The bar clamp, which comes in pipe, parallel jaw, aluminum bar, and steel bar versions, is used in almost every facet of cabinetmaking, and the right clamp can make the difference between success and failure. So I tested the 48-in. size of a representative sample of clamps to measure the deflection in both the bar and the jaws when applying various levels of force. I also used a set of four of each type of clamp to assemble a simple MDF carcase (joined with biscuits) and a large poplar panel, looking at ease of use and the resulting flatness and squareness of the finished product.

The Jorgensen aluminum bar clamp offers adjustment notches with 1-in. spacing and a small base similar to the Universal’s. The screw has a thin sliding handle that was hard on the fingers and didn’t allow as much pressure to be applied as did the handles on the Rockler and Universal models. Also, the screws on the Jorgensen didn’t travel as smoothly as the others.

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