C-Clamps

C-clamps are hand tools that apply controlled holding pressure to keep workpieces in position during fabrication, welding, woodworking, repair, maintenance, assembly, and close-detail tasks. The C-frame design supports clamping at a workpiece edge, while available opening capacities, throat depths, frame materials, and contact styles help match the clamp to the material, workspace, and task.

Product Display:
  • 6-Inch C-Clamp

    IRWIN Tools

    6-Inch C-Clamp

    Our Price:
    $24.49

    This 6-inch C-clamp is a hand tool for shop users who need to hold workpieces securely during positioning or clamping tasks. Its screw-driven design helps apply controlled clamping force while...

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Helpful Buying Guide

C-Clamp Buying Guide

Choose a C-clamp by first confirming the workpiece size and where the clamping point sits relative to its edge. Then compare the available frame construction, throat depth, opening capacity, and contact features for the task at hand.

Visual Guide

Popular examples in this category

High-Visibility Drop-Forged C-Clamp, 2-1/8 in. OpeningHigh-Visibility Drop-Forged C-Clamp, 2-1/8 in. OpeningWBB503428Hi-Visibility Drop-Forged C-Clamp, 10 in. OpeningHi-Visibility Drop-Forged C-Clamp, 10 in. OpeningWBB503883540A Series C-Clamp with 2-1/2 in. Jaw Opening540A Series C-Clamp with 2-1/2 in. Jaw OpeningWBB503605Deep-Reach Carriage C-Clamp, 2-1/2 in Opening, 4-3/4 in Throat DepthDeep-Reach Carriage C-Clamp, 2-1/2 in Opening, 4-3/4 in Throat DepthWBB503902
Use Cases

Hold materials during setup and work

C-clamps in this category are used to secure workpieces during steel fabrication, industrial welding, maintenance, repair, woodworking, assembly, positioning, and close-detail work.

How to Choose

Start with opening and throat depth

Match the opening capacity to the workpiece thickness or width, then select a throat depth that reaches the required clamping location from the edge.

Applications

Choose features for the material shape

V-grooved anvils help position round, square, and flat stock. Oscillating pads, heads, and tips help the contact point align with angular or workpiece surfaces.

Additional Information

Compare contact and visibility features

Nylon contact components help protect work surfaces. Replaceable pads support continued use when replacement is needed, while high-visibility yellow finishes make clamps easier to spot in active work areas.

2–10 in.Opening range represented

Available opening capacities span from 2 inches to 10 inches.

Up to 5-3/8 in.Throat depth represented

Extended throat options provide reach farther from a workpiece edge.

Up to 1,100 lb.Clamping pressure represented

A compact forged steel option lists up to 1,100 lb of clamping pressure.

2 contact stylesSurface-focused options

Nylon-tipped and replaceable-pad designs are represented for contact needs.

Comparison Guide

Compare C-Clamp Types

Use this overview to compare the product groups and features represented in the category.

C-clamp typeRepresentative capacity and reachFeatures and applications
Carriage-style C-clamps2-1/2 in. openings; throat depths from 1-3/4 in. to 4-3/4 in.; an 8 in. opening option with 3-1/4 in. throat depthDuctile iron frames, sliding cross-pin handles, and oscillating contact components for light industrial woodworking, repair, assembly, and shop work.
Drop-forged C-clamps2-1/8 in., 4 in., 8 in., and 10 in. opening options; throat depths up to 5-3/8 in.Fabrication, maintenance, repair, and welding options with V-grooved anvils; selected models include copper-plated ACME spindles, oscillating steel pads, replaceable pads, or high-visibility finishes.
Compact and junior C-clamps2 in. to 2-1/2 in. openings; throat depths from 1-1/4 in. to 2-5/16 in.Forged steel options for compact holding and close-detail work; selected models include oscillating heads, nylon contact components, and listed clamping pressure values.
Planning Guide

Plan the right fit before choosing

Size and Reach

Confirm capacity before selecting a clamp

Opening capacity determines the size of workpiece the clamp can accommodate. The represented options range from 2-inch openings to 10-inch openings. Throat depth determines how far the clamp can reach from the edge toward the desired clamping point.

  • Choose a 2-inch to 2-1/2-inch opening for compact workpieces represented in the selection.
  • Consider 4-inch, 8-inch, or 10-inch openings when the workpiece requires greater capacity.
  • Select deeper-reach designs when the clamping location is farther from the edge, including throat depths up to 5-3/8 inches.
Frame and Task Type

Match construction to the work environment

The category includes ductile iron carriage-style clamps for light industrial woodworking and repair work, along with forged steel and drop-forged clamps for shop, maintenance, fabrication, and welding applications. Select the construction and design described for the work you perform.

  • Ductile iron frames are represented in woodworking, shop, and repair clamps.
  • Drop-forged construction is represented in regular-duty fabrication, maintenance, welding, and repair clamps.
  • Forged steel frames are represented in compact and junior clamps for controlled holding tasks.
Contact Features

Consider the workpiece surface and shape

Contact features can help position material and maintain secure contact as a clamp is tightened. Several options use V-grooved anvils for round, square, and flat materials, while oscillating components help align to the work surface.

  • Use V-grooved anvils when holding round, square, or flat stock.
  • Consider oscillating steel pads for firm contact on angular surfaces.
  • Choose nylon tips and inserts when helping protect contact surfaces is a priority.
  • Compare replaceable pads when continued use with replacement contact pads is needed.
FAQ

Common questions before buying

What C-clamp opening size should I choose?

Choose an opening that accommodates the thickness or width of the workpiece. Represented options range from 2 inches to 10 inches.

Why does throat depth matter on a C-clamp?

Throat depth indicates reach from the workpiece edge to the clamping point. A deeper throat helps when the clamp must reach farther onto the material.

When is a V-grooved anvil useful?

A V-grooved anvil helps position and secure round, square, and flat stock.

Which C-clamp features help protect a work surface?

A junior C-clamp with nylon tip and inserts helps protect contact surfaces. Oscillating contact components can also help align the clamp foot or tip with the work surface.

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