Bar Clamps
25 products
Bar clamps are sliding clamps: a graduated bar with one fixed and one moving jaw, operated by a lever or ratchet, which lets you tighten and hold workpieces in position with one hand. They are used in joinery, carpentry and the workshop for gluing, assembling and holding.
Types included
- Bar clamps in various lengths, from 150 mm up to 900 mm
- Fatmax and XL series for larger clamping capacities
How to choose
What matters is the maximum opening between the jaws, the throat depth and the clamping force required. Long workpieces need longer bars, and for repeated work one-hand clamping is worthwhile. Brands included: Stanley and DeWalt. The jaws may have plastic pads so as not to mark the wood: it is best to choose them when working on surfaces that must not be damaged. If in doubt, a clamp slightly longer than necessary is better.
AMES Srl works on a quote basis: tell us the size of the workpiece and the job to be done and we will suggest the right clamp.
Products in this collection
Frequently asked questions: Bar Clamps
What length of bar clamp do I need to glue up a panel?
The length is chosen according to the width of the piece to be clamped. For small panels, 150 or 300 mm bars are enough, while for tables and wide panels longer bars are needed. The maximum opening between the jaws also matters, that is, the space the clamp can open.
What is the difference between a bar clamp and a parallel clamp?
The bar clamp has jaws that slide along a bar, so it adapts to pieces of different sizes. The parallel clamp keeps the jaws parallel while tightening, which is useful for keeping the piece flat. Choose the type according to how much you need to control the flatness of the piece during gluing.
How do I avoid marking the wood with a bar clamp?
Place pieces of wood or rubber under the jaws, so that the pressure is spread and does not leave marks. Tighten gradually and evenly, alternating the clamping points. Do not tighten fully if the material is thin or delicate.
How much clamping force do I need to glue up a frame?
The force needed depends on the material and the glued surface. Tighten until a little glue squeezes out of the joints, without crushing the wood. Use several clamps in a line to spread the pressure over the whole frame, starting from the central points.
Fatmax or XL clamps: which series should I choose?
The Fatmax and XL series are recommended when larger clamping openings are needed. Check the maximum opening, throat depth and clamping force on the product page. The series name is not enough: always compare the actual dimensions with the workpiece.
Who uses bar clamps in joinery and in carpentry?
Joiners use them to glue up panels, tables and frames while the glue dries. Carpenters use them to hold pieces during assembly. In the workshop they are used to hold pieces still for drilling or machining, without having to hold them by hand.
Which clamps should I choose for repeated work in the workshop?
For repeated work, a clamp with a trigger or quick ratchet is best, as it opens and closes quickly and has sturdy jaws. For long pieces you need longer bars or clamps that fix to the bench. Choose the model according to the number of clampings you do in a day.
























