Floor Clamps

About Floor Clamps

Floor clamps are specialist tools designed to simplify the installation of solid wood floorboards, laminate, engineered wood, and parquet flooring by pulling boards tightly together before fixing. These purpose-built devices apply controlled pressure to eliminate gaps between planks, ensuring professional-looking results whether you're a flooring contractor working on multiple installations or a DIY enthusiast tackling a home renovation. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a carefully selected range of floor clamps from leading manufacturers including Bessey, Draper, and Faithfull, covering both traditional floorboard installations and modern floating floor systems.

Our collection includes traditional floor clamps that hook onto joists to pull solid wood boards tight for nailing, as well as laminate installation clamps designed specifically for click-together systems. From the versatile Bessey SVH series floor clamps to practical band clamps and tie-down straps, MyToolShed provides professional-grade solutions that prevent damage to tongue-and-groove joints whilst ensuring each plank sits perfectly flush with its neighbour, resulting in floors that not only look better but perform better and last longer.

Applications

Floor clamps are essential tools for professionals and DIY users working across various flooring applications:

• Flooring Contractors and Fitters: Professional tradespeople specialising in all types of floor installation who rely on floor clamps daily
• Carpenters and Joiners (Chippies): Woodworking professionals who regularly install or repair wooden floors as part of renovation projects
• General Builders: Construction professionals fitting flooring as part of larger building or refurbishment contracts
• Property Developers and Renovators: Those managing multiple property projects requiring professional flooring results
• Facilities Maintenance Teams: Personnel responsible for maintaining and repairing flooring in commercial buildings and public spaces
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners undertaking flooring projects who want professional-quality results
• Shopfitters: Specialists fitting out retail and commercial spaces to tight deadlines

Choosing The Right Floor Clamps

Type of Flooring: Different floor clamps suit different installation methods. Traditional floorboard clamps that hook onto joists are ideal for solid wood installations, whilst laminate installation clamps are specifically designed for click-together floating floor systems. Band clamps offer versatility for various applications including curved work and repairs.

Working Capacity: Check the maximum reach and throat depth to ensure the clamp can accommodate your specific flooring width and distance from the joist or fixing point. Models like the Bessey SVH 4000 and SVH 7600 offer varying capacities for different applications.

Build Quality: Professional-grade clamps from manufacturers like Bessey and Faithfull feature robust steel construction that withstands daily site work. Quality tools won't bend, break, or lose their grip under pressure, saving money and frustration long-term.

Clamping Pressure: The clamp should provide sufficient force to close gaps without risking damage to tongue-and-groove joints. Look for models with controlled, adjustable pressure mechanisms rather than crude leverage systems.

Ease of Use: Consider how quickly you can position, tighten, and release the clamp. Single-handed operation features significantly speed up workflow, particularly when working alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between traditional floor clamps and laminate installation clamps?

Traditional floor clamps are designed for solid wood floorboards nailed or screwed directly to joists, typically hooking onto the joist to pull boards tight. Laminate installation clamps are designed for floating floor systems where boards click together but aren't fixed down, working from the edges with features to protect delicate click-system edges.

How many floor clamps do I need for a typical room?

For most domestic installations, two to three clamps provide good workflow efficiency, allowing you to secure several boards in sequence whilst working across a room. Professional flooring contractors often have four or more clamps to maintain productivity on larger commercial projects.

Will floor clamps damage my floorboards?

Quality floor clamps feature protective pads on contact points to prevent marking. Apply pressure gradually rather than forcing maximum clamping force immediately, and ensure proper alignment before tightening. For particularly delicate or pre-finished boards, consider placing a thin offcut between the clamp and flooring as additional protection.