When you're working with heavy materials and powerful machinery, you need something that will hold objects still (even when massive forces are applied to them). The solution? Clamps. When it comes to manual clamps, there are many different varieties out there that fulfill various material handling needs. Here are 6 common types of manually-operated workshop clamps.

 

Vertical Hold Down Clamps

 

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Clamptek's 2,000 N Vertical Handle Toggle Clamp

 

Vertical hold down clamps can be identified by their handle, which is vertical whenever the clamp is disengaged. Once it gets connected to a workbench via its flange, all a worker must do to use a vertical hold down clamp to hold down a workpiece is manipulate its handle by 90 degrees.

 

Horizontal Hold Down Clamps

 

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Harbor Freight's 500 lb. Horizontal Toggle Clamp

 

The difference between horizontal hold down clamps and vertical hold down clamps is that whenever the clamp is disengaged on a horizontal hold down clamp its handle is horizontal as opposed to vertical. This feature can make it easier to maneuver materials on or around workbenches, as a vertical handle can sometimes get in the way.

 

Pull-Action Latch Clamps

 

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Fastenal's 360 lb. "U" Hook Pull Action Latch Clamp

 

Contrary to hold-down clamps, pull-action latch clamps apply pressure in a direction that is parallel to the surface they are attached to. They are well-suited for holding chamber doors shut as well as keeping container lids closed.

 

Squeeze Action Clamps

 

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Grainger's 200 lb. Squeeze Action Toggle Clamp

 

Unlike hold down clamps and latch clamps, squeeze action clamps don't need to be attached to anything. Instead, you can carry them around and place them wherever you need objects to be held against each other. Most squeeze action clamps lock automatically while they are closed.

 

Straight Line Action Clamps

 

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Gibraltar's 600 lb. Straight Line Action Clamp

 

The handle on a straight line action clamp allows the worker using it to push or pull a rod. Either pushing or pulling with these devices can be used to exert force, therefore handles on straight line action clamps do not have definite engaged/disengaged positions (unlike hold down clamps).

 

Variable Stroke Straight Line Action Clamps

 

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Destaco's 2,000 lb. Variable Stroke Straight Line Action Clamp

 

Rather than a handle, variable stroke straight line action clamps have a locking lever and a plunger. The plunger lets you choose how far the rod extends, and the locking lever lets you lock it in place.