So pipe clamps come in either 1/2" or 3/4" most of the time.I have several 3/4" but find them so heavy I don't reach for them as often as the 1/2" clamps. Other than the weight, I don't know of any reason I don't use them as much.

 

So how about you, which size do you have and if both which one do you reach for the most.

 

Why do you like the one you reach for most.

 

While we are talking about them, what kind of pads do you have on them, the plastic ones that came with them or have you opted for a custom pad?

 

 

Actually John, I have both sizes.  A man can never have too many clamps.  In 1/2 and 3/4 I have 2 ft 4 ft and 6 ft clamps.  I use them all but I'll grab the 1/2" first because they're lighter.  As for a pad, I use basswood.  It gives me enough rigidity but is also pretty soft and won't dent.

John, I have lost count on the number of clamps I own now. But most are the pipe clamp....,maybe about 40 of them. My first clamps were the crapsman 1/2". I reach for them probably 50% more times than I do the 3/4". A long time ago.....before the plastic pads....I took contact cement and glued a thick piece of leather to the faces. I think of the 10     1/2" clamps, I've lost 2 or 3 of my leather pads.

I keep telling myself to stop in at the shoe repair to get me some more leather.............so I can do the same to the rest of my clamps.

I have a combination of both too.  Most are 3/4.  The 1/2" are only about 2' long.  The 3/4" are 4" plus I have couplers and extra 3/4" pipe to extend them to 8'.   The 3/4" heads were picked up at Big Lots a couple years ago for $10 a set.  They are Stanley and I haven't lost the plastic pads yet.  

The 1/2" never had pads.  I did pick up some self stick cork.  I havn't applied it yet.

I have both sizes and use them on bigger projects.

For pads, I cut up 2x2" pads of 1/2 ply, drilled a relief hole in the back and glued magnets to them. Used them the other day and they worked slick. One less thing to juggle with when your hands are full.

 

Harry

You guys need to go find the auctions and look for cabinet clamps.

 

They come in alot of sizes and lengths and don't leave marks all over the place.

 

And no pads or crushing edges.

 

I have them (pipe clamps) for long stuff but 9 out of 10 times go for the cabinet clamps.

Dragon.............I think your talk'n about the "F" clamp.........right. Not all of us live by the big city like you do where a cabinet shop is going out of business quite frequently.  Your lucky to be able to have access to those auctions.

In my area, way back when, was sears robuck my supply house for woodworking tools, and they did not have the "F" clamp. Just pipe clamps.

I betcha a lot of the ol'duffers here used sears for their tools back in the 60's an 70's.

But, all that said............I have about a dozen "F" clamps too.

These are the ones I'm talking about. 

 

 

 The only difference is they make them with longer bars.

 

 

The F clamps are deeper and the clamp faces on them are usually very small, more for point to point (squaring up cabinets and drawers) where any marks would be sanded out later.

I guess I'm with Dragon1 on this, I have numerous clamps but I use the shortest I can on the project at hand.   Overall though I prefer the aluminum bar clamps for longer clamping up to about 48" just because they are lighter in weight and with the square aluminum "rod" they hold the wood flat and glue does not stick to them.   For deeper throat is use the "F" style or steel bar clamps shown by Dragon1.   I do have a couple of 7' x 1/2" pipe clamps that are great to help square a large carcase.

I see a lot of you are like me, you have both sizes but reach for the 1/2" models. It made me think about it and just thought I would get your take.

 

Since the 1/2" are lighter and you grab them the most, what is the application for the 3/4"?

 

They weigh more making them a little more difficult to handle so why would you purchase them if you can get 1/2" The clamp cost more and the pipe is more expensive.

 

This is just one of those inquiring minds want to know.

Good question John, you really are clamping the wood until the glue sets and if it takes a lot of pressure to get the parts to mate your already in trouble.

Good explanation Gene.

 

While I'm not old enough that I'm bothered by a few Ounces difference between the 1/2 inch and the 3/4, I still need the strength for holding stuff occasionally.

 

But here's a point I haven't heard anyone mention,

 

"If you need to use a pipe clamp, why? "

 

 Is the plywood that bent that you need alot of pressure or is it just for the distance of longer pipe?

dragon1 said:

While I'm not old enough that I'm bothered by a few Ounces difference between the 1/2 inch and the 3/4, I still need the strength for holding stuff occasionally.