Harbor Freight has launched new 24″ and 48″ parallel clamps under their Bremen brand.
Parallel clamps are commonly used in woodworking applications, such as for gluing up wider boards, assembling cabinetry components, and any other tasks where you need strong and even pressure.
The Bremen parallel clamps feature resin clamping bodies and jaws, a 3-3/4″ throat depth, and can deliver up to 1300 lbs of clamping force.
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The adjustable jaw can be removed and reversed to use the clamp as a spreader.
The Bremen clamps are priced on-par with some brands’ value-oriented parallel clamps, but the design also looks cheaper.
For instance, Bessey, Jet, Jorgensen, and Bora Portamate parallel clamps have two pins placed through their fixed jaws, presumably straight through their steel bars. The pins are staggered, I would think to help resist rotation under clamping pressure.
Parallel clamps can exert a tremendous amount of force, and good clamps must remain true, with jaw parallel to each other and perpendicular to the clamp bar.
Bessey, Jet, Jorgensen, and bora clamps all have their fixed jaws secured in similar manners, with two pins or similar hardware.
Bora Portamate’s budget-friendlier parallel clamps also have two pins to secure the fixed jaw to the clamping bar.
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Here’s a look at the Bessey K Body Revo clamp head from the side. I haven’t taken apart my Bessey clamps, but they sure feel like the fixed jaw is secured straight through their steel clamping bar.
Harbor Freight’s new Bremen parallel clamps appear to have one pin, and it doesn’t look to pass through the steel bar.
It’s possible that Harbor Freight’s clamps have hidden fixturing pins, or similar, but I’m not sure how likely that is.
Looking at online wholesale marketplaces, I found a similar-looking Enjoy Works parallel clamp. This clamp appears nearly identical to the Harbor Freight Bremen clamp, aside from branding, color, and more logical placement of a single pin securing the fixed jaw to the clamp bar.
Maybe this means the Bremen pin placement is simply a Photoshopping or rendering slip-up that nobody caught? But, all of Harbor Freight’s product photos, including of the example glue-ups, show the fixed jaw pin in the same place. I’m not sure what the implication is, but it’s at least unusual.
Either way, there’s one pin here, when other name-brand parallel clamp makers all use two.
With parallel clamps, tool brands can follow time-tested designs and still get things wrong. When all leading and competing tool brands have parallel clamps with dual fixture pins, that’s what brands entering the market should start off with if the goal is to offer a competing product.
That said, the Bremen clamps are only available in two sizes right now, 24″ and 48″. I would 100% stay away from the 48″ clamp.
Most brands’ longer clamps are 50″ for a reason – for easier working, and so to that you can glue up 48″ panels or cabinet parts. In my opinion, 48″ clamps on 48″ long wood panels or assemblies are usually going to be a hassle, as there’s usually too little wiggle room.
If you ever plan to work with 48″ panels or wood constructions, go with 50″ clamps (or similar).
In my experiences so far, even good-looking parallel clamps can perform poorly.
Harbor Freight advertises a lifetime warranty on these Bremen clamps, saying that they guarantee the tool to be free from defects in material and workmanship.
These clamps could be decent, despite my hesitation. Even if not, at least Harbor Freight stands behind them. Try them in store, and see what you think.
Price: $34.99 for 24″, $39.99 for 48″
Rafe
A good parallel clamp is important, not just for clamping accuracy but for quality of action in the handle. Even the earlier generation Bessey clamps weren’t as good as they are today. I have a small handful of them that I never use in favor of the newer models Ive bought since then. Ive never used a low end parallel clamp, but can’t imagine it would be worthwhile.
MoogleMan3
I agree completely. Clamps are one area I won’t cheap out on. I learned that the hard way with cheap clamps that bent under any pressure, handles falling off, rough sliding, etc. I stick with bessey for most of my clamps now (parallel and F style) and dubuque aluminum bar clamps.
MM
Agreed completely, cheapo clamps just aren’t worth the hassle. I think that’s especially true for woodworking where you might have to apply a large number of clamps quickly before glue starts to tack up. If the handles are awkward or if they don’t slide easily then you can quickly have a frustrating mess on your hands.
I don’t like clamps that have a lot of wobble or play in them when they are loose either. Those kinds of clamps can inadvertently move the workpieces when you tighten the clamps down.
Marty
Debuque aluminum clamps have served me very well. Are they perfect for every application? Of course not, but neither is Bessey. I have several Bessey F clamps I like, but I also like the soft plastic handles of the ubiquitous HF F clamp. Half dozen of one and six of the other.
I waxed the surfaces of my aluminum clamps to keep glue from sticking.
SneakyHippo
This is partly why big brands can charge so much. They know people WILL buy them and it squeezes out competition. I get that’s business but then the product becomes overpriced (aka Woodpecker). All in all you never know until you try it and competition is not only healthy for prices, but also healthy for features and improvements. I would be willing to give these a try and if they fail then so be it. No, I wouldn’t try the cheapest clamps from Amazon or EBay but sometimes trying and saving a little money isn’t half bad sometimes.
Remember, an open mind is like a parachute and works best when open.
Stuart
Woodpeckers isn’t what I would call a big brand. They’ve always been somewhat of a boutique brand. They’ve become much more popular over the years, but I don’t think they have really grown to meet that.
Yes, some of their tools are pricey, and maybe excessively, but they also don’t have the scale to really do anything about that.
James
I’ve been thinking about getting some parallel clamps for awhile now, but haven’t pulled the trigger due to the price as well as being a little bit uncertain of which brand to go with (and also debating the necessary length to get). I don’t usually do large glue ups (48″+).
Stuart, do you have a post that discusses different brands and lengths? Or maybe the community here has recommendations and experiences with different brands/lengths that would provide some insight.
