8 of The Best Parallel Clamps in 2022

Last Updated on October 23, 2021

Are you in the market for a brand-new parallel clamp? Then you are in the right place. There is no way you would be able to level up a kitchen door without a parallel clamp.

A parallel clamp is the best tool anybody could have. It makes your job simpler and saves you so much time. But if you want to get one, you want it to be good. Nobody wants to spend money on cheap knock-offs.

To help you choose the best parallel champ, we have made a list of the eight best parallel clamps you can find.

So, let’s take a look to find out the best parallel clamps for you:

Best Parallel Clamps – Comparison

8 Best Parallel Clamps Review

You want to take as much time as possible to find the best clamp. It feels like your money just went down the drain when you spend money on something that doesn’t work for you.

Here is a list of the best parallel clamps we’ve found the most success with:

1.  Jorgensen Cabinet Master Parallel Jaw Bar Clamp

Do you need a reliable clamp that can take any job that requires squareness? Then you will love this model.

Have you ever experienced slipperiness when using a clamp? Chances are you have. To prevent that, the jaw of this product was optimized. This way, you won’t experience slipperiness.

No matter how many doors you need to glue, this model is too good to pass on. The jaws are incredibly powerful to hold just about anything it finds.

All the jaws of this product ensure that they firmly hold your wood. Because of this, you can get nice and flat timber. And you won’t have to worry about even surfaces anymore.

You can also decide just how much pressure you want to apply. All you need to do is adjust the jaw to determine how much pressure you need.

And to make it even better, the Jorgensen clamp works like a charm on light materials, glue-ups, composites, and plastics.

It’s an all-around machine. Because of that, woodworkers love this machine. Who doesn’t like stuff that makes your life easier, anyway?!

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2.  BESSEY KRE3531 Parallel Bar Clamp With Hex Key

The Bessey KRE3531 is one of the best rated parallel clamps out there. Here is why it we think it is such a great option:

This model has been around for quite some time now. It has proven to be an excellent choice for any woodworker. And it comes with three removable pressure caps for clamping surfaces such as glue-ups and paint.

If we had to pick the best feature about this tool, it would be the operating jaw. This jaw was carefully made. So, every time you hold something, it stays in place.

But that’s not everything this jaw clamp has to offer. What if you need your jaw clamp to convert to a spreader? Then you will love this model. You can quickly turn this tool into a spreader anytime you want.

If you’re not convinced by how powerful this tool is, then you will freak out when I tell you that it can hold up to 1.700lbs! That is more than enough for any woodworker.

Perhaps, some of the previous clamps you have used were too hard for anybody to use. That can be a huge turn-off for most people. However, this model is pretty straightforward. You will get used to it pretty quickly.

And if you want to get the most out of this excellent tool, you can buy the pivoting jaws. It’ll make it more efficient than any other parallel clamp out there.

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3.   POWERTEC 71368 Woodworking parallel clamps

Do you want your parallel clamp to remain in the same place? Then you will be happy with this model. It is among the best parallel clamps for woodworking that you can find.

We all hate it when our parallel clamp feels slippery. Slipperiness can cost you money and time. What if you need your clamp to remain still, but it does the opposite? Luckily for us, POWERTEC offers us a great solution to this problem.

This model provides stunning accuracy at 90 degrees angles. In this way, your piece of wood will remain in the same place.

It doesn’t matter if you need evenly distributed clamping pressure or a reliable locking system. You will be able to do all of that since the grip feels comfortable to hold just about anything it finds on its way.

If you have ever used a parallel clamp, you know the handle sometimes is too harsh. While this is not too much of a big deal for some people, a soft handle would come in handy. This clamp, on the other hand, has a smooth handle.

There is no denying that a nicely-built clamp is too hard to pass on. It’s always cool to have a great looking tool that makes you stand out. And finally, the clamping pressure that this tool provides is mind-boggling. It is strong enough to keep your materials safe and flat.

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4. Jet 70431-2 31-Inch Parallel Clamp

Everyone loves a parallel clamp that keeps up with their workflow—this is what you get when you buy this excellent machine.

You know what they say, you can never have too many clamps! This one stands out from the rest so easily. It has just about everything you will need as a woodworker.

With over 1000 pounds of pressure, you will be able to handle just about everything that knocks on your door. Wouldn’t it be great if you had a ruler when you use your clamp? Then this is the perfect machine for you.

