Ask Adam Savage: All About Clamps

In this live stream excerpt, Adam answers questions from Tested members shadowfax1007 and Call Me Dax about go-to clamps as well as tools for small-handed folks. Thank you, Shadow and Dax, for your questions and support! Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks, like asking Adam questions:
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C- Clamp 2": amzn.to/3MjQEdr
12-Inch Heavy-Duty Steel Bar Clamp: amzn.to/3x2xTpv
IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP: amzn.to/3mccDZu
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original Locking Pliers, Long Nose, 4-Inch: amzn.to/3amhZ1j
IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Bar Clamp Micro, 4-1/4-Inch: amzn.to/3apuUQp
IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Bar Clamp 18-Inch: amzn.to/3GIAoSl
IRWIN VISE-GRIP C Clamp: amzn.to/3aluJVY
PandaHall 2 Pack Wooden Ring Clamp: amzn.to/3aDMvUN
No-Twist Round Handle Multi-Purpose Lever Clamp, 2" (Kant Twist alternative): amzn.to/3Mt4ACl
Lot of 4-6" inch Spring Clamp: amzn.to/3alweDA
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Thanks for watching!
#AdamSavage #BestClamps #Clamps

[@tested]

C- Clamp 2": amzn.to/3MjQEdr 12-Inch Heavy-Duty Steel Bar Clamp: amzn.to/3x2xTpv IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP: amzn.to/3mccDZu RWIN VISE-GRIP Original Locking Pliers, Long Nose, 4-Inch: amzn.to/3amhZ1j RWIN QUICK-GRIP Bar Clamp Micro, 4-1/4-Inch: amzn.to/3apuUQp IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Bar Clamp 18-Inch: amzn.to/3GIAoSl IRWIN VISE-GRIP C Clamp: amzn.to/3aluJVY PandaHall 2 Pack Wooden Ring Clamp: amzn.to/3aDMvUN No-Twist Round Handle Multi-Purpose Lever Clamp, 2" (Kant Twist alternative): amzn.to/3Mt4ACl Lot of 4-6" inch Spring Clamp: amzn.to/3alweDA Disclaimer: Tested may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through the links here.

[@HariSeldon913]

C-clamps are also good for compressing the piston when you change brake pads on the car.

[@mrdbmckenna]

C-clamps are called G-clamps in the UK.

[@KennethAndrews]

Thanks for making videos like these to help us slowly learn and improve our skills. I would like a follow-up of this showing the actual work you're doing with the clamp. In particular all of the ways that you use to secure the clamp to different places

[@marvindebot3264]

I'd add hemostats to the list of indispensable clamps. Very handy for fine work.

[@KennethAndrews]

@@marvindebot3264 I worked in IT at a hospital and all of us had some hemostats because they are SO good at grabbing little bits and pieces deep down in a PC or server.

[@nicandknacksandseans]

Guy: “I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by choice” Adam: “let me show you every clamp that has ever existed, and painstakingly explain what each is for”

[@ShepardKammander]

I don't even make things (more than 1-2 times a year) and now I want to buy a full set of the Kant Twist clamps. As in like 4x of each size. I don't even need them. But now I want them.

[@SargesCustoms]

😂

[@bushratbeachbum]

There's so many more types of clamps out there. That was a tiny selection of clamps

[@cavemanvi]

full circle to where we started. overwhelmed by clamps

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

The Kant Twist clamp is a good project to make yourself if you want to test your fabrication abilities. There are several KZbin videos about how to do it. Just search for _DIY kant twist clamp_

[@davisdiercks]

I never knew you could swap the end of a squeeze clamp to turn it into a spreader!! I literally paused the video to try it with mine like "have I been sitting on this feature this whole time?!?" 🤯

[@DavidLindes]

I take it you found the answer to be yes? :) Pretty cool, no?

[@ricardofabilareyes]

Just tried it! 😮it works!!

[@BassadorWoodworking]

As a woodworker, the F style bar clamps and wooden handscrews are the two that I can never have too many of.

