Clamps

Learn more about clamps

Clamps are tools designed to hold various materials firmly in position during gluing, fastening, cutting, or welding. Modern clamps feature heavy-duty steel bars and cast-iron jaws that exert high clamping force across large surface areas. Utilising quick-release trigger mechanisms and soft, non-marring jaw pads ensures a strong hold while protecting delicate timber finishes from denting or pressure marks.

Typical uses

• Holding timber for cutting, drilling and jointing.

• Applying pressure across glue-ups and panel assembly.

• Securing metal stock for fabrication, welding and grinding.

• Positioning and clamping pipework for plumbing tasks.

• General workshop and bench work where a firm hold matters.

How to choose the right clamp

• Match the clamp to the material, load and application.

• For woodwork, bar clamps, sash clamps and spring clamps are common choices because they spread pressure across the workpiece.

• For metalworking, G-clamps, welding clamps and toggle clamps are often used where a firmer grip and a fixed setup matter.

• A G-clamp gives concentrated force over a smaller opening.

• A bar clamp spans wider workpieces and spreads pressure along its length, which makes it better for assembly and glue-ups.

• Check the jaw opening, so it fits your workpiece.

• Check the throat depth, if you need to reach in from an edge.

• Check whether you need a fixed, adjustable or quick release design, depending on how often you reset it.

• Check the clamping force, so it holds the work without marking the material.

Before you order

• Measure the workpiece and the opening you need before choosing a clamp.

• Check that the clamp suits the material, the application and the site or workshop conditions, including any heat exposure for welding and metalwork.

• If you need clamps quickly, check branch stock and use Click & Collect to pick up your order when you need it.

• You can also create an account to manage buying across our nationwide branch network.

Explore the range

Browse the clamp types trade users reach for most often. Compare the product specifications, check branch stock and choose the clamp that suits the job.

If you are not sure which clamp fits your project, our branch teams can talk you through the options, suitability and compatibility for the task at hand.