Looking into quality pipe clamps is probably not the most fun thing to do, but it’s definitely necessary for woodworking and metalworking projects. They all seem very similar, and to be blunt with you for a moment, they often perform the same tasks.
While this may be the case, having the right pipe clamp at your side can make any project an easy one. Think about a pipe clamp as an extra pair of hands to assist you when you need it. You want to make sure those hands are as good as your own, right? This means that a good pipe clamp needs to be reliable, durable, and easy to work with. A quality pipe clamp is a clamp you can trust.
Pipe clamps also offer you quite a bit of functionality. This is due to the fact that pipe clamps can be used for more than one application. For example, a pipe clamp can be used in woodworking projects to hold two pieces of wood together while glue dries, or they can be used to hold large frames together while you work on them. So, no matter what you need that extra pair of hands for, a pipe clamp is a great way to go.
We know that most pipe clamps may seem very similar at face value, but this isn’t exactly the case. Whether you’ll be using pipe clamps for woodworking or metalworking, you need to make sure that the clamp you have does its job well. Also, not only does it need to do its job, but it needs to hold up well under pressure as well.
Now, if you’re a bit unsure about what to look for in pipe clamps, you’re in the right place. We’ve done the research for you, and we’ll be showing you everything you need to know about the best pipe clamps.
- Features to Consider in Good Pipe Clamps
- Top 10 Best Pipe Clamps 2023
- 1. Best Overall Pipe Clamp Bessey Tools ¾" Pipe Clamp Set
- 2. Best Premium Pipe Clamp Pony 55 Pro Pipe Clamp
- 3. Best Large Diameter Pipe Clamp Bessey ½ inch Pipe Clamp
- 4. Easiest ½" Pipe Clamp to Use Irwin ½" Quick-Grip Pipe Clamp
- 5. Best Pipe Clamp for Woodworking The Pony 50 ¾" Pipe Clamp
- 6. Easiest ¾" Pipe Clamp to Use Yost ¾" Pipe Clamp
- 7. Yost ½" Pipe Clamp
- 8. Best Pipe Clamp for Large Materials Pony 52 6 Pack
- 9. Best Budget Pipe Clamp Bessey Tools ¾ inch Pipe Clamp
- 10. YaeTek ¾" Pipe Clamp Set
- Guide to Buying the Best Pipe Clamp
- Q&A
- Final Words
Features to Consider in Good Pipe Clamps
Pipe clamps are very similar products on the surface, but there are differences between them. Luckily, we know exactly what to look for in a pipe clamp, and you can too. Let’s take a quick look at some things to consider before buying a pipe clamp.
Pipe Diameter
One thing you need to consider is the diameter of a pipe clamp. Pipe clamps come in a few different sizes, and this size is generally based on the diameter of pipe that it can hold comfortably. To give you an idea of what this looks like, most pipe clamps will have a ¾” diameter or a ½” diameter.
A ½” diameter is going to work well with smaller projects, as it won’t clamp down too hard on the fine materials or pipe. On the other hand, the ¾” diameter is what you’ll want to use for larger projects. This is due to the fact that these larger pipe clamps can handle much larger pipes, wood, and even metal.
The Jaw
The jaw of a pipe clamp is also one of the most important things to look out for aside from ensuring that your clamp will fit the diameter of pipe that you’re using. The jaw will determine what types of pipe it can work with, the pressure it can handle, and how safe the clamp is for your project. So, before you buy, always be sure to keep an eye on the type of jaw that the pipe clamp comes with.
Some jaws will come with pads, while other jaws may come with rigid ends on them. The pads are designed to cover the jaw to make the clamp much better for wood. This works because it keeps the clamp from leaving any marks on the wood it’s holding. This may be great for woodworking, but it can create a few problems for metalworking. If you’ll be working with metal or metal frames, consider getting a solid jaw with grooves in it. This will keep pads from tearing, and will provide you with a solid grip on the metal.
