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Hand Tools

Pipe clamp Guide

Learn about pipe clamp: purpose, selection checks and limits.

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A woodworking pipe clamp uses head and tail fixtures on a length of compatible pipe. It holds work during tasks such as edge gluing.

Generic pipe clamp illustration, reused from the tool directory. Schematic artwork, not a product photograph or operating diagram.

Length and compatibility

  • Pipe-clamp fixtures can be used with different pipe lengths. Check the pipe type and size required by the fixture; the pipe may be sold separately.

Parts to compare

  • Some pipe clamps feature a sliding rear jaw with clutch plates and a screw-adjusted front jaw. Tall bases provide clearance between the handle and work surface.

Capacity and reach

  • When choosing a generic pipe clamp for a work-holding task, compare the opening size, throat depth, and clamping surfaces separately, and select the clamp that best matches these features.

Safety and condition

  • When using a generic pipe clamp, avoid clamps that have bent frames or spindles. Also, do not add leverage with other tools unless the clamp is specifically designed for that tightening method.

Sources & further reading

These links document the information used in this article. Manufacturer specifications and source research are not hands-on test results or an endorsement of a purchase.

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