The Best Panel Clamps For Clamping Wood Panel

There are many factors to consider when purchasing panel clamps. Some clamp models are designed for specific types of paneling, while others can be used for a variety of applications. The best panel clamp for your needs will depend on the type of paneling you are working with, the size of the panels, and the amount of weight you need to support. Let’s take a look at some of the most common clamp types and see what options you have available with a product recommendation list.

Why Should You Use Panel Clamp?

A panel clamp is a tool that allows you to quickly and easily clamp a few flat surfaces together. It can be used for a variety of jobs around the house and garage. Woodworkers often use this tool for gluing wood panels together. Panel Clamps help wood panels and other flat items to stay flat or in alignment. The panels can then be glued together to create a strong wood project. 

There is another way to attach those wood panels together. Wood panels are screwed together with a wood screw, but panel clamps allow you to keep them in place without driving the screw into the wood. 

Types of Panel Clamps

There are three types of clamps that you can use for gluing wood panels. They are  Parallel Clamp, Pipe Clamp and Pressure Clamp.

Pressure Clamp

Pressure clamps are used to clamp the wood on your project. You can use any type of wood to make wooden bar for these clamps. They are usually made of metal clamping mechanism with a wooden bar creating pressure onto the wood panel. Between two pressure clamps, a wooden beam is used to clamp the wood panel. These clamps are usually used in construction and can be used to make a wooden frame for making a house. Pressure clamps have a 4-way clamping mechanism that is super strong and perfectly suitable for making wood panels. If you want to buy a pressure clamp, you have to buy a wooden bar separately or make them yourself. 

Parallel Clamp

A Parallel Clamp is the most basic and common type of clamp. They are typically made of steel and have a clamping surface at the end. The size of a Parallel clamp can be 50 inches to 6 inches in length. If you choose to use a parallel clamp to make a wood panel, then make sure that you know the exact width of your project. If you buy a 24-inch parallel clamp, you can’t use this to make a wood panel that is wider than 22 inches.

Pipe Clamp

Pipe Clamps are made of metal and have a clamping mechanism at the end. You can use a 3/4- or 1/2-inch metal pipe to clamp your project. There are two main benefits of using a pipe clamp. First of all, it is heavier and powerful than any other clamps. You can use any weight of metal pipe or any other pipe for fulfilling your requirements. The second benefits of using pipe clamps are that you can use any length of pipe to clamp your wood panels. Pipe and jaws are separated parts, so you can use any size of pipe.

Which Clamps to Choose?

If you are confused about which clamps to buy, I can help you to make your decision. It all depends on your project size and your comfort.

Pressure clamps are the best suited and powerful tools for making wood panels. But if you buy pressure clamps, you have to make your wooden bar according to your needed size. Use hardwood for making a wood bar for your pressure clamp. The drawback of a pressure clamp is that it has a narrow application sector.

The wooden bar is not weighted like a metal pipe. So, if you want something stronger than a wooden bar, then choose a pipe clamp. Pipe clamps have wider application than pressure clamps. You can buy a metal pipe from any shop according to your needed size. It is always good to buy a long pipe and then resize it. This will save you a few dollars and also provide you the opportunity to cut it as your needed size. But it’s always a hassle.

Now let’s talk about parallel clamps or bar clamps. Parallel clamps are ready to use instant to your project and have a huge application area. You can use these clamps almost everywhere. So, if you want a clamp that will be useful in so many ways rather than only one use, then a parallel clamp is the best option for you. You don’t need to do anything to make this clamp workable. 

Some people have questioned how many clamps I should buy to build a hassle-free project. Normally I use 1 clamp per 12 to 15 inches wood panel. The more clamps you use it will be stronger, and the slipping chance will be less. 

Know More: How to clamp large panels – everything you need to know!

6 Best Panel Clamps For Tight Clamping

1. Peachtree 4 Way Panel Clamp

Peachtree is a 4-way pressure clamp set that is perfect for holding wood panels and doors. It can be adjusted from 90 to 180 degrees. The screw is in the right position to make sure the workpiece doesn’t slip down while tightening. The package includes 2 pieces of clamping jaws which will be perfect in any circumstance. 

This clamping system is designed for the sole purpose of clamping panels with pressure from the top, bottom, and sides simultaneously. It will provide a firm grip on each panel. The T-Handle makes it easy to open and close the clamp. It’s engineered to maximize its stability. This uniquely designed 4-way pressure solves this age-old issue by applying pressure to all four sides of your panel to glue-up.

This product provides equal pressure on your panel and prevents bowing, buckling, or racked panels. The clamp can be used for boards up to 6 inches in thickness, making it much more versatile than other clamps on the market. The bar contains 4 notches that will allow for maximum adjustability and to handle a variety of stock widths. The 4 Way Pressure Clamp is equipped with side pressure pads to prevent damaging your stock. You can use any length of 2 x 2’s (2” x 4” ripped in half) wooden bar with provided wood screws.

