Quick Clamps

About Quick Clamps

Quick clamps are essential fastening tools designed for rapid, one-handed operation, allowing tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts to secure materials quickly whilst keeping their other hand free to position workpieces. Unlike traditional G clamps or screw clamps that require two-handed adjustment, quick clamps feature trigger mechanisms or lever actions that enable instant clamping and release, significantly speeding up workflow in busy workshops and construction sites. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range from leading manufacturers including Bessey, Irwin Quick-Grip, Bahco, Draper, and Stanley.

Available in various configurations including bar clamps, one-handed clamps, and heavy-duty models, these versatile tools suit applications from light assembly work to more demanding joinery tasks. The range at MyToolShed includes specialist options such as guide rail clamps, spreader clamps, and complete clamping sets, with clamping capacities and throat depths to match different project requirements.

Applications

Quick clamps are indispensable across numerous trades and applications:

• Carpentry and joinery: Assembling cabinets, gluing timber joints, holding workpieces during cutting and routing
• Furniture making: Frame assembly, edge banding, and laminate bonding
• Construction: Temporary fixings, holding materials during installation, frame construction
• Metal fabrication: Securing components during welding and drilling operations
• Shop fitting: Installing fixtures, display units, and shelving systems
• DIY projects: Home improvements, craft work, model making, and general repairs
• Picture framing: Holding mitred corners whilst glue sets

Choosing The Right Quick Clamps

When selecting quick clamps from the MyToolShed.co.uk range, consider these key factors:

Clamping capacity: Measure the maximum width of materials you'll be working with. Bar clamps offer greater reach than compact models, with capacities ranging from 150mm to over 900mm in our selection.

Clamping force: Light-duty clamps suit delicate assembly work, whilst heavy-duty options like the Bessey EZXL or Quick-Grip Xtreme models provide superior holding power for demanding applications requiring up to 230kg of pressure.

Jaw design: Padded or soft-grip jaws protect delicate surfaces, whilst standard hardened jaws suit rough construction work. Some models feature reversible jaws for spreading applications.

Build quality: Professional-grade clamps from Bessey and Bahco offer enhanced durability for daily site use, whereas budget options work well for occasional DIY tasks.

Ergonomics: Trigger-style grips and one-handed operation reduce fatigue during repetitive clamping tasks, particularly important for professional tradespeople.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between quick clamps and traditional G clamps?

Quick clamps offer rapid one-handed operation with trigger or lever mechanisms, making them much faster to position and adjust than screw-operated G clamps. However, traditional G clamps typically provide greater clamping force and are more robust for heavy-duty applications.

Can quick clamps be used as spreaders?

Many quick clamps feature reversible jaws that allow them to function as spreaders, useful for tasks like separating stuck components or applying outward pressure. Models like the Faithfull bar clamp specifically mention spreader functionality.

How much clamping force do I need?

For general woodworking and light assembly, 100-150kg of clamping force suffices. Heavy-duty joinery, metalwork, and structural applications benefit from 200kg+ capacity clamps available from brands like Bessey and Quick-Grip in our range.