[@sphygo]

Personally I dislike the F-style clamps because I have run into too many issues with the small rotating pad marring the work surface. I work with wood and plastic and wood you can touch up with a quick sanding, but the surface of plastic gets ruined by them. My go-to are the parallel bar clamps with much larger pads on them. You can use way more clamping force without damaging the surface or bending the bar over longer spans and the extra weight/cost is worth it to me. As for the wooden clamps, those don't find a ton of use for me, but when I do need them they are the perfect clamp because of the ability to angle the jaws in and out to any angle, so I keep a few around.

[@MorningDusk7734]

Something I use for extremely small things I don't want to hurt (i.e. 3D prints) are self-closing tweezers. I have a set that came with flat, bent, curved, and one set that has an opening for small axles.

[@Zoreta]

Seconding tweezers for delicate 3D prints- especially for support removal. My curved needle nose pair are my go-to for removing support in close quarters, you just need to get a grip at the support connection and twist!

[@rickinielsen1]

If you dont have a suitable pair of self closing tweezers, I often just wrap an elastic band around the handle of normal tweezers/pliers. Great for just holding small delicate things.

[@insederec]

We use them for soldering jewelry. Basically a heat proof third arm

[@daleaustin3982]

Highly specialized clamping for sheet metal/rivet work: Cleco fasteners. Rarely needed, but when they are, nothing else will do.

[@littlekong7685]

Same with chain and belt clamps for pipe and conduit work. Pretty much useless for everything else, but amazing for what they were meant for.

[@jasonoliver8660]

I didn't learn about clecos until 1 month after I completed a 5-year rivet-heavy project. They may be in my fasteners wishlist evermore, but I'm glad to know about them. I will always wonder how much of those 5 years could have been shaved off by not using m3 screws for all temporary holds

[@guenthersteiner8163]

Used extensively in aircraft sheetmetal repair

[@chriscmoor]

As the frequent maker of small things, including various models, and the occasional maker of musical instruments, I find that having a big ol' tub of spring clothespins invaluable. They don't exert a lot of force, but it is usually just the right amount, and the wood tips are by nature non-marring. Best of all, they are dirt cheap. To go with the spring clothespins, I keep several small buckets of metal binder clips (like you get at the office supply store). They come in a multitude of sizes from itty bitty to almost huge. They exert considerably more force than the wooden clothespins but can mar soft workpieces. And, like the clothespins, they are CHEAP. The only "traditional" style of clamp that you didn't cover, and should have, is the pipe clamp. These are brilliant for clamping wide pieces and, since the ends/moving bits can be put on various lengths of pipe, you only need a few (4? 6?) clamp parts and a selection of various length pipes to effectively have a whole gamut of clamp sizes. You can even join shorter bits of pipe together with unions to make, well..., long bits of pipe. Pipe clamps are both useful and, importantly for the beginning maker, cost effective.

[@APOC1385]

I can't imagine I'm the only one who noticed that he clamped a hose clamp into the jeweler's clamp. Sometimes having spare hose clamps can be real life savers

[@cjr1881]

That's all you noticed about it?!

[@waytospergtherebro]

Festool ETS sanders are both easy to hold with tiny hands and the shorter stroke 150mm model is so well-balanced that you can frequently control them with two fingers. It's also not very aggressive and a terrible way to strip paint off of things, but for level/finish sanding, it's worth every penny.

[@bgraybackpacker]

Mirka

[@AxGryndr]

SurfPrep and 3M make similar styles that I think have smaller paddle areas. What I like about the ETS EC that I have from Festool is the lower profile so it doesn't feel like it will tip while using it.

[@pomsam931]

The Irwin heavy duty clamps also have an attachment now that joins them together so they double in size for large joinery. Very cool idea and really opens up the options.

[@StarkRG]

Back in the day I really fell in love with wooden handscrew clamps. They're definitely not for every use, but they're so nice to be able to clamp at an angle.

[@NebulaStudios1]

Back in the day I used clothes pins. Mostly the spring versions. Cheap, non-marring, and somewhat disposable if you get them gummed up with glue or paint. I made mostly plastic model kits and painted original lead Dungeons & Dragon figures. The clothes pin held my work (third hand) or clamped pieces together for cementing. They used to be in every local variety store and supermarket.

[@MrMega200]

You can buy 50 packs of the wooden clothes pins for less than $10 these days. Many of the 50 packs get down to $5 or so and there are mini versions as well if you need something even smaller.

