I bought this pair of Gibraltar adjustable c-clamps from MSC back in 2013. While all c-clamps are adjustable, these feature an added extension mechanism that essentially converts them from 2″ clamps into 3″ clamps.
After 6 years of intermittent use, I have found that they are handy, but far from being workshop must-haves. These clamps have a 1-3/4″ throat depth and 800 lb max clamping capacity.
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It’s easy to switch them from 2″ to 3″ clamps and back, via a large ball detent-like mechanism.
You can’t buy these anymore – Gibraltar is an MSC brand and this model (60691995) has been discontinued – although there is a 6″ model (60691946) that offers greater adjustability.
I came upon my clamps yesterday when doing some much-needed workshop cleaning/decluttering. I can’t say I’m personally attached to them, or that I’d be upset if I lost them forever tomorrow. I have some other c-clamps that I use more often, and if needed, I could replace them with Tekton or Irwin clamps.
I remember the mindset when I ordered them too. “Ooh, that’s neat, I wonder how well they work, maybe they’ll make for an interesting review.” As it turns out, they’re well-made and work exactly as intended. But they’re a solution to a problem I don’t find myself having very often.
See Also(Tekton c-clamp set via Amazon)
See Also(Irwin c-clamps via Amazon)
We previously posted about Irwin’s adjustable G-clamps, and also Hart quick-adjust c-clamps. I think that the Hart might be a much more convenient design than these Gibraltars, since you also have a quick-adjust mechanism that allows for much quicker opening and closing than using just the clamping screw.
I don’t regret buying the Gibraltar clamps, although I haven’t been taking full advantage of them. I tend to treat them as spares, and really only dig them out when my other clamps are also in-use or temporarily misplaced. At the time, they were $7.69 each, which is roughly what it would cost to get a comparatively sized and spec’ed clamp, so it’s not a big deal.
Despite my limited appreciation for these clamps, I still think they’re interesting. The concept is neat, and for the most part they feel just as strong in either length setting.
Hilton initially
When I first saw this type of clamp I just though ‘gimmick’, but I’m glad you’ve had some use out of it.
Over here you get something similar if not exactly the same;
https://wood.tools4.co.za/product/torkcraft-clamp-g-quick-adjust-50mm-75mm/
Divide the price by 14.5 to get USD.
Michael S.
And in the UK, from Rutlands:
https://www.rutlands.co.uk/sp+hand-tools-clamps-vices-g-clamps-g-clamps-with-adjustable-throat-depth-75-to-150mm-pack-of-4-rutlands+dk1317pack4
I wonder who the original manufacturer is?
JoeM
Honestly… I see these being more useful as quick-release clamps for mobile tool bases. The Dremel Moto-Saw has a base that comes with these two screw clamps, but it takes much longer to set it up using those clamps than is necessary. If one could use quick-release clamps like these instead of the supplied ones, you’d never have to adjust the screw ever again. Just set it nice and tight, and when you’re ready to put it all away, just hit the quick release, and it comes off vertically, without twisting the screw at all. Then it just becomes a matter of labelling them left or right, to always know which one goes where. Using the quick release instead of the adjustment screw would easily save 5-10 minutes on many tools you move back and forth.
I like the idea, but it’s a shame they aren’t available anymore. I could definitely use some for my jewellery workstation (which is mobile, and can be easily tossed in a bag to use somewhere else.) and I do own a Moto-Saw obviously. In fact I have several movable workstations these would work on. When you have limited space, one tends to put everything on a mobile platform, then move the tool station you want into the work area you’re in.
I do say this is a shame it has been discontinued. Although I know there are probably much better ways to do this, there is one definite way they would make my world significantly better. Thanks for the writeup Stuart! Now you got me thinking of those alternative quick releases as options!
fred
I just linked to this post over on your Community Forum site – under the clamp thread – adds yet some different options to consider
https://discuss.toolguyd.com/t/clamps-some-different-types/441/14
Jared
Interesting. I appreciate the idea. Hart’s version looks much better, but if this is cheaper – might still fit a niche. Thanks for sharing.
Corbin Dallas
For someone who needs clamps for a lot of amateur DIY stuff, from glueing shoe soles to plywood corners on chicken sheds or using as a ‘third hand’ for bike repair.. What would be a solid BIFL choice that isn’t too expensive? quick release, non quick release, etc. Now I use a rube goldberg-ian cascade of weights on Knipex adjustable wrenches to keep things tight!!
Stuart
The hard part about clamps is knowing what you’ll need. I bought various promo packs and a couple of pairs of c-clamps, and some trigger clamps, and bar clamps, and it only becomes clear over time which are useful or at least more useful for my needs and wants.
If starting over, I’d possibly buy two of the Tekton 1″/2″/3″ sets, a pair of KliKlamps (https://toolguyd.com/bessey-kliklamp-ratcheting-clamp-review/), a couple of spring clamps (e.g. Rockler Bandy Clamps) and then maybe a promo set of small bar clamps.
There’s no good “this is what you need and it’ll last you forever” solution. There are just way too many options and different tasks and applications.
Buy as you need. Years ago I felt that I “needed” pipe clamps, but I’ve very rarely used them. I have a pair of longer parallel clamps, and I can’t recall needing clamps longer than that.
fred
Amen
A violin or guitar maker – may need a whole lot of clamps – but few of what I have in my prodigious collection would meet their needs. I do mostly casework and furniture making these days – so I use quite a few parallel jaw bar clamps and F-Clamps. I apply edging – but prefer using Bessey and Pony edge-clamp fixtures for F-Clamps – over those Rockler Bandy clamps – but that’s just me. I also would not want to go back to casing doors without using a pair of clam-clamps. I do quite a bit of glue-up for cabinet and table tops – but I have done well without having the newest Woodpecker’s One Time tool Clamp – and I’m not tempted to buy some.
https://www.woodpeck.com/ott-clampzilla-4-way-panel-clamp-2019.html
Corbin Dallas
Thank you Stuart!
Corbin Dallas
By the way, why Tekton small clamps over Irwin? Is one a better deal or better quality?
Mac
Pipe clamp…enough said.
fred
I just noticed that Amazon seems to have a great price on a Williams 6 inch Bridge clamp :
$61.14 is quite low for this clamp that sells for $170 or more elsewhere:
https://www.amazon.com/Williams-CC-6LAAW-2-Inch-Heavy-Service/dp/B001DNUFBC
Stuart
Amazon always has a bunch of tools at low “gotta get rid of it” prices. It’s fun to sometimes add them to my cart and see how low the prices go. Then, I’ll check one day and the price of a socket set will go from say $68 back to $250 after someone purchased one.
Currently, I’m spectating on Mitutoyo 6″ 0-150 mm calipers. They’re currently $33.53.
I use my “deal finder” every so often. https://toolguyd.com/amazon-coupons-deals/ The only pattern I could find is that this seems to typically happen when there’s just 1 or 2 left in stock of an item that hasn’t sold in some time.
fred
Yes it is intriguing. I had linked to the clamp over on the Community Forum site – when talking about Bridge Clamps. My old company inventory had six of the same clamps as being bought in 2009 for just shy of $147 each – so ten years later a $61 price looked great.
evadman
I use Tekton C-clamps, almost all for brake work. I have two of every size between 1 and 6 inches. I have only broken one clap in my life, and it was the 4″ Tekton that snapped while I was hand tightening it on a brake caliper. It snapped in the middle of the throat and just made me really confused. I figured it had some kind of manufacturing defect; I’ve never had a problem with any others.