Jaws can also be both soft or hard. A hard jaw is going to be difficult to work with on wood, because it will end up leaving marks or warp damage. So, for wood, always go with the soft jaw. Other than woodworking, a stronger more solid jaw will perform better (rubber coating also works well for most applications). If you do happen to go with rubber, just be careful about the clamp slipping. If it does slip, it can end up damaging the rubber, which will lead to a much shorter life on the pipe clamp. This can also damage your project as well.
Clamp Type
Another thing that you need to consider is the type of pipe that the clamp will be using to hold your objects in place. Pipe clamps tend to use two different types of materials, and each type tends to have their strengths and weaknesses. The two most common types that you’ll find include galvanized clamps and black pipe.
Galvanized pipe is a very strong type of piping, and does its job really well. The top quality pipe clamps are made with this material, and this is for good reason. The only downside to galvanized pipe is that it definitely drives the cost up. While this may be the case, you really do get what you pay for.
Threaded black pipe is more like a budget option. It does the job well, and won’t break under pressure, but it does have one major drawback that you’ll definitely want to think about. Black pipe can end up leaving little black marks on your wood, which can cause some serious issues if you’re looking for a perfect touch on your project. Other than that, if you need a pipe clamp for a low price, black pipe is the way to go.
All pipes come in different shapes and sizes as well, so you’ll have no problem finding the right pipe for the right diameter of your pipe clamp. There are differences between the two, and many pipe clamps will work with both, but some are only suited to threaded black pipes.
Top 10 Best Pipe Clamps 2023
1. Best Overall Pipe Clamp Bessey Tools ¾" Pipe Clamp Set
Editor’s Rating:
Diameter: ¾”
Pipe: black or galvanized
Jaw: padded
The Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp Set is the best pipe clamp set on the market. You get 4 clamps that work well at multiple dimensions, and you can never go wrong with more clamps. If you’re working on a project, having more clamps is always an added bonus. Whether you need to speed up the process, or hold wood together at multiple angles, the Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp Set has you covered.
The Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp Set is made with premium cast iron which holds up well over time, and applies just the right amount of pressure to your project. It can get a bit rough after a long period of use, though.
The unique H-foot design complements this durability well by adding a range of space to work with if you have your clamp resting on a flat surface. These pipe clamps also come with an easy to use crank, and fit either black or galvanized pipe. The more hands the better, right? That’s what the Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp Set is all about.
Value
The Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp Set is definitely not cheap. It will cost you a bit more money than most single clamps on the market, but you need to consider what you’re getting. Depending on the project, sometimes you’ll need up to 4 clamps at once. So, for this reason, we feel as if this set is priced fairly.
Pros
- You get 4 high-quality woodworking clamps made with premium cast iron
- Each clamp has padded jaws to make sure that you don't damage your project
- Can handle black or galvanized pipes
Cons
- The cast iron can become a bit rough after frequent usage
Editor’s Rating:
Diameter: ¾”
Pipe: black or galvanized
Jaw: hard
The Pony 55 Pro Pipe Clamp is a professional grade pipe clamp designed for extended periods of rigorous commercial usage. If you’re someone who needs to rely on a pipe clamp a few times per week, this is definitely a great option for you. The cast iron design makes it very easy to work with, and it comes with a built in stand that allows it to sit up to 2.5″ over your project. So, when it comes to wiggle room, you get plenty with this clamp.
The Pony 55 Pro Pipe Clamp also comes with jaws that won’t damage your project as long as you keep the pressure down—though you’ll still have to be careful on soft materials. The crank comes with a very lightweight and easy to wind screw, which also makes it easier on your hard if you’ll be cranking this clamp very often. As for the diameter itself, this clamp is specially designed to handle most larger projects that you may have—but be careful with wood, because its very hard jaws can harm it if you overapply pressure.
Value
The price for the Pony 55 Pro Pipe Clamp is a bit on the high side. It will cost you a bit more than usual for this pipe clamp, but if used professionally it’s definitely worth the money you spend.