[@cjr1881]

Not strong enough and too small for most everything.

[@swayback7375]

They really are weaker these days, some old ones have way more spring and adding modern parts just means that spring will break them.

[@cwmobilecm]

"I love labelling so I numbered them". Makes me smile.

[@Brownstone31]

As for the smaller tools I'd suggest a few things. Older tools often have a smaller grip, things were generally built for function first back then. Second, European brands often have a smaller form factor, ie the Proxxon tools Adam often talks about. Third, look for smaller tools that fit you well but serve a number of functions. Those vibrating multitools are usually easier to hold and have a sander attachment for example.

[@flyingwoodshop1545]

Woodworker here. Parallel clamps are absolutely the best for wide panels. Thanks for the great content!

[@Dwendele]

I LOVE clamps! As a lifelong woodworker, including being a pattern maker, a good collection of various types of clamp is absolutely essential!

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

I have small hands and I use almost exclusively Ryobi tools. I do not have one of their RO sanders so I cant recommend that one specifically but their other tools seem to fit my hand well.

[@bushratbeachbum]

I can't help with the sander recommendation but for a grinder, a bosch professional gws 700 is awesome. Plenty of power for most things, standard 125mm so all attachments fit and cheap! Can't recommend them enough. I don't have small hands by any means but they are slim enough to use one handed all day and not make you uncomfortable at all. Great grinder!!

[@JKTritt]

You skipped over the use of rubber bands and painters tape to temporarily clamp pieces together. Oh, and ratchet straps too ! I have a 5gal bucket full of Kant-Twist clamps in various sizes up to 6” (all have the bar type screw handle). I LOVE THEM ! ❤️ All purchased cheaply at yard sales and estate sales to save money.

[@ImZenvue]

For the small hands orbital sander question The Worx Sandeck is a 5 in 1 cordless sander that actually has a more traditional tool handle design rather than something like a palm sander, it's convenient and I imagine it'd fit just around every size hand out there

[@callmedax6532]

Thanks, but due to the battery pack, that has a lot of extra bulk and weight that I really don't want if I'm using it in small spaces or for long periods of time.

[@camrontabler7543]

Pipe clamps, it is like the bar clamp, except that you can trade out the bar for different sizes for different applications. They have pros and cons like any other clamp, but I figured I would mention them here.

[@Paul-br]

Yes, pipe clamps! The best "bang for the buck" for the length.

[@Beamer1969]

Was coming to mention pipe clamps because I like them much more than bar clamps

[@paulsavidge8847]

the most obvious "con" is flex.. I have filled my pipes with cement - a game changer

[@margaretbear]

Irwin quick clamps have been my co-workers in EVERYthing - they are the shop mate that never argues and has a grip of steel. They turn me into an octopus that can reach across rooms and through walls. Clamps are the unsung heroes of all my builds from furniture to ground up shed building. I love them.

[@jublywubly]

5:45 I bought a tiny version of a quick clamp after watching another maker's YT channel. He had a great idea of using one in a jig saw, to mix up tiny tins of paint. It works by putting the long part of the clamp into the jigsaw, instead of the blade, and clamping the paint tin tightly in place. The vibration of the saw mixes the paint really quickly. It does help to tape the paint container in place, though, because they can go flying out (especially the glass jars).

[@soranuareane]

Another hint: you can put vices in vices! I've seen this done on milling machines where the milling table has a fixed vice and someone adds a fixture vice to that.

[@douglashopkins8070]

I once toured a plastic moulding factory. One of the sections where the chemicals were mixed on the line in very precise sequences, positions and quantities on the linemust have had over 100 tiny little c clamps within a 10 foot section. It turned out that for different sorts of mouldings they needed to vary almost everything about the way the chemicals were mixed. So use c clamps so you can change the gas around when you need to.

[@AxGryndr]

Spring based clamps are great when you need to quickly grip something. Because they don't make many in small sizes, I find binder clips work extremely well.

[@michaelewan8009]

Indeed F clamps are useful for many things and different forms of making. As a woodworker, pipe clamps are indispensable for clamping panels and table tops, and they are relatively cheap. One thing to note about pipe clamps is to use black gas pipe rather than galvanized water pipe, the galvanization is too soft and the clamps can loosen over time. Pipe clamps come in 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch (pipe size). Wooden hand screw clamps are also very useful especially around the drill press or when clamping at an odd angle since the combination of work piece and clamp can be held in the bench vise, and they come in different sizes.

