Toggle clamps are a must for jigs and fixtures. They’re fast, strong, and add an element of control and safety to all sorts of holding and shaping operations. But traditional toggle clamps have their quirks. Any time the thickness of your workpiece or pattern changes, you have to adjust the clamping head with a couple of wrenches. It’s a time-consuming procedure, while you try to nail down the right height and the proper amount of pressure.

Bessey’s new auto-adjusting toggle clamps solve all of these problems. The clamps adjust automatically to accommodate a wide range of thicknesses, while clamping pressure stays the same (adjusted with a screw on the front of the mechanism). The swiveling clamp head helps distribute that pressure without marring the workpiece. So swapping various parts and patterns doesn’t require any additional effort or time.

I think the low-profile versions will be fine for most shops. But if you work with thicker material often, you may want the added capacity of the high-profile clamps, though they’re taller and may be awkward to hold for some folks. The clamps work very well, making it easy to get set up for pattern routing. They have nicely contoured handles, and exhibit the smoothest lever action of any toggle clamp I’ve used.

One size fits all. Bessey toggle clamps can hold workpieces of any thickness within their capacity without fussy adjustments of the clamp head.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge

A wheel-type gauge is the easiest to use, and this wonderful Veritas model is a steal at $38.

Buy at Lee Valley

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

Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

Buy at Amazon