Which parallel clamps to get?

[rjwz28]

Looking to get some parallel clamps like the Bessy K body ones. Which should I get that will give me the best bang for the buck? I've heard some negative things about the Jet ones. Probably looking for 24" and maybe 36". Any deals for Christmas that you know of.

Thanks in advance as always,
Rob 

 

[wubears71]

I stocked up on a whole bunch of the Jet clamps when they were first released and I like them so much better than my old Bessey parallel clamps.  With that being said, the Bessey Revo K Body clamps seem to be a step above the Jet clamps but I have not personally used them.  I have sizes from 12 up to 60 and I find myself running out of the 24" clamps the most.

I also bought a bunch of Jorgensen parallel clamps but returned them shortly after using them once.  They were very bulky and not as smooth as my old Besseys, which is what led me to Jet. 

If I were buying all new clamps now I would go with either the Jets or the Revo K body.  My decision would ultimately come down to which ones were on sale.  I don't think you can go wrong with either.  I would avoid all other Parallel clamps. 

 

[mouppe]

I have the Jet clamps. Usually you can find a set of four clamps with the squaring blocks on special offer. Try CPO or Ebay.

Richard.

 

[semenza]

I have not used any others but I have a lot standard K bodies and a couple of the REVO. The actuating lever on the Jets looks handy.

Here is a link to a review I did of the REVO  http://www.talkfestool.com/vb/reviews/2053-k-body-revo-review.html

Seth

 

[stvrowe]

I have an assortment of the older Bessey K body, Gross-Stabil, and Jet parallel jaw clamps.  I have used the Jorgenson and didn't care for them nearly as well as the others but they are functional.  If I were in the market today given the same prices, I would go with the Bessey Revo K body.  I haven't seen a great deal on any clamps lately but haven't been looking either.

 

[ccmviking]

   I much prefer the Gross Stabil clamps to the Besseys.  The link below from the Late John Lucas sums up my frustrations in using the Besseys.  You'll often run out of thread trying to tighten them up as the slip so much.  You have to torque the handle at an angle to lock them and that's sometimes at least a two handed job at that point to keep them where you want on your work.  The Gross Stabil's grab the bar much easier and are therefore much quicker and less frustrating in use.

http://legacy.woodshopdemos.com/rbi-30.htm

 

[davee]

I have mostly Jets and have really liked them.  I recently purchased a couple of the Bessey REVO and find they are a great improvement over the older versions which I don't like.  The Jet actuating levers prevent the heads from slamming down when turned, alternatively over time they tend to stick a bit.  The new REVO heads can still slam down, but not as readily as the older version.  I've not experienced but have a couple of friends who have had the black handle on the Jets fall off.  The REVO seem more rugged.  I'll likely go with REVO for future purchases.

 

[Sparktrician]

Might want to check out the Jorgensen Cabinet Master clamps. 

[smile]

 

[JPF Woodworking]

   I much prefer the Gross Stabil clamps to the Besseys.  The link below from the Late John Lucas sums up my frustrations in using the Besseys.  You'll often run out of thread trying to tighten them up as the slip so much.  You have to torque the handle at an angle to lock them and that's sometimes at least a two handed job at that point to keep them where you want on your work.  The Gross Stabil's grab the bar much easier and are therefore much quicker and less frustrating in use.

http://legacy.woodshopdemos.com/rbi-30.htm

I totally Agree with this particular point. I have been disappointed with the new K-Body Besseys for this very reason. I was moving towards replacing my (old fashion- 35 years old) bar clamps with Besseys but after my inital purchase (four clamps) I am looking for an alternative. Now I may try the Gross Stabil's....

For what it's worth...
JPF

 

[stvrowe]

I thought Bessey bought out Gross Stabil clamps a number of years ago.  I haven't seen a source for them since.

 

[flair woodworks]

I have mostly Jets and have really liked them.  I recently purchased a couple of the Bessey REVO and find they are a great improvement over the older versions which I don't like.  The Jet actuating levers prevent the heads from slamming down when turned, alternatively over time they tend to stick a bit.  The new REVO heads can still slam down, but not as readily as the older version.  I've not experienced but have a couple of friends who have had the black handle on the Jets fall off.  The REVO seem more rugged.  I'll likely go with REVO for future purchases.

I echo Dave, except for buying Revo in the future.  I like to set the jaws to the approximate opening, then stand them on end until I need to apply them.  I can't do that with the Besseys.  Oh,  I do prefer the Revo handles.

 

[semenza]

I have mostly Jets and have really liked them.  I recently purchased a couple of the Bessey REVO and find they are a great improvement over the older versions which I don't like.  The Jet actuating levers prevent the heads from slamming down when turned, alternatively over time they tend to stick a bit.  The new REVO heads can still slam down, but not as readily as the older version.  I've not experienced but have a couple of friends who have had the black handle on the Jets fall off.  The REVO seem more rugged.  I'll likely go with REVO for future purchases.

I echo Dave, except for buying Revo in the future.  I like to set the jaws to the approximate opening, then stand them on end until I need to apply them.  I can't do that with the Besseys.  Oh,  I do prefer the Revo handles.

I have a few that are hybrids. Bought at the change over time..... old K - Bodies with the new handles.

Seth