Pros
- Can handle industrial-grade usage, wear, and high pressure
- The pipe does not need to be threaded for this clamp
- It's spring loaded and stable
Cons
- The jaws are very hard and may warp wood
3. Best Large Diameter Pipe Clamp Bessey ½ inch Pipe Clamp
Editor’s Rating:
Diameter: ½”
Pipe: black or galvanized
Jaw: padded
The Bessey Tools ½” Pipe Clamp is a very solid pipe clamp to work with. It has a diameter that can accommodate most large projects, and it’s very simple to use. It’s not ideal for smaller pipes, but it will work in a pinch. The Bessey Tools ½” Pipe Clamp has a crank handle that allows you to loosen or tighten the clamp with ease, and it won’t even take much force to do so. This is what makes this pipe clamp great for those of you who are just starting out, or those of you that may experience hand fatigue.
The Bessey Tools ½” Pipe Clamp also features an H-foot design, which provides you with plenty of clearance and flexibility. So, even if you’ll be doing some work on an angle, the Bessey Tools ½” Pipe Clamp has you covered there as well. While this may all sound great so far, the real kicker is that this zinc-coated pipe clamp comes with a soft jaw pad that makes it very hard for the clamp to damage your wood.
Price
The price is definitely on the low side for what you get. It may not be as durable as some of the more expensive options out there, but for the price, the Bessey Tools ½” Pipe Clamp is a really well rounded pipe clamp.
Pros
- Comes with 3 extra soft jaw pads in case you happen to wear the first one down
- Comes with a powder coating, which adds to the durability
- High-quality materials include a zinc-coated clutch plate and a black oxide spindle
Cons
- The ½" diameter can make things a bit tricky when it comes to larger projects
4. Easiest ½" Pipe Clamp to Use Irwin ½" Quick-Grip Pipe Clamp
Editor’s Rating:
Diameter: ½”
Pipe: black or galvanized
Jaw: soft
The Irwin ½” Quick-Grip Pipe Clamp provides you with a high-quality pipe clamp for a large project. You’ll be able to adjust the throat a bit to reach a higher diameter, and if you have to, you can still utilize this clamp for small applications as well. The Irwin ½” Quick-Grip Pipe Clamp is made with high-quality cast iron, and utilizes a quick-grip and release system. This means that it clamps down easily, and you can remove it from your project without constantly winding the crank. For hand fatigue, this clamp keeps it to a minimum.
The Irwin ½” Quick-Grip Pipe Clamp also comes with very large feet and tall clamps. This is important to consider, because it means that you’ll have a lot more space to work with around the clamp itself. If you need a quality pipe clamp for larger projects, the Irwin ½” Quick-Grip Pipe Clamp is definitely a great option. There are better choices out there for small pipes, though.
Value
The price is fair for this pipe clamp. Pipe clamps with this many convenient features are going to cost a bit more than basic ones, so knowing that, the deal is still a solid one by far.
Pros
- Quick-grip technology makes this pipe clamp very beginner-friendly
- The design is sleek and visually pleasing
- It might be for large projects, but it's still lightweight
Cons
- The small diameter restricts which materials can be used
5. Best Pipe Clamp for Woodworking The Pony 50 ¾" Pipe Clamp
Editor’s Rating:
Diameter: ¾”
Pipe: black pipe
Jaw: soft
The Pony 50 ¾” Pipe Clamp is made with a multi-disk clutch that makes it very flexible along the pipe, and the size is only limited by the length of pipe that you end up choosing. As for the other components, the Pony 50 ¾” Pipe Clamp is made with high-quality steel, and has a powder coating to really make it go the extra mile.
While these are all great features, one of the most notable aspects of the Pony 50 ¾” Pipe Clamp is that it doesn’t utilize grooves or markings on the jaws. This means that your project won’t be left with a nasty looking clamp mark if you need to hold soft wood for a while, although it won’t hold hard pipes as sturdily as other clamps.
Value
The price of the Pony 50 ¾” Pipe Clamp is on the average side. It won’t cost you an arm and a leg to have a high-quality pipe clamp, but you do need to pay the right price for the right tool. All in all, the Pony 50 ¾” Pipe Clamp is a fair deal.
