Clamps look simple. Three minutes in any AU workshop or fabrication shop tells you they are not. Pick the wrong clamp and the workpiece moves mid-cut, the welder reaches for a second tool, the bench gets damaged, or the clamp itself fails under load. This guide is the workshop and fabrication clamp reference — G-clamps (also called C-clamps in the US), F-clamps, locking C-clamp pliers, welding-specific clamps (Strong Hand Tools' full range), magnetic clamps, third-hand clamps and quick-release trigger clamps. The 121 products in our clamps collection cover the workshop, welding shop and fabrication tier. We don't stock the woodworking specialty range (Bessey premium parallel clamps, Irwin Quick-Grip woodworking, Jorgensen) — explicit scope statement below for buyers who need those.
Why clamps matter — workshop holding without a bench vice everywhere
A bench vice holds workpieces at one fixed location. Clamps hold workpieces wherever you need them — on a fabrication table, against an edge, vertically on a panel, across a long workpiece a vice can't reach, or at an angle no vice can manage. The clamp is the workshop's portable, scalable holder.
The cost of bad clamping is real. Movement under cut means out-of-square assemblies. Movement under weld means cracked tacks and warped panels. Insufficient force on workhardened or springy metal means the clamp pops off mid-operation. And the wrong clamp for the material — hardened steel jaw on polished aluminium, or oversize G-clamp on thin sheet — damages the surface as fast as no clamping at all.
This guide covers the categories most workshops actually need: G/C-clamps (the workshop standard), F-clamps (longer reach, lighter force), locking C-clamp pliers (one-handed), welding specialty clamps (Strong Hand Tools' depth), magnetic and third-hand clamps (welder's hands-free option), and quick-release clamps (one-handed grip-and-release). Pairs nicely with your bench vice, hammer and pliers selection.
G-clamp vs C-clamp — the same tool, different names
G-clamp and C-clamp are the same tool. AU and UK workshops call it a G-clamp because the frame resembles a capital G. US workshops call it a C-clamp because the frame resembles a capital C. The product is identical — same geometry, same use, same standards. The terminology difference confuses cross-Atlantic buying conversations but it's not a real product distinction.
Lowe's (US retailer) is explicit: "The terms C-clamp and G-clamp refer to the same type of clamp, reflecting the shape of the metal frame and the movable jaw assembly." AU vendors split — Bunnings uses G-clamp; Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse uses G-clamp; RS Components AU calls them "G/C Clamps" to cover both. AIMS uses G-clamp throughout as the AU term but stocks them under both labels.
What both terms describe: a fixed C/G-shaped frame, a threaded screw passing through one arm with a swivel pad on the end, and a fixed anvil opposite. Tighten the screw to clamp the workpiece between the swivel pad and the anvil. Sizing is described by the clamp's capacity (the maximum jaw opening — typically 50mm to 480mm in AU industrial supply) and throat depth (how far the clamp reaches in from the edge — typically 30mm to 100mm).
G-clamp anatomy and sizing — frame, screw, pad, capacity, throat
A G-clamp has five working parts and two critical dimensions. Knowing both lets you specify the right clamp for the job.
| Part | What it does | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Frame (the "G/C") | Resists the clamping load between the screw and the anvil | Forged steel (strongest, premium), SG/ductile iron (mid-tier), plain cast iron (budget, brittle) |
| Threaded screw | Drives the swivel pad into the workpiece | Rolled lead screw thread — smoother action than cut thread; T-handle vs ball-end vs sliding bar handle |
| Swivel pad | Distributes clamping force on the workpiece | Steel pad (durable, can mark surfaces), ductile/cast pad with swivel joint (better for uneven surfaces) |
| Anvil (fixed jaw) | Opposite face the workpiece rests against | Should be flat and parallel to the swivel pad at full clamping |
| Handle | Tightens and loosens the screw | T-handle (most common), sliding bar (heavy-duty), ball-end (precise control) |
Two critical dimensions to specify:
- Capacity (jaw opening) — the maximum gap between swivel pad and anvil at fully open. AIMS G-clamps run 75mm at the small end up to 480mm at the heavy-duty end. Match capacity to the thickest workpiece + 25-50mm working margin.
- Throat depth (reach) — how far the clamp reaches from the edge of the workpiece into the work. Standard throat is 30-50mm; deep-throat G-clamps reach 75-100mm. Critical when clamping in from a flange or panel edge.
AIMS G-clamps by size:
- Trax G Clamp — 75/100/150mm ($17-$27) — light to mid workshop sizing, three capacities
- Lockjaw 250mm Small Body C-Clamp Swivel Pad Chrome-Moly ($60.96) — premium chrome-moly steel construction
- Lockjaw 480mm (19") Large C-Clamp Swivel Pad Chrome-Moly ($92.52) — heavy-duty large capacity
F-clamps — sliding bar, bigger capacity, lighter force
An F-clamp has a sliding bar with two jaws — a fixed jaw at one end, a moving jaw that slides up and down the bar. Tighten the moving jaw's screw to lock it in place against the workpiece. The capacity isn't limited by the frame shape (as with a G-clamp) — F-clamps come in 100mm right up to 1200mm+ capacity. Lower maximum clamping force than a G-clamp of equivalent material, but the longer reach and bigger capacity makes them the choice for larger workpieces.