[@morg52]

I made a pair of Kant Twist clamps out of half inch Baltic birch plywood. While they did function, the plywood wasn't quite strong enough to really make the clamps really powerful. Hemostats are quite useful as well. Not just for holding roaches. :)

[@polbecca]

Adam, you didn't mention the biggest clamp behind you, that big old Wilton! The Irwin Quick Grips are awesome. I use mine almost every time I'm in my garage and making things. I also have three Zyliss vices, which are beautifully made and straddle the land between a regular metalworking bench vice, a woodworking vice and the Quick Grip. I don't use them all that often but they're so adaptable with the accessory clamps.

[@steveoneill8822]

As a woodworker I have found longer F clamps can tend to flex when putting the amount of pressure needed. I would definitely suggest the heavy duty ones with the thicker bars. Also, pipe clamps are fantastic for long throw/high pressure needs

[@daddyphatsax304]

I find myself using my plastic spring clamps more than any other. I have a really cheap 30 piece set i bought with several different sizes. The only thing they don't really work for is welding and holding larger items. I work on electronics quite a bit so this is likely the reason they are my go to. The not mentioned runner up would be an alligator clip set of work holders with the magnifying glass in the middle...and of course the ever useful Panavise!!! Thanks for sharing Adam!

[@annwagner5779]

The garage workshop attached to my house came with two big old iron vises. This was a real help when I needed to clamp metal ends onto webbing to restore a pair of old armchairs.

[@FireballTool]

Hi Adam I’d like to recommend The Fireball Tool Mantis Pliers. Hands down my go to locking pliers.

[@AndrewArndts]

Really? doesn't Adam Booth need some cool as frack tooling to keep you off YT.... JK!!! Seriously though do you make those locking pliers with a no marring or flat jaws? OR will you have that option very soon since you heard it from Adam's desires here... Savage not Booth..

[@DeltaDemon1]

I did not have any place where I could reasonably keep a bench vice so I mounted it on two thick planks (with the wood sticking out the sides). I can then use my bench vice anywhere in the shop and, if I need the bench vice to be solidly attached, I use two C-Clamps to clamp the bench vice to one of my workshop table via the planks. Very versatile.

[@michaelbuccetti6138]

That was great! I have several dozen clamps and you showed most of them in the exact order I got them! But my favorite part was when you got liquid on your papers you left it in the video instead of editing it out. It’s just so cool! Thanks for being real and fun!

[@josephblaineruiz3316]

Love Kant-Twist clamps. I have the 3/4” and 2” ones. As for the palm sander question, if you don’t mind using an air compressor, dynabrade makes an amazing pneumatic random orbital sander that’s small and lightweight. They’re nice and quiet too.

[@azskyking6542]

I'm a Locksmith and a "Door Guy" so you can't have too many. Like you I have an addiction to vises. One day my ex-wife had a fit, saying I had too many. I looked her in the eye and said, "Well, we all have our vices."

[@tugsman5]

I never knew you could make the Irwin clamps into spreaders!!! I got some of those (DeWalt brand) when I worked at home depot, and they're pricey, but SO AMAZING!

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

A clamp I'm quite fond of is the plumber's pipe clamp. It's essentially a bar clamp without a bar. You get a metal pipe of the length needed (slightly longer if honest) and use as normally. They can be used to support items because they have protrusions that can be used as feet, and it's great to be able to work on large objects with a few pipe clamps offering support. (and they're not a wallet buster)

[@nixhixx]

I do embroidery / cross stitch. I was thinking the hoop is really a clamp. I've replaced my traditional wooden hoop with lengths of PVC pipe with "QSnaps" or "Loops & Threads" clamps that hold the fabric onto the PVC Frame... and in some ways, given the way I've set up the pipes to hold the fame over my lap and in front of me, I think the T joints holding onto the pipe kinda count as clamps too...