It comes with a ruler to help you measure any surface you need to measure. Furthermore, it also has a smooth handle if you need extra comfort for your hands. If you need to be as precise as possible, then this is the machine you’ve been looking for all this time.

Don’t waste your time trying to adjust your clamp. With this model, you will find it rather easy to adjust.

No matter how many times you use it, it will always be by your side. This model is solid to make it through those long days of hard work. So, if you want a durable and reliable tool, this is the go-to tool.

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5. IRWIN Parallel JAW Box Clamp

Do you need as much depth as possible to handle the tough guys? Then this the model you’ve been looking for all this time.

The IRWIN Clamp, Parallel jaw box, is among the best parallel clamps for the money.  It is less than fifty bucks and works just like the premium ones. This model can handle up to 1.150 pounds of pressure. Even those heavy doors you hate working with should fear this parallel clamp.

Don’t you hate it when your parallel begins to lose its beautiful shape after a while? It just looks off and makes you feel insecure about its durability. But with this model, you don’t have to worry about durability anymore. It is sturdy enough to stay by your side for a very long time.

One of the most annoying things anybody can deal with its slipperiness. It just ruins your overall mood. To prevent this, this company has made sure to add a powerful jaw to avoid slipping.

And as always, we just couldn’t forget about that sweet and comfortable handle. Since you will spend a lot of time using this tool, you at least want it to be as comfortable as possible.

With this one, comfortability is the least of your problems. The handle is comfortable enough for anybody to use. Another great thing about the Irwin clamp is just how well it handles glue. Nobody wants their clamp to feel sticky after using it on the glue.

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6. Jet 70411 Parallel clamp

Have trouble trying to find the right parallel clamp? Then this powerful machine from Wilton will do wonders for you.

There is no other parallel clamp machine that holds a chance to this one. It has a stunning feature that no other parallel clamp has. This has a precision-measurement system that allows you to get perfect and consistent setups as well as precision reading on any openings.

And just like the previous parallel clamps we’ve gone through so far, this one also has a comfortable handle to hold. If you’re a beginner and still lack the strength to apply pressure on the parallel clamp, then this model is the perfect tool for you.

They don’t take much strength to handle and can hold up to 1.000 pounds of pressure. Another great thing about this model is how easy it to use. The two-inch bench dogs help you have more control over the clamping, making your life a lot easier.

So far, so good. But how durable is it? This model features a durable aluminum design. Because of this, you will be able to get through the most challenging jobs and still manage to see your clamp in great shape.

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7. Yost K5024 Parallel clamp

We just couldn’t leave out this mind-blowing machine from Yost. It has everything you need from a parallel clamp.

Made for those folks that need a high-quality and performance machine. No matter what kind of task this machine is to face, it will get it done for you.

Work more efficiently without wasting a single second. This machine is built to be as efficient as possible.No matter how experienced you are, this machine is decently easy to use.

Have you ever felt as though your machine doesn’t have what it takes to be your tool? If so, you will be quite happy with the performance of this machine. This machine offers a significant clamping force without adding weight. What makes this possible is its heavy-duty aluminum.

What you would expect from any parallel clamp is that it is good enough to level up any surface you’re dealing with. And you’re not wrong. The acme threaded screw of this machine is no joke. It provides an even clamping pressure so you can get that beautiful and flat surface.

Another cool thing about this clamp is the oversized handle. The idea behind this oversized handle is to provide extra clamping while remaining as a comfortable handle.

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8. Bora 40” Parallel Clamp

If you’re growing sick of your typical run of the mill clamp machine, then this one will do wonders for you.

There is a reason why the Bora 40” Parallel Clamp is one of the best parallel wood clamps that you can find. Here is why: One of the most annoying things about any parallel clamp is the pressure. If it doesn’t apply enough pressure, then anything you hold will fall off.

To prevent this from happening, this machine applies just the right amount of pressure. Not too loose, not too tight, just the right amount you need. Do you feel as though your current clamp is not the right size? Then this is the one for you.

It comes in many different sizes for those projects that the average parallel clamp can’t keep up. Are you slowly losing your mind over how slippery your clamp is? Fear no more. This one has an anti-slip bottom to prevent the jaw from slipping.

Another remarkable feature of this clamp is how safe it is to use. Some machines just damage your project. To not ruin your materials, they have added a padded jaw that does not destroy your materials when applying pressure.