Pros
- Both ends of the pipe clamp come threaded
- The crank is very easy to use, which makes the Pony 50 ¾" Pipe Clamp very beginner-friendly
- Perfect for woodworking
Cons
- Its soft jaw isn’t perfect for metal pipes
6. Easiest ¾" Pipe Clamp to Use Yost ¾" Pipe Clamp
Editor’s Rating:
Diameter: ¾”
Pipe: black or galvanized
Jaw: hard
The Yost ¾” Pipe Clamp keeps things both simple and efficient. You don’t need to have one of the most complicated pipe clamps on the market to get the job done, because sometimes additional features can really be more of a burden than a blessing. The Yost ¾” Pipe Clamp is a great example of this, because it sacrifices a few luxuries to make sure that it’s as perfect as possible.
The Yost ¾” Pipe Clamp comes in a sleek blue finish, and features a great diameter for woodworking. Also, the Yost ¾” Pipe Clamp works very well for framing jobs, metalworking, and anything else you may need a clamp for. You’ll also be pleased to hear that the Yost ¾” Pipe Clamp comes with a built in stand to make sure that you don’t wear yourself out. The pipe clamp itself is made out of high-quality iron that’s built to last. It does lack an H-foot system, so it’s not quite as stable as some other products.
Value
The Yost ¾” Pipe Clamp is definitely a budget buy. It’s a bit less expensive than the competition, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t compete either. The cast iron build and flexibility makes it a great clamp to use both at home or on the go.
Pros
- The crank handle is very reliable, and does a great job taking stress off of your arm
- The built in stand ensures that you can use this pipe clamp for any application
- Comes with tall 1.5" jaws
Cons
- The lack of an H-foot design makes it a bit less stable than the competition when working on a solid surface like a table
7. Yost ½" Pipe Clamp
Editor’s Rating:
Diameter: ½”
Pipe: black or galvanized
Jaw: hard
The Yost ½” Pipe Clamp is made with premium cast iron that makes it suitable for both DIY projects and commercial applications. Whether you’ll be working with metal, wood, or plastic, the Yost ½” Pipe Clamp can get the job done. The crank on this pipe clamp is also very easy to work with, and while it may be very lightweight, it holds on to even the strongest materials.
The ½” diameter works very well with even the largest pieces of wood you’ll come across, which means that you’ll have more options when it comes to choosing the perfect pipe. The design of the Yost ½” Pipe Clamp is also a good one. It’s very portable, and the stand gives you more options when it comes to actually clamping your project together. Overall, the Yost ½” Pipe Clamp is a very well rounded product—but for larger pipes, you’d be better off with their ¾” product. Like that product, it’s lack of an H-foot design is a major drawback.
Value
The Yost ½” Pipe Clamp is very inexpensive, and is definitely one of the best budget buys you can find. While it comes at a low cost, you still get the satisfaction of knowing that you’ll be holding your project together with a quality Yost clamp.
Pros
- Comes with an adjustable throat to handle really large clamping needs
- The clamp itself is made with high-quality iron to ensure it works for both woodworking and metalworking.
- The jaws may be hard, but they don't have grooves that will damage your wood
Cons
- The ½" diameter can be a bit too small for larger projects
- A bit unstable
8. Best Pipe Clamp for Large Materials Pony 52 6 Pack
Editor’s Rating:
Diameter: ½” to 1”
Pipe: black, threaded
Jaw: hard
The Pony 52 6 pack is an excellent package deal. You get 6 premium clamps made with high-quality steel, and they work well for a handful of projects. These projects include metalworking, woodworking, and even assembling frames. The diameter of these pipe clamps is also a very flexible one. You can change between ½” and 1″ with the variable throat, which makes it great for a handful of larger applications.
The Pony 52 6 Pack features very strong jaws that don’t have any grooves, which is ideal if you’ll be doing a woodworking project. As for clearance, these clamps sit at about 2″ off of the ground. So, even if you’ll be laying them flat on a table, you’ll have enough room to work around them. Unfortunately, this excellent product only fits threaded black pipe.
Price
The price for the Pony 52 6 pack is definitely on the high side when you compare it to single pipe clamps. We do believe that this price is fair, and even a bargain, because compared to other package deals it’s inexpensive.
