it to slide easily into clamping position.. Sliding onto my hand like you show is not an issue. I don't use the clamps in that position. Another observation - Dropping the Jet causes the handle cap to fly off .

[@genedeahl7453]

Thanks for your efforts

[@Rico702Vegas]

Appreciate the review and effort, love the shirts brother.

[@matthewdoering3493]

I bought the Bora a few years ago. I was not happy with the jaws not being parallel so I contacted customer service. I no longer have their direct response but is was along the lines of "this is by design so that when pressure is applied the clamps will be parallel". My experience is that by the time I have applied enough pressure for most clamping operations the heads are parallel but if working with thin wood the pressure I would apply is not enough for that. Having said all that while I have a good supply of the Bora I will probably be adding more clamps in the future (shock!), just not Bora.

[@lanemcook1]

I agree on the Bora. I have 4 of them and one completely failed to hold pressure.

[@ravenheart1439]

Yeah that harbour freight clamp a bunch recommended it, one guy took it apart cause 1 failed out of 4 after 6 months of use took it back after reassembly and got a new one no questions asked, life time warranty...I looked at em but like everything at harbor I don't trust, but I trust the clamp now lol and hands down one of the best clamps out there...crazy..so I'll save a TON of money on clamps now at least lol...thanx Matt. You are the man no doubt...

[@markcopenhaver5256]

Matt, I own Bessy and Jorgensen Tradesman clamps along with Bessy parallel clamps. By far you demonstrated a very value added presentation on which clamps to consider and which to avoid. As a woodworker you can never have enough clamps and they are expensive. However, as every woodworker knows, if you buy cheap you always buy twice. In the case of the Bremen clamps perhaps not. Another detail that I believe you may have been the only one that I know to address is the clamp flexion. There is nothing more frustrating than doing a panel glue up only to find that the clamping pressure applied warped the panel. Excellent tip there! You have offered the best detailed report on clamps that I have run across in a long while. This will definitely have an influence on what I buy and how much I am spending. Thank you for your service to the industry.

[@mwaynem]

I don't currently own any parallel clamps but I am in the market for them. I do have several bar clamps about equal numbers of both harbor freight and besse. Both get the job done.

[@mcmathwoodworks]

Despite the fact that you forgot to say that this is Matt “Clamps” Outlaw, this was a great review! Lol! I’m not currently in the market for clamps, but I had to click because I really appreciate how thorough you are in your reviews! Thank you so much for spending your time and money to do this for us!

[@tomcoffey483]

Great information 👊👊

[@paulruud5804]

Very helpful video to me. I have been doubtful about parallel clamps (claims and cost) and this convinced me that I am going to be happiest sticking with my pipe clamps. Thanks for a clear and thorough review!

[@tobytootimes7639]

I will never give up my pipe clamps. It’s what I watched my dad use when I was a kid and it’s what my daughter watches me use. Hopefully she’ll carry on the tradition.

[@Rossco242424]

Agreed! Bessey pipe clamps.

[@alanhedrick4517]

Your videos are always the best!!

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you like them!

[@jamestaylor7539]

Like the strapping devices in the upper left corner trooper!

[@marchuvfulz]

Good review. It would be interesting to see a functional comparison between your two top parallel clamps and two good pipe clamps. Do you really need the parallel clamps at all? Or will pipe clamps work just fine for most use cases, like panels or cabinets?

[@kmslatton]

Thanks for this video. I was considering the HF clamp but just wasn't sure. I think for my needs that is the winner.

[@craigfehr411]

You should watch the parallel clamp review video by the Wood Whisperer. Specifically he talks about how the jaws are intentionally angled inwards to compensate for bar deflection

[@sakaj]

Nice job appreciate the video

[@Shamustodd1]

I have 5 of the 48" Bremens that I use for gluing up 36 - 40 in. panels and am very happy with the results. Slowly getting away from my old pipe clamps and really liking the Bremens. In all the side by side reviews I've seen or read the Bremens always perform very well against their peers. They may be a budget brand but they perform in the upper half of the class. You're getting a quality clamp and the price discount is just an obvious bonus.

[@starseeddeluxe]

I have a blue plastic circuit board clamp, it sits on a desk, and you clamp it together to hold onto a large circuit board so you can do repairs. The blue plastic was fine, until a few years went by, and something happened where the plastic was exposed to a little bit of UV light (maybe from sitting near a window) and it became so brittle that I dropped the small clamp jig on the carpet and the blue plastic shattered. I'm wondering what the long term durability of the plastic is on the Harbor Freight clamps, because clearly there are different grades of plastic. Some plastic literally falls apart in a few years, apparently...

[@rogerrathbun444]

I've been using wax paper and lay it across my clamps. It works great . It protects my clamps from the glue and it really doesn't stick to the wood or glue

[@jhtnpa]

Great video thanks!

[@quadsquadracingable]

Just bought 4 of each size of the bremen. Very satisfied and will be adding to the collection. I definitely want a 36" option just because I'm that guy! Lol

[@BB-wj8dv]

Glad to see the Jet do so well, sad to see how much they have gone up in price. They were $50 each just 3 years ago when I picked mine up. Video sure makes me consider other options in the future however.

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

Hola! 🖐Really good video, I appreciate all the effort you put into it especially the out of pocket expense for you in buying the many clamps. I found it very informative and has definitely helped me narrow down my options for when it's time for me to make a purchase. Keep up the good work sir! 👍Take care and have a good one, Adios!👊

[@bradouellette6558]

I have Bora and Beesey , let’s just say the Beesey sit and collect more dust than the Bora , and forget about the Beesey J style clamp , thin slick handles really suck

[@crewman90]

Thanks for the recommendation! Picked up 2 Bremen with the New Years 25% off coupon…can’t go wrong with ~$26 per parallel clamp!

[@victoryak86]

Excellent job.

[@22busy43]

I just picked up a few Rockler parallel clamps on sale. I’ve been happy with them

[@ronsnipes5258]

Wish I saw this before I bought some. Good video.

[@brianthornton942]

I got 4 bora clamps for xmas last year........and you're right, I really dislike them. I think I'm gonna go for the quick hit of HF/Bremen clamps until I win the powerball and then buy all Bessey :D

[@christopherungaro8454]

Interesting video. The only thing I care about is price and parallel clamping. I have a bunch of Bora’s and agree with you. They’re hard to move and they don’t really clamp parallel. It’s hard to glue up flat cutting boards, panels and such. I wish I saw this video before I spent money on them!

[@no_handle_required]

Agreed on HB clamps. Especially when they're on sale. Crazy inexpensive, but very good quality.

[@claudestewart5465]

I've been using Bessy for years and I've always liked them. I have some Jorgensen's too. They work well but I always grab the Bessy.