[@ianrigby7395]

Im not a maker in anyway shape or form. The most I do is Lego kits! But I love watching Adams videos explaining about all these different tools and techniques. Being able to create like he and others do is a true gift

[@SeanCorriveau]

Bar clamps and band clamps are always helpful also. A strap with the four corner clamps is great for making boxes. And if you're just starting out and need some the Harbor Freight ones work great except maybe the pistol clamps. They don't hold so well

[@chrisfox6843]

If you have access to a supply of compressed air, might want to give pneumatic sanders a try. The ones I've used in the past are smaller and they are easier on the hands for long time use I found.

[@totally_not_a_bot]

I worked in a cabinet shop as a sander for a few months, and oh are you right. Electric sanders weigh something like three times as much on average, and you get so much more control with the pneumatic ones.

[@KWHCoaster]

I left this comment in another video, but here is a more appropriate. For model making, one tool I found in Active Surplus in Toronto years ago was a watch makers vise. Great for holding small parts when using a pin vise, micro files, etc. when working on a model part. I originally bought it to hold 1/12 motorcycle brake discs when drilling out the dozens of holes in a vented disc, to add to the realism and avoid jabbing myself with a #80 drill bit.

[@cottrelr]

"I have... 7 little vices." Is that anything like the 7 deadly sins?

[@andrewbaxter7857]

I used to do a lot of sanding in one of my old jobs and the most comfortable sanders I used were Mirka brand, unfortunately they're pretty damn expensive wherever you are. I also have a suggestion for something that you wouldn't normally think of as a clamp, but it definitely works as one. Ratchet straps. I definitely wouldn't want to be without a few of those.

[@TheTalonts]

Woodworking companies upcharge for ratchet straps simply by adding some rubber pads, but most of them can be duplicated well enough by buying one bicycle inner tube and cutting slotted squares/rectangles that slide over the strap. You can even cut pads of differing lengths and stack them over a spot for more padding. You can get a LOT of pads from a single tube.

[@wayneyeo186]

I have a much older version of the Stanley STHT83166 2-Inch by 4-Inch Clamp with I have used to make my own wood panelling. Way back in waterbed craze, a factory nearby would throw away cutoffs of knotted 2 x 8's. I collected enough to panel my basement. I used home made splines from hard board, and these clamps to make 8 foot knotted snow pine boards. I built an 8 foot clamp sled to get one straight side. I V-groved the edges to hide thickness variances. It was a three year project, and was stunning when we were done. Think 120 inch clamps or what ever length your 2 x 4 is ! Mine have bolts that go right through the 2x4, so the clamping pressure is higher than these ones. I rarely use them now, but every once in awhile, i fish them out of the rafters ! I bought the originals at Lee Valley Tools in Toronto Canada. I do not think they sell them any more.

[@dpsamu2000]

Something you missed. I keep clamps, vices, and hold downs, all thread bolts, nuts, washers, jack bolts, and heel blocks at the machine I use them with. Heavy clamps on the bench near the mill for metal work. Lighter clamps near the table saw, and woodwork table. Helps with set up, and work flow. Stock never on, near, on shelves, drawers, or under foot of the work space. Stock flows through the space but not stored in it. Tooling, and equipment for the work in the work space. The sense is to get some economy of assembly line in. You may be doing a one off but there's a lot that's the same too.

[@JohnAlexanderICT]

I have a mixture of the Irwin Quik-Grips. Love them!!!! Sometimes you can find them in a clearance bin, and, when I do, THEY ARE ALL MINE!!!!!!!

[@mgbmusic99]

You mentioned vice grips. My dad (contractor) saw on a show a combination vice grip and Quick grip. Basically, it's a quick grip with the bottom grip that slides up and down to any size, but when you're ready to clamp, you can press down on the top jaw which is built like a vice-grip so it locks into place. Took years to find them and at the time they were like $70 a piece, but we found them.

[@paulmccullough7352]

Product and Company name?

[@mgbmusic99]

@@paulmccullough7352 I'll see if I can find it. It was years ago.

[@DavidLindes]

5:17 - as others have said, but perhaps a bit less carefully: I think you'll find that Irwin did not "invent" the vise-grip. They simply are the company that currently owns the Vise-Grip trademark. They were invented by a lone blacksmith in his home shop, which developed into a family business, which then eventually came to be under common ownership (I'm not entirely clear on the details of that) with Irwin, decades later. Irwin does currently own the trademark, near as I can tell, but to say they invented them is... misleading, at best, and arguably just plain wrong.