Pros
- A package of 6 quality pipe clamps is enough to last you a very long time, and should accommodate any project
- The jaws aren't grooved, which allows these clamps to work well with wood
- You get 6 clamps for the price of 4
Cons
- Only works with black pipe (threaded)
9. Best Budget Pipe Clamp Bessey Tools ¾ inch Pipe Clamp
Editor’s Rating:
Diameter: ¾”
Pipe: black or galvanized
Jaw: padded
The Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp is an excellent clamp for woodworking. It features a very unique H-foot assembly that allows this clamp to maintain stability in two different dimensions. Also due to the H-foot design, the Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp has what the industry considers to be dual axis stability. It can also handle any type of pipe, making the Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp is one of the more versatile pipe clamps on the market.
The Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp also has a very good amount of clearance. This is also due to the H-foot design, which allows you to work with plenty of space below and around the clamp itself. The Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp is definitely the best budget pipe clamp on the market, and a lot of this has to do with what you get versus what you pay.
Value
The Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp is priced on the low side. While this may be the case, that doesn’t mean that this clamp won’t get the job done. This is what makes the Bessey Tools ¾” Pipe Clamp the best budget pipe clamp. Be warned, though, it may not last as long as more premium options.
Pros
- Comes with soft jaws that make sure you don't warp or damage the wood you're working with
- Comes with a smooth spindle to make the clamping process very easy
- Durable cast iron jaw covered with premium padding
Cons
- It tends to lack durability when used often
10. YaeTek ¾" Pipe Clamp Set
Editor’s Rating:
Diameter: ¾”
Pipe: black or galvanized
Jaw: hard
The YaeTek ¾” Pipe Clamp Set is a great way to fill your shop up with the clamps you need. While having one clamp may be great, everyone knows that having more hands is always better than having less. So, if you need more than one clamp for your next project, you should definitely consider the YaeTek ¾” Pipe Clamp Set. These are 4 high-quality cast iron clamps that have a small enough diameter to work well for most wood gluing applications.
The YaeTek ¾” Pipe Clamp Set also comes with quality clutches that have a quick release feature, which means that your hands won’t become fatigued from constantly winding the crank. The clutch plate is very strong, and these clamps work well with either galvanized pipe or black pipe. The choice is up to you. Overall, for nearly any project, these heavy duty clamps should definitely be enough for most projects.
Value
The price is a bit higher than average, but that’s because you’re getting an entire pipe clamp set. The good news is that you actually get these clamps as a bargain; the forth clamp is essentially free when you consider how much they would cost on their own or compared to other pipe clamp sets.
Pros
- Comes with 4 high-quality cast iron clamps
- Comes at a very good deal, basically 4 clamps for the price of 3
- The clamps may be cast iron, but they're still light enough to give you some flexibility
Cons
- They don't offer much versatility or the highest performance, because this set is about quantity over quality for the most part
Guide to Buying the Best Pipe Clamp
Now that we’ve shown you the 10 best pipe clamps on the market, it’s time to take this a step further. If you have any questions about what makes a pipe clamp special, pay close attention to our buyer’s guide. A pipe clamp is not a one-size-fits-all tool, so understanding the intricacies of pipe clamps is important. Let’s have a look.
What a Pipe Clamp Is Typically Used For
Pipe clamps can serve a lot of different purposes, so we want to make sure that we touch on all of them. So, let’s have a look at what you can use a pipe clamp for, this way you’ll know whether or not you’ll end up needing one.
Assembling Frames
Assembling frames with metal or wood is one of the main reasons to use a pipe clamp. Putting a frame together can be tough, especially when the material you’re working with is very large. The reason pipe clamps are helpful is due to the fact that they provide you with an extra pair of hands that can hold corners together when you can’t. This can make any assembly job go the right way.
Holding Glued Wood in Place
If you need to glue two pieces of wood together, it can take a very long time for the glue to dry. This is where pipe clamps come into play, because you’ll be able to let your project bind together without having to worry. This is definitely one of the main reasons to get a pipe clamp, because without one you would have to sit there and hold the wood together on your own. That doesn’t sound too fun, does it?
If you’ll be glueing wood, you should always make sure that the pipe clamp you’re looking at has enough pressure to get the job done. So, carefully consider the diameter and jaw type of the pipe clamp you’re looking at. The wrong jaw or diameter can leave you with a damaged project.
