Rachel Shubin
An essential tool for the well-rounded craftsperson is a pipe clamp. Beneficial to those in woodworking or cabinetry, these attachments help apply clamping pressure to keep workpieces together.
Pipe clamps come in all shapes and sizes with different features, clearance, and strength. Choosing the right pipe clamp can drastically improve the outcome of a project.
What to Consider in a Pipe Clamp
Consider the size of your workspace and the project in which the pipe clamp is needed. There are different inches of pipe clamps and determining the space and scale is a good place to start. The design and material of pipe clamps impact its performance, which should also be a key consideration when making a purchase.
Determine what functions in your pipe clamp would be an asset to your workstation and project. Some pipe clamps come in different shapes for stability. Other pipe clamps are designed for low-grip projects or specifically focus on keeping projects steady.
Best Overall: Bessey BPC-H34 ¾-Inch Style Pipe Clamp, red
This 3/4-inch pipe clamp has dual-axis stability with its H-shaped foot, allowing it to stabilize the clamp in two dimensions. There are two soft jaw caps included in keeping your work materials safe while being clamped. The H-shaped foot prevents the clamp from tipping over and the extra high base gives clearance from the workstation and allows the crank handle to clear the workstation when opening and closing the clamp. The finish is made with a durable powder coat.
Bessey BPC-H34, 3/4-In. H Style Pipe Clamps - Incredibly Versatile, Easy To Assemble, Indespensable Workshop Clamp For Woodworking, Carpentry, Home Improvement, and DIY Projects
A 3/4-inch pipe clam with an H-shaped foot.
$15.49 
Best Value: Yost Tools YPC-Y12 1/2″ Pipe Clamp, Cast Iron
The Yost 1/2-inch pipe clamp has a wider and taller stance and jaws. Perfect for metalworking, woodworking, and frame assembly, this tool is great for a do-it-yourself project or even larger scale production. Reasonably priced, the clamp is made from cast iron construction and is well built. Ideal for projects that do not require a lot of gripping force.
Yost Tools YPC-Y12 1/2" Pipe Clamp, Cast Iron
1/2 inch pipe clam ideal for small projects.
Best High-End: PONY 55 Pro Pipe Clamp
A superior tool for woodworkers, this classic pipe clamp can be used to hold materials in place for metalworking, woodworking, and frame assembly. It is made from cast iron, an advantage in a pipe clamp to keep wood steady during work. The 3/4-inch clamp features a multi-disc clutch design that offers a secure grip anywhere along the bar.
PONY 55 Pro Pipe Clamp, Fixture for 3/4-Inch Black Pipe
A single pipe clamp made from cast iron with a superior grip.