Pros

• It can be used with a variety of stock widths.
• Notches in the bar allow for maximum adjustability.
• Side pressure pads keep stock from shifting.
• Allows for 1-up and 1-down pressure clamping.
• Fits the most common panel sizes.

Cons

• You have to buy or make the wooden bar yourself.

2. FLK Tech 3/4 Inch Wood Gluing Pipe Clamp Set

This 3/4 inch wood gluing pipe clamp set is ideal for small to large-sized jobs for any surface. It is a convenient clamp set for wood, plastic, and metal. It is made of quality material and will not harm any surface. This heavy-duty pipe clamp has a smooth jaw design with two handles for easy use. It is an adjustable clamp with an easy release for easy handling. The package includes 4 pieces, which will be perfect in any circumstance.

It can be used with a 3/4″ pipe to make a clamp fixture of any length desired. You can also use it for clamping pipe to wood for outdoor projects. This set is perfect for any woodworker who is looking for a reliable and versatile clamp setup. But the company doesn’t provide you with the needed metal pipe that is required to make the clamp. You will need to buy the pipe yourself.

For a straight and simple installation, the pipe clamp is a must-have for your woodworking project. It is a multi-purpose tool, and you can use it to make pipe fixtures of any length. The spring lever control locks the jaw at any needed location and provides a quick release for users.

This pipe clamp has a heavy-duty lead screw and cast iron construction, making it strong and heavy in weight. The screw is in the right position to make sure the workpiece doesn’t slip down while tightening. 

Pros

• These pipe clamps give you the ability to control the angle of the jaws.
• It gives you the ability to lock the jaw at any point.
• The spring control allows you to lock the jaw easily.
• The package includes 4 pieces, which will be perfect in any circumstance.
• Usable with any length of pipe.

Cons

• You have purchased pipe separately.

3. Bessey 50-Inch Fixed Jaw Parallel Clamp

Just like me, most DIYers use a maximum of 50-inch parallel clamps for clamping their wood panels. Maybe you’ll get a 60-inch parallel clamp if you search but trust me, that will not good as a 50-inch parallel clamp. If you don’t know what wood panels you will make, it is always best to buy a large clamp. Large clamps are usable in a small project, but a smaller clamp is not useful in a large project.

The pressure and the adjustable jaw of this clamp can be controlled easily. The clamp is made of iron and has the ability to clamp the wood panel to the frame of a house. It is one of the best and reliable clamps to use in making a frame and most of the homeowners are using this clamp in their work. Thin, parallel jaws offer 90-degree clamping, so they offer better parallelism to the clamped surface for assembly work. Wider surface provides more contact for gripping materials.

The throat depth of the tool is 3.75 inches, and it has a 3-inch wide opening. This device has removable jaws pads designed to protect material surfaces and rail protector pads designed to keep clamped material from contacting rail surfaces. This tool can be used in various applications, including woodworking, metalworking, furniture building, picture framing, carpentry work, jewelry making, plumbing repairs, or handling many other projects in the home and garage.

One of the best things about this heavy-duty k body panel clamp is that it has a 1,500 lb clamping force to get any job done! The ergonomic design also reduces stress on your back when using it and the two-component molded soft-grip handle ensures that your hands won’t tire out while you work. The handle can be raised away from the steel rail, and the movable jaw can be slid to any desired point.

Pros

• Very strong, Extremely durable, easy to clean and maintain. 
• Large opening and closing.
• The jaw for a wide range of applications.
• Easy to adjust and lock into position.
• No tools are needed to operate.
• A two-component molded soft-grip handle ensures your hands won’t tire out while using the clamp.

Cons

• A little bit expensive.

4. JORGENSEN 48-inch Bar Clamps

The Jorgensen 48-inch bar clamp is a heavy-duty, cast-iron bar clamp that is easy to use and will last a lifetime. The clamp has a maximum opening capacity of 48 inches, which makes it the perfect tool for assembling large components in tight spaces. The clamping force is 1500 lbs. making it great for the projects that require a lot of pressure. Its rugged, durable design ensures longevity and long-lasting performance whether you’re a professional or a DIYer at home. The clamp is made out of heavy-duty steel both on the jaws and the bar.

A reversible head enables you to clamp the spreader to any surface. A clamp stand provides easy adjustments. The handles are ergonomic and won’t wear down your hands. The pins are made of high-quality steel that won’t bend or break easily.

This tool has an orange plastic coat that protects the steel parts and strengthens the jaws. This bar clamp will work on any project that requires a lot of clamps, and you don’t want to spend time looking around your garage or basement for one just when you’re getting started on your project! The 3-way design makes this bar clamp perfect for all sorts of projects.

Pros

• The jaws are made of quality steel that will not break.
• The 3-way design makes this bar clamp perfect for all sorts of projects.
• The entire spreader is built to last for a long time.
• It’s easy to clamp, unclamp and even loosen.