Stuart
I don’t have such a post yet.
I went with Bessey, and have had great experiences so far.
Parallel clamps are a pricey investment. I built up my collection slowly as my budget allowed.
I have 50”, 40”, and 24” clamps. I have more 24” and a pair or two of the larger sizes.
You don’t know want to use 50” clamps on 18” glue ups. You can, but it’s clumsy and takes up more space.
From what I’ve seen and heard, Bessey and Jet are the best brands. If you go with other brands, it’s usually to save money.
But once, cry once. But it’s also hard to say that if someone is looking to buy 4, 8, 12 clamps, as the price difference adds up.
If you need a clamp or two *today*,that’s where these Bremen might be worth it. There are no woodworking shops near me, and the Bessey clamps at home centers are often missing parts or in bad condition.
If ordering parallel clamps online, it’s (sometimes?) best to buy in pairs so that the packaging isn’t broken up. Also order from retail stores with good return policies, as damage can happen during shipping.
IronWood
I’ve had Jet 24” and 50” clamps for a long time and they’re fantastic. For longer clamps I just use pipe clamps, not as precise but I can’t justify the cost of long Jets when I don’t need them too often. Keep an eye out for deals on the Jet “cabinet set”, or whatever it’s called. It has two 50”, two 24”, and four 90 degree mounting blocks and is usually a better price. Pick them up when you spot the rare deal and supplement with cheaper pipe clamps in the meantime.
Whatever you do don’t cheap out on clamps!
MoogleMan3
Rockler has had the bessey version of that set on sale for $179 the past couple of black fridays. Two 50″, two 24″ and two extenders. I need to grab one more set this year (hopefully).
Mat
The woodworking community seems to regard Bessey K Body Revo as the gold standard (but NOT the Jr only the regular ones). Jet are also recommended, but most people seem to say Bessey are the best.
One nice thing about the Bessey clamps are the accessories. They have square clamping blocks for cabinet door frames and connectors that let you put two smaller clamps together.
Tim
Almost all of my parallel clamps are jet, with a couple bessey. The jets have a slightly larger clamping face and the rails have a ruler etched in, I’ve never needed it though. The besseys have pads on the clamp face. Both are well made with the besseys easier to get, at least a year or two ago.
fred
Wow – another new brand at HF – with a made-in-China pedigree but a Germanic brand name. As Norm Abrams said – “you can never have too many clamps” – but I will not be buying any of these.
TonyT
HF has used the Bremen name for a while. Although I thought they’d used Bremen for lights, a quick search shows mostly clamps and locking pliers.
scott
i have a bunch of Stanley bailey parallel clamps that I bought at big lots for a song 15+ years ago (>$15 a clamp for the long ones.) Looks like they don’t make them any more but the look shockingly like the new dewalt version. Had to hit like 5 stores but got like 30 clamps under $400. They also had some f-style clamps and got a lot of them as well. Only issue is the the big ones weigh like 40lbs
Mike
Very disappointed with the name, I would expect something more HF like ‘Grabber’ or ‘T-Rex’ or something along those lines. Yawn…
fred
“Bremen” was likely given as a name to make you think that the manufacturer was from Bremen Germany. Probably why they also chose “Bauer” (farmer in German). Their Chicago Electric and Pittsburgh brands are probably also meant to instill warm-fuzzy feelings about their heritage.
IronWood
I’ve always felt bad for Chicago Pneumatic since the rise of the HF Chicago “brands.”
Ben
These look identical to Bora parallel bar clamps. I have basically 1 of each kind of parallel bar clamp, aside from some of the newest entries. This is one place where ‘they don’t build them like they used to’. New Jorgy’s aren’t great. New Bessey’s are frequently out of parallel as well.
Bora’s are basically all plastic. For what they are, they’re not bad – but it’s a big gap between them and old school Bessey’s.
eddie sky
So, a Bessey 24″ clamp is around $60, where a Jet 24″ is around $80. So with some coupons, one could get a pair of 24″ Bremen HF clamps for under $70.
If I was doing some glue ups, I would mix them. I would have Bessey for main clamps and the Bremens for when I need additional. Otherwise, I really thing a parallel clamp needs to be really good. If I had the pocket, I’d have all Jet.
Might take them out for a try. Store up the street from me is new so…Thanks for this, Scott!
Big Richard
Bessey 24″ clamp is about $40 at Menards. Even the 50″ is under $50 (after rebate of course):
https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/clamps-vises/bessey-reg-parallel-clamps/kre3524/p-177023398174636-c-9135.htm?tid=290690693428486886&ipos=1
Robin
Happened to stop at a nearby Harbor Freight store. Saw these clamps in person.
One interesting thing I noticed is that they come with a lifetime warranty.
Jon
Good to know! I think they look like a compelling option. The usual names have always been way overpriced. And if you’re bending your clamps during assembly then your joinery sucks. Clamps only have to be strong enough to hold pieces in place, not for force them into place. I’ll definitely try some.
Tony
Why are you instilling common sense into this discussion?
Aaron
I have used the Bremen quick clamps and the ratcheting hand clamps and have had no issues. I was happy to see that they are bringing out the K clamps but have yet to give them a try. I don’t use them daily but they seem to be durable (I guess we will see). I watched a video yesterday where someone claimed the bough Bremen locking pliers and they had a Milwaukee stamp on them (oops). To be honest, most of these Brand names are made in china and there can only be a handful of factories producing them. With the right coupon, these may be worth the price for novice (hobbyist) woodworkers. I agree that you should invest in quality but if you can save in one area and invest in another, so be it.
Bill
Jorgensen’s so-called reputation on Amazon is better than other brands