A large and easy-grip to handle is all you need in your life. With this machine, you don’t have to worry about your handle being too harsh to hold.

And the grip allows you to quickly clamp any material you want. So, no need to spend hours trying to set it up.

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What to Look for Before You Buy?

If this is your first time buying a parallel clamp—we know how difficult it can be to find the right one.

But it doesn’t have to be too hard. As long as you know what you look for, there should be no issue. Here is a list of things you must keep in mind:

Clamping Pressure

Always check how much pressure the clamping machine you want can provide.

You might end up disappointed if you get a weak one. So, it’s always a great idea to look it up and compare it to other models that might have caught your attention.

We’ve found success with any clamping machine that can hold more than 100 pounds. Anything below is just not worth your money.

Comfortable Grip

So many people seem to overlook this feature for some reason. But a comfortable grip is always a great feature to have. A comfortable grip allows you to work at peace. And it’s also a lot easier to handle compared to the tough ones.

Resistance

Nobody wants to spend money on something that will break within a few months.

Some parallel clamps break within a few months of use. It’s quite frustrating to see your money going to waste. This is why we strongly suggest getting those with a rigid backbone to prevent damage.

To choose a great and sturdy parallel clamp, always select those that have durable aluminum. Those are great for long term use.

So, always make sure to read the labels to find this out. Otherwise, do a quick google search to learn more about the clamp you want to get.

Safe from Damage

You might have noticed that some parallel clamps apply way too much pressure. Too much pressure can be inconvenient as it can damage your materials.

Which ultimately ends up costing you more money than you would like to spend. So instead, get those that apply just the right amount of pressure.

Not too loose, not too tight, just the perfect amount of pressure. To find more about this, always make sure to read how much clamping pressure your parallel clamp can apply.

Large Grip

Although not everyone may have an issue with a small grip, some people could find it uncomfortable when working. Big and easy grips speed up your workflow. They are easy to handle, lift, and you can slide the jaws up and down without much effort.

Slipping

Slippery jaws ruin your day. What if the jaws drop the materials they are holding? It could end up costing you a lot of money. The best way to prevent this from happening is to get those that have a secure locking system to prevent slipping.

Most of the time, companies make it very clear when their products are not slippery. So, make sure to read the labels to find more about this.

Even Pressure

If you’re working on large areas, you want your parallel clamps to evenly distribute the clamping pressure. Unfortunately, not all clamps live up to those expectations.

Those that evenly distribute pressure often have large steels reinforced to distribute pressure over any area.

Those are the only ones you should be aiming for if you want even pressure all over your materials

Ease of Use

If this is your first time buying one of these, you want it to be as straightforward as possible. The fancy ones have many different features that you probably will never need.

So instead, get the ones that are pretty simple to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we aim to answer the most common questions most people have about parallel clamps. Here are some of them:

Q: Why are parallel clamps so expensive?
A: Parallel clamps are quite expensive because they are made of metal. In addition to this, the companies behind these clamps add many different features to make your woodworking experience easier. And this leads to higher prices.

Q: How many clamps do I need for woodworking?
A: You know what they say, you can never have enough clamps. But we’ve come to realize that you can get by with just nine. However, you will find yourself with more than nine over time.

Q: Are Bessey clamps any good?
A: Bessey clamps are among the best clamps we’ve found so far. This company makes top-notch clamps that no other company seems to keep up with.

Q: How tight should wood clamps be?
A: You don’t want your clamps to be too tight, nor do you want them to be too loose. The recommended clamping pressure for most clamps is about 250 psi.

Q: How do you hold wood together without clamps?
A: The best way to clamp two pieces of wood without clamps is to use super glue. All you need to do is apply glue on the pieces of wood you want to glue together.

So, What Should You Buy

Choosing the best parallel clamps will make your life so much easier. So, take as much as needed to pick up the right one. Out of all these eight parallel clamps we’ve gone through so far, there are three that just take it to the next level: Bora 40” Parallel Clamp— this one has just the right amount of clamping pressure.

Enough to hold your materials tightly without damaging them. Jorgensen Cabinet Master 24-inch 90º— if you hate slipperiness, then you will love this machine. The jaws of this product are optimized to prevent any slipperiness you may experience. Bessey KRE3531 PAIR 31— this is the perfect machine for those that need a mighty machine. It can hold up to 1.700 pounds. If you make up your mind and choose one of those, you won’t regret it.

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