Pipe Clamps Allow You to Work on an Angle
If you need to drill into wood, or even make a cut, sometimes you need to make this happen on an angle. This can be a very large hassle if you don’t have a pipe clamp, because you won’t be able to keep the wood firmly in place. If you can’t do that, you can’t cut. It’s as simple as that.
Durability
A pipe clamp needs to be very durable. You don’t want a pipe clamp that breaks after you use it once, so make sure that you go with a material and brand that you trust. We always recommend considering a stainless steel or cast iron pipe clamp, because they can take quite a bit of abuse and pressure. When you’re working with a high pressure tool, like a pipe clamp, the material needs to handle that pressure without bending or breaking. So, always make sure you use a metal that you can trust. For an ultra-durable pick, you can’t beat the .
Stability
Pipe clamps offer a wide range of power and stability. When considering the stability of a pipe clamp, you’ll want to consider the foot that it is. The foot is the portion of the pipe clamp that’s at the bottom of the jaw, and can rest on a table. A foot that has a high clearance from the table to the jaw is going to use that height as added leverage. Some pipe clamps like the also feature special foot designs that feature additional grip and stability, so always be sure to keep that in mind.
Power
Power is also something you need to consider when working with a pipe clamp, because it needs to apply the right amount of pressure to hold something together. The power of a pipe clamp is hard to measure, but it tends to be based on the pipe and clutch plate of the clamp. If you need performance above all else, consider the Pony 55 Pro Pipe Clamp.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics defines how well a handle will work with you, the user. You want to make sure that the pipe clamp you choose has a quality handle that keeps hand fatigue to a minimum. Hand fatigue is really a simple concept, if the crank gives you a hard time, it’s going to be a hassle every time you need to clamp something. So, when considering the best pipe clamp for you, make sure that you choose the right crank and handles—something like the Irwin ½” Quick-Grip Pipe Clamp or the Yost ¾” Pipe Clamp.
Q&A
What’s the Difference Between a Pipe Clamp and Bar Clamp?
Pipe clamps and bar clamps are not exactly the same thing, and knowing the difference is definitely important. The main difference between a pipe clamp and a bar clamp is that bar clamps don’t have a jaw gap that can be changed to fit different lengths. This is what makes a pipe clamp more useful, because it makes it a more versatile tool overall. The bar clamp is a bit more primitive in that it works with a bar that you can’t really adjust.
Other than that, the two tools are very similar in how they work. In most situations you can use them interchangeably, but if you’ll be working with a wide range of materials, you’ll definitely want to consider using a pipe clamp instead.
What Pipe Is Best?
The pipe really depends on the clamp that you have, because you can’t always pick and choose. For metalworking, a black pipe will work just fine, and won’t cost you a fortune either. While a black pipe may work for metalworking, we definitely recommend going with a galvanized pipe for woodworking. Black pipe can leave stains on the wood, which is why galvanized worked better.
Do Pipe Clamps Come With the Pipe?
Pipe clamps don’t come with pipes. This means that you’ll need to get the pipe you need based on the pipe clamp that you buy. Black and galvanized pipes can be found both online or at your local department store. Before you do buy a pipe, consider the type and thread that’s required. Most pipe clamps will tell you what you’ll need, so the process shouldn’t be difficult.
Final Words
A great pipe clamp is just like having an extra pair of hands with you at all times, and we can’t stress this enough. Think about it: when you’re working on a project, sometimes you just don’t have enough hands to hold everything you need to. The right pipe clamp can actually help you hold anything you’re working on at the right angle. So, when thinking about buying the right pipe clamp, think about buying an extra pair of hands that you can trust and rely on.
While it may be tough to choose the perfect pipe clamp, there are some great options out there on the market. Always be sure to keep your project in mind, and choose the right pipe clamp that works for you. Remember, a pipe clamp is not exactly a one-size-fits-all type of tool. Therefore, before you choose, always consider the project that you’re working on. Sometimes, it may be better to buy a high-quality set as opposed to buying only one. Either way, happy hunting!