[@chadvoller2031]

Correct. Irwin is also the one that sent the manufacturing to China after Irwin/Rubbermaid acquired them.

[@chloehennessey6813]

I have to sing the praises of Merle Adjustable Band clamps. They are so freaking awesome for clamping those large and small weirdly shaped things. AND! My favorite clamp is my new Fireball Tool Hardtail Vice. This thing is freaking spectacular. It and my new welding table by Jason have literally changed my life and upped my productivity so much.

[@sithus1966]

Kant twist are awesome, but by far they are not cheap. But for sure shop around. You can find the 1" version for $16 in one place, and $30 in the next. And they just go up in price from there.

[@JontysCorner]

I'm surprised to find clamp names subject to localisation. What you call a C-clamp most people call a G-clamp over this side of the pond, what you call a bar clamp we call a sash clamp.

[@ariyanadumon4549]

G-Clamp makes way more sense! The screw makes it more like a G than a C. I'm so glad I learned this today. I may start calling them that. I also really like Sash Clamp, it's a bit more elegant than Bar Clamp but still just as descriptive. :3

[@littlekong7685]

@@ariyanadumon4549 Trouble is i have heard belt clamps referred to as sash clamps, might add a bit of confusion here.

[@ariyanadumon4549]

@@littlekong7685 given the fact that mein Englisch ist schlecht on a good day, I feel like nomenclature from across the pond will be the least of their worries not being confused 😆.

[@Orlosthedruid]

FWIW... Spring clamps, cheap $4 types, are FANTASTIC in that they are easily modified by adding aluminum or copper or bronze jaws to them; either with machine bolts or in my favorite means of securing thin metals, brazing them. one of the best examples I have is that I take a piece of pipe, 1.4" ID and band saw split a piece 2" long, then braze the pieces to the lips of a clamp so I can clam wires that I am braiding together.

[@a-aron2276]

You blew my f***ing mind with moving the stop on the quick clamp to spread things🤯

[@csimet]

The Irwin Quick-Grip clamps... simply the most handy. I have probably 2 dozen of them!

[@patapscofallsdivision2579]

The wooden handscrew clamps are great, not only for general clamping, but for making impromptu jigs and fixtures. Again, buy at least two.

[@deadaccount6135]

@Adam Savage's Tested You forgot 1 style of woodworking clamp, 2 parallel blocks of wood that have a handle with a scissor jack type thread going into each block, the handles stick out opposite to each other. As for the small hand sander, i would look at niche industry tools, machinist, farm equipment, factory maintenance equipment, specialist fabrication equipment, possibly oil rig stuff, automotive repair, and not least maker or hobby gear like RC, train, artist's wire frame building equipment. May be others not off the top of my head but there's some, a good start. 😁👍👍👍

[@mfcfbro]

Unironically, I collect all types of fastening devices and supplies. Tape, clamps, glue, straps, you name it. You never know when you need it!

[@batou1468]

Adam is definitely the "adult in the room" because he was a pro at explaining the jeweler's clamp without making any lewd reference to what it looked like or cracking a smile... My mind instantly went to the gutter...🤣🤣🤣

[@mccypr]

Thanks! Someone mentioned this video on Ted Woodward’s (spelling? - Canadian instrument repair) channel. Violin makers use a clamp or two that ya missed. Nice educational video! 😎

[@JohnnyWednesday]

It's gonna be clamp this, clamp that. Bada-climp, bada-clamp!

[@RambozoClown]

If you like Kant Twist, try Dimide Clamps. Plus one on the Mantis Clamps, too.

[@MorrisonManor]

A dowel and two short pieces of square stock through-drilled on a slight angle is a quick and cheap way to clamp something lightly and can be applied, en-masse, for pennies. Great for clamping laminates along an edge. Like those a luthier uses but, much simpler.

[@MrZynmaster]

bar clamps and jorgenson clamps are also great. the bar clamp is great if you have something really wide and the jorgenson clamp is great for wood working and any application where you have an odd angle in the pieces you're clamping together or need something really flat because of their adjustability. it's hard to explain how they work as i don't have them in front of me but once you get the hang of them they're magical

[@valeriegill7822]

One note about Bar clamps to add on. Make sure you get ones with the lever lock on the back of the moving head. They sell cheaper ones that don't have that little lever and they're basically worthless.

