In my small basement shop, I had to find a way to store some Bessey clamps without taking up too much space. Because Bessey-brand clamps (and some similar parallel-jaw clamps) have a large hole through the end of the bar, it occurred to me that a swinging arm would be an efficient means to hold them. I built a rack, and it works quite well.

The rack consists of several arms that are strung together like beads on a metal rod. The arms are spaced apart on the rod with center-drilled 1-in.-dia. dowels, and the 1/2-in.-dia. dowels in each arm fit the holes in the clamp bars. The entire assembly is supported by wooden brackets. To remove a clamp, grab the bar, lift the swing arm away from the others, and slide the clamp off the dowel.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Rockler Deluxe Panel Clamp

These clamps can handle glue-ups between 10 in. and 36 in. wide, and boards up to 3 in. thick. Sliding feet attach to the lower bars with magnets, letting you position them quickly for stability on any surface. The spring-loaded jaws adjust easily, dropping into notches along the bars. And the powerful clamp handles clear the benchtop.

Buy at Amazon

Tite-Mark Marking Gauge

These gauges can be easily and precisely adjusted with one hand, which allows you to set the tool while holding a ruler or workpiece in the other. The quality is exceptional, and all have sharp cutters that offer great visibility.

Buy at Lie-Nielsen Toolworks

Sawstop Miter Gauge

It has a toothed angle-setting rack that is extremely solid, accurate, and easy to use, and it offers all of the features I love in a miter gauge, including the ability to add an auxiliary wood fence, and a flip-stop that will accommodate it.

Buy at Amazon