Cons

• The spreader is a little thin.

5. Bora 40-inch Parallel Clamp

This bar clamp is made of heavy-duty stainless steel. One side is beveled, so there is no space between the two claws when it’s closed for extra protection against slipping or getting caught. The 1100 lbs. (500 kg) of clamping pressure will hold most objects firmly in place.

With a 3.5-inch wide padded jaw, this parallel clamp provides even pressure without damaging materials. The parallel action provides increased holding power and more uniform pressure on both joint parts to reduce joint strain and shearing of cut edges. The design minimizes jaw spread with a sliding joint within the frame to easily clamp plates or narrow boards without marring or damage to edges.

This Parallel Clamp by Bora is an ideal tool for any DIYer who needs to hold a job or repair steady. You can use it to hold workpieces or other objects in place while performing tasks such as sawing, drilling, routing and sanding, gluing. The parallel clamp effortlessly grips your project snugly and securely, with the gravity-driven lock spring positioned above the base jaw to keep that jaw’s position tight and locked in place while.

This parallel clamp has a large, easy-grip handle that makes it easy to lift and slide the jaw up and down. Designed based on end-user feedback, this clamp weight is just under 13 pounds making it much lighter than other clamps.

Pros

• The Parallel Clamp is made from an extraordinary grade of steel, making it extremely sturdy.
• Its easily adjustable jaw makes it incredibly versatile, and the lock spring provides a firm hold on the jaw.
• Its large, easy-grip handle makes it very easy to use, and the jaw is easily removable.
• The Parallel Clamp has a large 13-pound weight that makes it easy to lift and slide.

Know More: 5 Best Cabinet Face Frame Clamps for Easy Frame Installation

6. Jorgensen 24-inch 90° Parallel Jaw Bar Clamp

The Jorgensen Parallel Jaw Bar is an extremely versatile clamp, and its large 90-degree jaw makes it easy to work with thick and thin materials. Its jaws are easily removable to make them easier to clean. It has a 3-inch jaw opening and a height of 3 inches. A strong spring is built into the jaws, and they are easy to open and close. Lightweight and durable engineering-grade aluminum construction for durability.

The jaws are not parallel when opened; an inclination of +/-0.5° presets them. When you tighten up and clamp the items, the clamps will be parallel. You will not have any trouble inserting your material between the jaws of this clamp because they are designed at a perfect width apart. You can use these clamps to tighten the material down with minimal effort.

The clamps are great for gluing up projects, general purpose clamping of wood, composites, plastics, light metals, and mixed materials. The sides of the jaws are also wider than other traditional clamps. The clamps are able to be attached to workpieces with ease. Deep 3-3/4-inch jaw depth for optimized pressure distribution

Ergonomic designed 2 components molded soft, comfortable grip handle and contours to the shape of your hand. A secure locking system prevents jaws from slipping. Rapid action jaw opening and closing, simple raise handle away from steel rail and slide movable jaw to the desired point, reverse movable jaw for spreading. These quick and easy-to-use devices will save you time in the long run. This clamp set includes two bar clamps for flat panels, box, cabinet, frame and panel doors assemblies or any other project that requires squareness or evenly applied pressure.

Pros

• Lightweight body and jaw design for easy handling
• Will not harm any surface
• Quality stainless steel construction
• Clamp jaws easily move to any position

Cons

• Not recommended for larger or heavy-duty projects.

Know More: 6 Best Picture Frame Clamps for Securing Glued Corners

Considering Factors for Buying Panel Clamps

When choosing the best panel clamps for your needs, consider the following:

1. The size of the clamp and the materials you’ll be working with.

2. The type of clamp (jaw, trigger or toggle) and how it will be used.

3. The clamp’s capacity, grip and reach.

4. The durability and construction of the clamp.

5. The price and value for the money.

6. The warranty and return policy.

7. The reviews and ratings from other buyers.

Frequently Asked Question Answered

1. How Many Clamps Do I Need to Use?

You should use 1 clamp per 12 to 15 inches of the wood panel. If your wood panel is 15 inches, then use 2 clamps. If it is between 20 to 30, use 3 clamps. 

2.What Size Panel Can I Clamp?

If you buy a parallel clamp or bar clamp, you can only use it according to its length. But if you buy a pipe clamp or pressure clamp, then don’t worry about paned width; you can make the wooden bar or metal pipe as per your need.

3. How Can I Set The Wooden Bar?

You can cut a wooden bar according to your need and then mount it in parallel clamps or use it as a jig to mount the bar. 

Conclusion

So, I hope you find this information useful. I have given you a good idea about the best panel clamps, in my opinion. So, if you are looking for a quality panel clamp, I’m sure that this article will help you a lot. 

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5. 6 Best Picture Frame Clamps for Securing Glued Corners