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The Best Handscrew Clamp for Gluing, Painting, and Building

Last updated: 8 Jul 2024
By: Woodsmith Review Team
top handscrew clamps

Handscrew clamps are widely used in workshops or job sites. They don’t damage the surface where they are being utilized as the jaws are made of wood which is relatively soft than metal. They are used for gluing, assembling, painting, or combining different things. Moreover, they are perfect for compacting different objects where one is waiting for the glue to dry.

Handscrew clamps are popularly used for woodworking applications. Hence, one must buy it if he wants to clamp objects with softer jaws. Another great advantage of the handscrew clamp is that its jaws can be angled in a specific position as the worker wants. In this way, many irregular objects can be clamped together. It can hold both small and large objects together with great accuracy.

So, the question which arises is which handscrew clamp should one buy. We have created a list of the best handscrew clamps in 2023 keeping in mind all the pros and cons of each product.

  • Best Overall: POWERTEC Wooden Handscrew Clamp Shop Now ➔
  • Runner Up: Bessey Wood Handscrew Clamp Shop Now ➔
  • Honorable Mention: Irwin Quick-Grip Handscrew Clamp Shop Now ➔
  • Contender: Jorgensen Handscrew Clamp Shop Now ➔
  • Also Consider: D Dussal Quick Grip Handscrew Clamp Shop Now ➔
  • Also Consider: Jorgensen 24" Handscrew Clamp Shop Now ➔
View all Contents
  • Best Handscrew Clamps Buying Guide
    • What Are the Different Types of Screw Clamps?
    • Which Features To Look For While Buying Handscrew Clamps?
    • What Are the Key Considerations While Buying a Handscrew Clamp?
  • People Also Asked
    • Will this hold an ax handle to a workbench?
    • Can I use these to loosen an oil filter on a motorcycle?
    • How do you remove the clamp from the stem, so you put one end through a hole on a workbench?

Top Handscrew Clamps on Amazon in 2023

Best Overall

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POWERTEC Wooden Handscrew Clamp

It includes a 10-Inch Wood handscrew Clamp. Its dimensions are 16.75 x 10 x 3.5 inches. It gives great clamping action along with a strong, secure grip which allows your object to lock into position. It has large diameter spindles, which are made up of stainless steel, which enhances its strength.

The handscrew wood clamp has an adjustable 3-inch clamping range for a variety of projects. It also includes a non-marring clamp jaw. It is soft as well as rough. It can work on delicate furnishings and also on tough objects. The screws and swivel nuts have great precision. The classic woodworking accessories prevent the workpiece from sliding or moving, ultimately improving both user and material safety.

Pros

  • Delivers a reliable, firm grip.
  • Provides a generous clamping range that’s ideal for a huge variety of applications.
  • Large ergonomic handles ensure full comfort and control.
  • Features Acme thread technology for Clamp toughness and ease.

Cons

  • Some customers claimed that the wood and screws are of bad quality.
  • A buyer said that he bought two of these clamps. One came with a good fit and finished the other not so much.
Check on Amazon Check Price on Walmart

Runner Up

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Bessey Wood Handscrew Clamp

It has a 6-inch Wood handscrew clamp. Its dimensions are 12 x 6 x 1 inches. It has adjustable jaws, which provide a strong grip. It also has oiled wooden jaws, which save the object from any damage. Furthermore, it has carbon-steel spindles & swivel nuts for enhanced strength and durability.

Spindles and swivel nuts are made from Cold Drawn and carbon steel. Hardwood handles are oversized for comfort, extra torque, and reinforced with steel ferrules. The spiral pin is used to secure the handles. The company claims that this handscrew clamp can be used for a lifetime.

Pros

  • Large handles provide comfort and torque.
  • Adjustable jaws for strong or delicate grip.

Cons

  • Some customers claimed that the clamp didn’t work and unwinded upon applying pressure.
  • Some buyers claimed that it does the job well and is made up of quality materials but is extremely expensive for what it is.
Check on Amazon

Honorable Mention

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Irwin Quick-Grip Handscrew Clamp

Its dimensions are 21 x 8 x 2.5 inches. It comes with non-marring pads which provide grip and protects the object from scratches. This model has an opening depth of 6 3/4 inches. It is best suited for small projects, and it is mostly used while working in smaller spaces.

It provides one-handed quick-release triggers, which give 140 lbs of force. Its one-handed triggers release the clamps speedily. It also includes four 6-inch mini bar clamps. It is made up of steel bars which prevent bending. The best thing about these clamps is that they come up with a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Provides grip with non-marring pads.
  • Protects the object from scratches.
  • Steel bars prevent bending.
  • Comes up with a lifetime warranty.
  • Cost effective.

Cons

  • Some customers are of the view that it wears down after a year.
  • A customer claimed that some parts were missing when the product was delivered to him.
Check on Amazon

Contender

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Jorgensen Handscrew Clamp

It is best for woodworking or DIY projects. Its throat depth is 3-3/8 inch. The maximum opening capacity is 6 inches, and the normal load limit is 300 lbs. Its bar is made up of carbon steel, and its handle is made up of glass-filled nylon. Both these features make it really strong and long-lasting. It offers an easy grip and a quick-release lever. The main handle is perfect for ratcheting this clamp to the right amount of pressure. It has an E-Z hold design that allows the clamp to be used in two ways as a clamp or a spreader.

The bar clamps can be easily converted to a spreader clamp.   The patented feature one to combine two clamps together. It creates a clamp with more than double the opening capacity of a single clamp with no tools or added accessories needed. It is the perfect tool for hobbyists, carpenters, cabinet makers, woodworkers, and metalworkers.

