F Clamps

About F Clamps

F Clamps are versatile workholding tools named after their distinctive F-shaped profile, featuring a fixed jaw at one end of a flat steel bar and a sliding jaw that can be quickly positioned before being tightened against your workpiece. This design delivers powerful clamping pressure whilst offering significantly greater capacity than traditional G clamps, with sizes ranging from compact 150mm models through to extra-long clamps exceeding 1000mm. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks premium F Clamps from leading manufacturers including BESSEY, BAHCO, IRWIN, STANLEY, DRAPER, and FAITHFULL, offering both traditional screw clamps for maximum pressure and lever clamps for one-handed quick-action operation.

Available in lightweight aluminium for occasional use or heavy-duty all-steel construction for demanding workshop applications, modern F Clamps typically include removable plastic or rubber jaw caps to protect delicate surfaces during woodworking, though these can be removed for metalworking or welding operations. The quick-release sliding jaw mechanism allows rapid positioning along the bar before fine-tuning with the screw or lever, making F Clamps considerably faster to set up than fixed-size alternatives whilst maintaining professional-grade rigidity and strength.

Applications

F Clamps are indispensable across numerous trades and applications:

• Joiners and Carpenters: Gluing panels, assembling cabinets, and holding timber components during fixing
• Furniture Makers: Chair and table assembly, drawer construction, and laminating operations
• Welders and Metalworkers: Positioning metal components before tacking or welding
• Cabinet Makers: Edge-gluing solid timber panels and assembling carcass components
• Shopfitters: Holding fixtures and fittings during on-site installation
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home workshop projects, furniture repairs, and general assembly tasks
• Picture Framers: Applying even pressure when gluing mitred corners
• Set Builders: Quick positioning for temporary and permanent construction

Choosing The Right F Clamps

Clamping Capacity: Select clamps with sufficient opening capacity for your typical projects. Common sizes include 300mm, 600mm, 800mm, and 1000mm. Consider purchasing several sizes, as panel gluing and assembly work often requires multiple clamps simultaneously.

Operating Mechanism: Traditional screw clamps offer maximum clamping pressure and affordability, ideal for heavy-duty applications. Lever clamps like BESSEY's GH and GSH ranges provide faster one-handed operation, significantly improving productivity for repetitive tasks.

Rail Construction: Standard flat steel rails suit most applications, but precision work benefits from K Body or box-section designs like the BESSEY K Body REVO range, which resist flexing and twisting under pressure.

Clamping Force: Light-duty clamps delivering 1000-2000N suit occasional DIY use, whilst professional tradespeople should opt for heavy-duty models offering 4000-6000N or more for demanding materials like hardwoods or metal.

Sets vs Individual: Clamp sets like the BESSEY 6 Piece K Body REVO Clamping Set often provide better value than buying individually, whilst ensuring matched clamps for parallel clamping operations.

Safety Information

Never exceed the manufacturer's recommended clamping force, as over-tightening can damage workpieces or crush timber fibres. Always ensure both jaws are properly seated before applying full pressure to prevent slipping under load. Regularly inspect clamps for damaged threads, bent rails, or worn jaw pads. When tightening heavy-duty screw clamps, wear appropriate work gloves to prevent blisters and hand strain. Store clamps in a dry environment to prevent rust formation on steel components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between F Clamps and G Clamps?

F Clamps feature a long bar with a sliding jaw offering greater capacity (typically 150mm to 2000mm) and faster setup than G Clamps. G Clamps have a fixed C-shaped frame limiting their capacity but can deliver slightly higher pressure in a more compact form. F Clamps are generally more versatile for workshop use, whilst G Clamps excel in confined spaces.

How many F Clamps do I need?

For panel gluing, you'll need clamps spaced approximately every 300-400mm along the joint. Professional workshops often stock 12-20 clamps in various sizes, whilst serious DIY enthusiasts typically accumulate 6-10 clamps over time. Starting with a matched set of four to six medium-capacity clamps (600-800mm) provides good versatility for most projects at MyToolShed.co.uk.

Can I use F Clamps for metalwork and welding?

Absolutely – simply remove the plastic or rubber jaw caps before welding to prevent melting. All-steel clamps like the BESSEY GS K Classix are particularly well-suited to metal fabrication as they have no plastic components that could be damaged by heat or spatter.