[@jimysk8er]

I find black and decker sanders to have narrower grips. It's possible that you might be gripping too hard if you're cramping up though or and underlying hand strain. On another note, most sander have nothing important in the grip beyond the switch so if you are capable of modifying it shouldn't be too complex.

[@MatthewMe]

I'm surprised you didn't have wood hand screw clamps as well. They're a bit old school for today, but they're pretty much everywhere in woodshops. They have a level of adjustability that some really like, but keeping them parallel can take some work for beginners.

[@samueldeter9735]

What are you referring to?

[@MatthewMe]

@@samueldeter9735 Wood hand screw clamps. Drop the phrase into Google, you'll see a hundred nearly identical pictures. Two parallel wood blocks with two threaded rods running through them.

[@samueldeter9735]

@@MatthewMe found it! Can't believe I didn't think to Google the term lol that's normally my go to

[@RossMonks]

they are also great for holding things vertical on a flat surface as they have totally flat sides

[@JRussell375]

First to the clamp scene!

[@redbeard6493]

Check out a barrel grip orbital sander , the actual grip section is smaller … good luck !!

[@tacomas9602]

The quick clamp is my favorite thing. I use a couple along with Vice grips, welding Vice grips and c clamps when I’m building or repairing stuff.

[@alexmoll8372]

Engineer makes locking screw extraction pliers - wonderful for holding round stock at the grinder/belt sander. Knipex makes a needle nose locking plier that has very thin jaws, and the unlocking mechanism is wonderful to use. My final nugget is that Malco bought the original Vise Grip factory in DeWitt, NE. They make stunningly beautiful and incredibly strong locking pliers under the Eagle Grip brand. Cheers!

[@beanMosheen]

I use a Panavise a ton too. Great for small precision stuff. The Jr. With the large base add-on is great for electronics and the like. The little speed wheel for the knob is worth it too.

[@dennys5028]

One clamp you didn't mention is the Knu-Vise. One of my favorites for metal working along with the Kant-Twist. The Kant-Twist requires 2 hands so the Knu-Vise is much quicker.

[@masongstevens]

Here's a little shop hack that has worked well for me. I have six Bessy bar/pipe clamps. they are phenomenal. each is 5 feet long, 3/4" black pipe. I keep three 3/4" couplers in my shop to join two clamps together for the times that I need 5-10 foot clamps.

[@infrabread]

Similar to the quick clamp, we have some lever clamps by Bessy at work. Especially good for machine work, since the vibrations can loosen bar clamps.

[@enginebae3471]

Another clamp in certain situations to get you out of a jam are ratchet straps. They work great on big pieces that need to be pressed together

[@alicewilson1913]

Am glad you mentioned twoodfrd, wonderful guitar repair channel, has taught me a ton

[@Tpblacksmith]

The facom 501amp quick release locking plier is a must have. Like a mole grip but far far superior in functionality and performance. One handed operation and an extremely firm hold. Easily my top Clamp

[@emilyhunter666]

I must send you some pics of the little vice I got my partner. It's got two ball and socket joints under the jaws, so you can twist and position it in whatever orientation is needed, along with an extra clamp at the bottom to lock it to the work surface. Got it for nothing from my grandfather and it's turned out to be a very useful little piece.

[@insanehobo01]

as a woodworker/metalworker i agree with your choice in beverage

[@2mustange]

Right angle clamp is good to have as well. Or any clamp that helps with angles. Both woodworking and metal working it is necessary.

[@ChristianGoodin]

He forgot about surgical tubing as a clamp. They work really good for the supports on chair legs.

[@ODonnchadhaBrian]

A toolmaker's clamp is one you didn't mention. I have one lying somewhere in a pool of it's own rust that I made as an apprentice.

[@117johnpar]

I dont have small hands but I worked in a car shop for about 2 years and spend plenty of hours and days on end with various DA orbitals. You will get hand cramps with the ones that have palm valve controls. They have some with finger lever valve controls that are much more comfortable, But the ones Ive found are older. Cant find one newer without the palm valve.

