Sash Clamps

About Sash Clamps

Sash clamps are essential workshop tools designed for holding large workpieces securely during assembly, gluing, and fabrication. Named after their traditional use in clamping window sash frames, these versatile clamps feature a long bar with adjustable jaws that can accommodate workpieces from several hundred millimetres to over a metre in length. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of sash clamps from trusted brands including Bessey, Record, Faithfull, and Draper, suitable for both professional workshops and home workshops.

Available in steel and aluminium construction, sash clamps typically feature a fixed jaw at one end and a sliding jaw that can be positioned along the bar and locked in place. Many models include pre-drilled mounting holes for bolting to benches, plus adjustment holes along the bar for quick positioning. For those seeking flexibility and economy, clamp heads are available separately, allowing you to create custom-length clamps using your own timber or pipe stock.

Applications

Sash clamps are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Joiners and carpenters – assembling door frames, window sashes, cabinet carcasses, and edge-joining boards for tabletops
• Furniture makers – gluing up panels, clamping frame and panel assemblies, and holding components during dowelling or biscuit jointing
• Shopfitters – assembling retail fixtures, display units, and custom joinery on-site
• Boat builders – laminating curved sections and holding planking during construction
• DIY enthusiasts – home furniture projects, shelving units, and general woodworking tasks
• Workshop fabrication – holding metalwork assemblies and providing additional hands during welding preparation

Choosing The Right Sash Clamps

When selecting sash clamps from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

Clamping capacity: Determine the maximum width of workpieces you'll be handling. Standard lengths range from 600mm to 1800mm, with some extending beyond 2 metres for large assemblies.

Material construction: Steel sash clamps offer maximum rigidity and are ideal for heavy-duty workshop use where portability isn't a concern. Aluminium models provide excellent portability with reduced weight, making them perfect for site work or frequent repositioning around the workshop.

Clamp heads versus complete units: Complete sash clamps offer convenience and consistent performance, whilst separate clamp head sets provide economy and space-saving storage. If choosing heads, ensure your bar stock is straight and adequately rigid – steel pipe is superior to timber for longer spans.

Clamping pressure: Consider the jaw design and thread pitch. Quick-action models speed up positioning, whilst traditional screw mechanisms provide greater clamping force for demanding glue-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between T-bar clamps and standard sash clamps?

T-bar clamps feature a T-shaped profile bar that provides superior rigidity and resistance to bending under clamping pressure compared to flat bar designs. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty applications and longer spans where deflection could affect assembly accuracy.

Can I use sash clamps for metalwork as well as woodwork?

Yes, sash clamps work effectively on metal assemblies, though you should use protective pads on the jaws to prevent marring finished surfaces. They're particularly useful for holding components during marking out, drilling, or preparing joints for welding.

How many sash clamps do I need for gluing up a tabletop?

As a general rule, position clamps every 300-450mm along the length of the glue-up, alternating them above and below the workpiece to distribute pressure evenly and prevent bowing. For a typical 1800mm table, you'd need 4-6 clamps of appropriate length.