Bessey describes their KliKlamp ratchet-action bar clamps as being the new generation of high-tech clamps. While I have yet to try these specific clamps, I own a couple of similarly-styled Jorgensen’s gear clamps, and am greatly fond of them.
Why am I discussing Bessey’s ratcheting clamps rather than the Jorgensen ones I use and love? They seem to be easier to find and less expensive.
KliKlamp Features and Benefits
- Lightweight magnesium jaws
- Non-marring jaws that resist glue, paint, and some solvents
- Curved clamping lever
- Ratchet action controls allow for quick clamping and release
- Fiberglass-reinforced nylon clamping arm
- Fixed arm features v-grooves underneath the removal clamping pad
These clamps are available in 4″, 8″, and 12″ lengths (KLI3.004, KLI3.008, KLI3.012), all with 3″ throat depths and clamping force rated at 260 lbs. Prices vary from $19 to $25 per clamp.
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There is also a 4pc set of 8-inch clamps ($90 via Amazon), but you can sometimes get better pricing if you buy the clamps individually.
I would say that ease and speed of use, as well as controllable clamping pressure, is why I continue to favor my ratcheting clamps over traditional squeeze-handle bar clamps, at least for smaller clamping tasks.
The 8-inch clamps are best for general purpose use. KliKlamps are light-to-medium duty clamps designed for woodworking clamping applications, but they work well for general purpose clamping tasks as well.
chris says
Oct 8, 2013 at 1:11 pmI got a pair when they were on sale at lowes I’m okay with them but These aren’t the ones I reach for first. But they’ll do when I’m running out of clamps. I’d say these are a light duty clamp. I can’t really get too much clamping force out of them. I also have a set of the harbor freight copies of the jorgenson gear clamps you are talking about. Those things can put out some clamping force. I wished I had bought more of those. It’s usually hit and miss with HF but they were dead on this those gear clamps. I imagine they had to stop selling them because they are so much like those jorgies.
bob says
Oct 11, 2013 at 7:27 amI have 6 of these and wish I had dozen more.
I find them the most useful and versatile of all my clamps.
True, they don’t bring the clamping pressure of my tradesmans clamps or even my quick clamps but they apply sufficient force for most applications, are small, lightweight and can be clamped in a variety of positions.
I use them often for wood hold downs and clamping during a glue-up of items like face frames to get ready for the pocket screws or even drawers.