Posted on by Information Seekers

The Truth about Parallel Clamps and Why They're Hard to Review

I recently purchased twelve different brands of parallel clamps in hopes of reviewing them all. Silly me! While I failed to come up with a fair and balanced set of parameters for testing, I did uncover some interesting truths about parallel clamps that you might not be aware of. If you’re in the market for parallel clamps, you should be aware of these things as a parallel clamp setup is a sizeable investment. I hope you enjoy!

Important Links:
+ Bessey I-Beam Clamps: https://amzn.to/3nCi8o5
+ Rockler Panel Clamps: https://www.rockler.com/rockler-mini-deluxe-panel-clamps-2-pack?sid=AFN86

00:00 How do you test parallel clamps?
01:14 The head on the parallel clamp should not square
03:38 Should you use a square to test your clamp?
03:58 Bar deflection happens
04:22 Bessey vs Jet
05:39 Good news
06:15 Maybe…a parallel clamp isn’t the best choice
07:26 Testing a panel
08:16 Results
08:40 What does this mean?
09:13 2 reasons why its ok to relax a bit
10:05 What’s going on
10:34 Wood moves
11:13 Bessey’s I-beam Bar Clamp
12:09 Rockler’s Deluxe Panel Clamps
12:53 Conclusion
#parallelclamps #bessey

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22 Replies to “The Truth about Parallel Clamps and Why They're Hard to Review”

  1. The music memes in this video are on point. The last one was worth watching til the end!

  2. Once again setting the bar for this kind of educational material. I just wish other channels did the same in parallel.

  3. 731 should watch this. He could learn a lot. His channel has become just a bunch of sales videos, not imparting real knowledge like this.

  4. I have a bunch of parallel clamps and to be honest I really don’t like them go to my second hand record bar clamps for panel glue ups

  7. I'm going to be making some table tops in the future and I didn't own any parallel clamps at the time. I actually got two of the Rockler panel clamps and several parallel clamps. My plan is to use them together. Hopefully resulting in nice flat panels without any gaps

  8. Thanks Marc. Having watched a few of those other reviews, I couldn’t help but scratch my head. However, I couldn’t name the deficits or false assumptions, I just knew it didn’t feel as though they were assessing any meaningful differences. I always leave your videos armed with information. Much appreciated

  12. Funny, I had always said I'd never buy parallel clamps. The world got by just fine without them. Then, I had a specific glue up and buying 6 of them seemed like a good idea. I've since bought more. The BIGGEST thing I don't like about parallel clamps is that the operating side is the adjustable side. So, using a long clamp is a PITA. I've also found in clamping panels that I prefer pipe clamps and clamping both sides to equalize pressure because it's always worked (sorta like hoping for a loose french fry or two in the bottom of the bag has always worked, no real evidence). I've bought two brands, one expensive and one cheap. I'll be buying more of a specific cheap brand when they're on sale. Good info Marc.

  15. Watching Instagram I remember that you were including the Harbor Freight clamp . But this wasn't mentioned in a comparison. otherwise good show bro!

  16. Hadn’t seen those I beam clamps from Beasley, those may be a good all round option. Are parallel clamps better for specific (non-panel) glue ups?

  17. I started out 50 years ago and had some Jorgensen bar clamps. Got some additional bar clamps and have always expected wood to move. I'll keep my clamps…

  19. This is a great video????????. It is way more informative than a lot of the clamping videos out there, and as a bonus….HE-MAN!????

  20. Regarding your 1/2 inch panel glue up demonstration, it appears that perhaps your post-clamp measurements were made on the underside (the side that rested on the clamp’s bar). The test made on the side that faced the clamps would have a mirror image of the clamp induced bow as yours did.

  21. Thank you for this video as I've been on the fence as to which clamps to add to my arsenal. I may have missed it, but have you done a comparison of the Rockler panel clamps vs parallel clamps plus cauls? Those Rockler clamps look pretty awesome, but the price point has me wondering if they are worth the expense. Thanks for what you do.

  22. Wait why shouldn't I use my credit card? 2% cash back on every purchase is awesome! I also have never carried a balance or paid interest. I've got a DF700 amount of rewards waiting for a shop upgrade.

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