[@Cimone90]

I use bar clamps a lot in woodworking. I like them but you gotta be careful because the bar will bow under stress which causes the clamp to torque back and it can slightly twist your work piece, potentially throwing a joint out of square. I prefer pipe clamps. And there's so many specialty clamps I use like picture frame clamps, corner clamps and pocket hole clamps.

[@BlameItOnGreg]

Adam didn’t even mention the category of toggle clamps (though vise grips are kind of in that category). There’s a huge variety of them, and they are absolutely amazing for jigs. For woodworking, parallel clamps and cam clamps are my go to.

[@johndoecake]

I use Wolfcraft camps they have modular system and many variations of clams from cheaper to expensive one hand clamps. You can even connect them to make bigger clamps an ad mini clamps to hold work piece on several spots.

[@Jay22222]

Generally I’ve only ever heard the first two clamps referred to as G and F clamps respectively. Then there’s a much more solidly built version similar to an “F” clamp but instead of sliding and holding force by trying to move wider than 90degrees they have a block you slide up and down and pin at regular intervals to get it to rough size and then you screw down and they’re referred to as cramps. The force is much greater and more even. I will also mention “Pipe clamps/cramps” Which work like the above described cramps but both jaws fit onto a standard diameter of steel piping, generally ive used 1” most commonly 1 1/2” or 40mm (like the tubing on the sides of construction fencing) and I did have a set for 2” but rarely used them so you can make the cramps of any permanent length you desire or just keep them the same length as the pipe and cut them down if you need clearance to fit them somewhere or in a specific space. Edit: “Only” is not quite accurate for G/C clamps.

[@Urban_Spaceman]

Sash cramps or bar cramps with a fixed head, and a sliding head with a pin to position it. you can also join 2 into a longer length by overlapping them without the moving heads and bolting through the holes.

[@Jay22222]

@@Urban_Spaceman Dammit! Thanks man. Sash cramps are indeed what I was failing to describe.

[@Urban_Spaceman]

@@Jay22222 You're welcome. 🗜

[@pugnaciouspete]

Here is a c-clamp hack, get some nuts and weld it on the bottom of the screw. I use an impact wrench to open and close it quickly. I don’t use it to tighten, but helps get close to the final torquing. Also, harbor freight is a great deal for c clamps

[@brooos]

I find various sizes of spring clamps come in handy. They can be applied & removed quicker than any other clamp. If you remove the rubber they're good for welding too. I also use various quick clamps which I have from several different manufacturers. The only problem I've found is that the clamp release is in a different location on each one and finding it can sometimes be frustrating.

[@IraDuncan]

As a former professional woodworker and cabinetmaker, and now a budding metal tinkerer, I can absolutely say there is no such thing as too many vises or clamps. Wilton Palmgren Columbian Prentiss Rock Island you name it.

[@drbelli]

1:50 in a few words: because there will be less space between surfaces, thus one surface will mechanically bear the other more closely making the wood as support, not the glue itself.

[@mckay4]

for the quick clamps you can change any of them to push open like the smaller ones.

[@johncrea9395]

A great clamp is the Cleco Side-Grip Clamps - frantasic alternative to clothespins John

[@WikiSnapper]

I am a wood worker, and I use all the bar clamps and parallel clamps. Hearing you mention only having 4 three footers doesn't sound like anywhere near enough!

[@bbrachman]

While Irwin makes great everyday clamps, Bessey makes the best specialty clamps. The 'F' Clamp with the really thick base is perfect for laminating boards to make big boards. Also, Spring Clamps are used EVERY DAY. I have more spring clamps than any other. (I was always lead to believe that Kant clamps were used primarily for welding metal)

[@RadicalEdwardStudios]

Mirka sanders are a bit on the pricey side, but if you use them a lot, it's worth it. The sanding is better, the extraction is better, the control is better. But on top of that, the grip they use is different from how most RO sanders work, so people with small hands might find some relief in that way, because the way you hold them is much more natural.

[@solarbirdyz]

I just printed a few days ago one of those parts holding clamps specifically for circuit boards and I kinda love it already. And it looks a lot like the one you showed, but, you know, sparkly yellow HTPLA. xD