Pros

  • Can create a double opening capacity clamp.
  • It can be changed into a spreader clamp.
  • Long-lasting.
  • Provides a strong grip.

Cons

  • Some customers complained that the clutch went out in no time after purchasing the product.
  • A customer said that he bought 8 clamps, and 1 failed a month later while 2 more failed in 3 months. Also, Jorgensen won’t return calls or web contact.
Check on Amazon

Also Consider

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D Dussal Quick Grip Handscrew Clamp

It is available in two sizes which are 6 and 4 inches respectively. ‎Its dimensions are 12.99 x 8.27 x 1.38 inches. It has plastic jaws, and the plastic material helps to protect the surface of the workpiece from scratches. It also consists of ratchet bar clamps that apply consistently and need pressure.

 It can be used single-handedly as one just has to press the quick release button to freely slide the jaw to any position. It performs multiple functions as it can alter its functions between clamping or supporting by changing the direction of the chuck.

Pros

  • Quick-Grip
  • One-Handed Operation
  • Easy Support
  • Performs multiple functions.

Cons

  • Some customers said that already used products were delivered to them instead of brand-new ones.
  • Some customers claimed that some parts of the product were missing upon arrival.
Check on Amazon

Also Consider

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Jorgensen 24″ Handscrew Clamp

Its maximum opening is 24”. The load limit is 300 lbs; Reach is 3-1/3” from the edge of the bar to the center-line of the screw. It has an advancing handle that is made of glass-filled nylon. Not only can these versatile clamps be easily converted into a spreader clamp, but they also allow two clamps to be joined together to make a clamp with more than double the opening capacity of a single clamp.

The contoured comfort grip and quick release lever make it simple to get a firm grip in a flash. The unique in-line advancing handle provides comfort and ease of use permits greater travel per squeeze. These unique bar clamps are some of our easiest-to-use clamps and are ideal for hobby, craft, and model projects. They are best for a wide range of woodworking.

Pros

  • Ideal for woodworking.
  • Easy to use.

Cons

  • A customer said that it broke on the first squeeze.
Check on Amazon

Best Handscrew Clamps Buying Guide

This portion will help the potential buyers get clear what kind of product they are looking for and what they should keep in mind while buying a handscrew clamp. The buyer’s guide will help you in making your decisions easier as many people are confused while purchasing products online or for the first time. This guide will make your thoughts about handscrew clamps crystal clear. It will guide you to choose the product that suits you the best and that fits into your budget as well.

What Are the Different Types of Screw Clamps?

Following are some of the types of handscrew clamps.

G clamp

These clamps are also known as C-clamps. They are used to combine two of the objects together in a fine way. Its jaw openings are from 1 to 8 inches. These are the most commonly used clamps.

Sash clamp

The sash clamp has a flat bar with a fixed jaw that adjusts with a screw action and a sliding jaw that is locked along the bar to fulfill the work being done. These clamps are used for big tasks such as tabletops and doors.

Handscrew clamps

They are made up of wood. They are durable and can be used for longer periods of time. They don’t harm the workpiece at all and are really versatile.

Pipe clamps

These are very similar to the Sash clamps. They just differ from sash clamps in the way that they use a round shaft instead of a flat bar. The length is determined by the length of the pipe that is being used. Furthermore, they can be lengthened by adding the additional length of the tube.

Bench clamps

It is a two-piece bench clamp that is specifically made to fit workbenches with holes 18-38mm. Its clamping range is 0-80mm. They also perform quick release clamping action.

Web clamp

It is made of a nylon band which wraps around the object and is tightened with a ratchet. These are widely used for frames.

Check the video from DIY Creators for some easy tips on using hand screw clamps to hold pieces of wood together.

YouTube video

Which Features To Look For While Buying Handscrew Clamps?

Quick grip and release function

While working on big projects, one needs to do the work real quick as there is a shortage of time. The quick grip and release functions help in getting the work done quickly. The jaws should be able to apply pressure on the very spot where it is needed. Moreover, the jaws should be strong enough to offer a strong grip.

Jaws should not harm the workpiece

Nobody wants the object or workpiece to get damaged while working on it. The jaws apply pressure on the object; hence there is a possibility of harming that thing. So, while buying a handscrew clamp, one must check whether its jaws are soft enough to prevent the object from scratches.

It should be long lasting

The handscrew clamps which offer a long-term warranty should be preferred. The investment that you are making on the clamp should be worth it. Hence, the product should be long-lasting and free from defects.

What Are the Key Considerations While Buying a Handscrew Clamp?

Cost effective

The product that you are buying should be cost-effective. One should always look closely at all the features and functions that a product offers. Then those features must be compared to the price of the board. If the price is in accordance with the features, only then should the product be bought.

Single-handed use

While buying a handscrew clamp, if you buy the one which can be single-handedly used, then it will help you in completing the task with ease. This type of clamp can be used with one hand as you just have to press the quick-release button to slide the jaw to any position freely.

People Also Asked

Will this hold an ax handle to a workbench?

Yes, it can hold an ax handle to a workbench. So, you can get your hands on a handscrew clamp if your job requires you to have one.

Can I use these to loosen an oil filter on a motorcycle?

No, it is not recommended. There are many other ways to remove an oil filter that don’t involve woodworking clamps.

How do you remove the clamp from the stem, so you put one end through a hole on a workbench?

Remove the retaining pin at the end of the clamp. Just a heads up, getting the pin back in is a task. It is as simple as that.

Article Contributors

Woodsmith Review Team

The Woodsmith Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best tools and gear to build great-looking projects confidently. Woodsmith is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Large language models (like Artificial Intelligence) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.

Inquiries regarding specific articles or product testing should be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com

Read More About Woodsmith Review Team Here
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