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Clamp Alert!

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lovespicyfood:
FWIW, I just did an impromptu comparison test with one  HF clamp and an Irwin clamp in my garage...

I clamped a large Hf clamp (~24") on the end of my workbench and pulled hard.  It seemed pretty "tight" but I was able to pull it off the bench because the rubber pads came off.

Next I clamped a smaller Irwin clamp (~12") on the end of the bench and pulled hard.  It's the largest Irwin clamp t hat I have.  OMG, it was much tighter than the HF clamp!  I actually couldn't pull it off my bench w/out ripping the bench from the wall.  In addition, the pads did not come off.

Sometimes you get what you pay for.  I think I'll be springing the significant more $'s on Irwin clamps for now on...

nostrebor:

--- Quote from: DrewKaree on March 04, 2006, 10:47:20 am ---
--- Quote from: nostrebor on March 04, 2006, 08:08:50 am ---
The HD "Quick Grip" style clamps have a bad reputation in the WW circles. They have 2 significant problems.


--- End quote ---

I know you meant HF for Harbor Freight, but I can just envision someone reading Krick's post, figuring HD could be Home Depot (where Krick coulda bought 'em from instead of Lowes), and the name on those Irwin clamps being what you're talking about.


--- End quote ---

Nice catch. I've fixed it in the post above, hoping that no real damage was done :( I meant the Harbor Freight ones. The Irwin clamps are great.

*nostrebor must proof read better.
*nostrebor must proof read better.
*nostrebor must proof read better.
*nostrebor must proof read better.

Xam:
While true the HF cheapies are no comparison to the Irwins (nor do I think I made that insinuation...sorry if I did...it was not my intent), they do cost much more. When I do buy good quality clamps I tend to go Jorgensen...they are top quality and are cheaper than Irwin usually. HF does indeed come out with the occasional deal...but you do have to be careful. I did buy one of the small worktables that I mentioned earlier...it IS a very good buy! I got it for $8.99 rather than the normal $17.99. It has a 260lb dead weight limit and can double as a clamp in some situations!  ;D  While it does not compare to the B7D I got some 10 years ago...it is a nice little project bench for those of us unfortunate enough not to have a real work bench.

I also got this today!

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92772

I would not pay the usual $40.00 for it...but they had it for only $20.00 today. I busted it out and it cuts very nicely considering the brand. I generally avoid the power tools there, but this was a pretty nice deal. I'm a Porter Cable man myself...I just could not justify dropping the $150.00 on the jig I really want....mayhaps later if I find I can actually build one of these arcade cabinets....LOL!

Thanks for all the input on the post guys...it was good to see the different opinions and info.

Xam

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