F-clamps are also called "Bessey clamps" colloquially after the dominant German woodworking brand — but Bessey is a brand, not a category. AIMS stocks the Strong Hand Tools F-clamp range; we don't stock Bessey at retail (it's a premium woodworking-focused tier — see scope note below).
AIMS F-clamp option:
- Strong Hand UF100JRM J-Type Ratchet Action Utility Clamp 254mm ($122.64) — workshop F-clamp with ratchet handle for fast adjustment, suits fabrication holding
Buying counsel: if you mostly clamp 200mm or under and need strong force (heavy steel fabrication, machinery assembly), G-clamps are the better choice. If you clamp 250mm-1m+ pieces or need fast one-handed adjustment, F-clamps are the better choice. Many workshops keep both.
F-clamp vs G-clamp — when each is the right pick
| Factor | G-clamp / C-clamp | F-clamp |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum capacity | ~480mm typical workshop range | 100mm to 1200mm+ |
| Clamping force | Higher (concentrated through stiff frame) | Lower (force limited by bar bending under load) |
| Adjustment speed | Slower — screw turn for each adjustment | Faster — slide the jaw, then short screw turn |
| One-handed use | Difficult | Possible (especially ratchet F-clamps) |
| Throat depth | Fixed by frame design (30-100mm) | Varies with bar position |
| Cost per size | Cheaper for small sizes (50-200mm) | Cheaper for large sizes (250mm+) |
| Best for | Heavy fabrication, machinery assembly, holding to bench surface, smaller workpieces requiring high force | Larger workpieces, panel work, woodworking glue-ups, situations needing speed over force |
From r/woodworking (24+ answers): "F-clamps when I need something clamped and Quick-Grips when I don't." The forum consensus is F-clamps for stronger holding, Quick-Grips (one-handed trigger clamps) for fast non-critical holding. Most pro shops run both.
Locking C-clamp pliers — Vise-Grip style, hands-free
Locking C-clamp pliers combine the geometry of a G/C-clamp with the locking mechanism of locking pliers. Squeeze the handle to clamp — the over-centre toggle locks the jaws closed, freeing both hands. Press the release lever to open. Iconic in welding fabrication where one hand holds the torch and the other manages the work — the locked clamp stays put without continuous attention.
The Vise-Grip origin story: "Vise-Grip" is a brand name (originally invented by William Petersen in 1924, now owned by Irwin) that became a generic term for the locking pliers and locking clamp category. AIMS doesn't stock the Irwin Vise-Grip brand at retail — our equivalent is Lockjaw, which is the dominant range in the AIMS clamps collection by inventory volume.
From r/Welding (300+ comments thread): "I have Vise Grip brand (original) and Stronghand that have held up for years. My coworker has a few Milwaukee clamps that work great too." Same tier, multiple competing brands. The Lockjaw range at AIMS competes directly with Vise-Grip on capability and pricing.
AIMS Lockjaw locking C-clamp range (very high inventory — workshop workhorses):
- Lockjaw Locking Pliers C-Clamp 230mm + 330mm ($56-$64, 500+215 units in stock) — the standard locking C-clamp pair
- Lockjaw Locking Clamp with Swivel Head 230mm + 330mm ($56-$68) — swivel pad accommodates uneven surfaces
- Lockjaw Self-Adjusting Plier C-Clamp Extended Reach 290mm + 455mm ($60-$92) — extended reach for awkward angles
- Lockjaw 275mm Table C-Clamp Plier with 90mm Jaw Opening ($50.41) — table-mount option for production setups
Plus the Excision Xtreme C-Clamp GripLox Plier 250mm + 300mm ($47-$67) as a competing range, and the Trax Locking C-Clamp ($21-$31) at the budget end.
Welding clamps — Strong Hand Tools range explained
Welding fabrication is the most clamp-intensive workshop activity. Each tack requires the work held precisely and the welder's hands free for the torch and feed. The Strong Hand Tools range at AIMS is built specifically for this — 50+ products covering angle clamping, magnetic positioning, third-hand modular setups, ground clamps, drill press clamps and replacement pads. Strong Hand has copied Bessey's design and runs at lower price points (r/BuyItForLife 12 years ago, r/Welding 180+ comments).
Strong Hand welding clamp categories:
- Table-mount locking C-clamps — Strong Hand PT09 Table Mount Locking C-Clamp 102mm M8 Thread ($61.99). Bolts to the welding table surface, locks the workpiece for repeat positioning.
- Angle clamping tools (90° corner) — Strong Hand UDL365 Corner Pliers Angle Clamping Tool 90° 50mm ($73.08), 76mm Angle Clamping Tool ($102.31). Perfect right-angle box fabrication — clamp two pieces at 90° in one operation. Saves rework on box welding.
- Welding finger clamps (Grasshopper-style) — StrongHand 300mm Welding Finger Clamp Grasshopper ($60.90). Long thin clamp reaches into tight spaces panel welding can't otherwise hold.
- Half clamps and side clamps — Strong Hand VHC15 Half Clamp ($90.89), VSC15 Side Clamp ($83.83). Specialty geometries for awkward welding angles.
- Grinder rest C-clamps — Strong Hand MGK53 Grinder Rest C-Clamp Base Model ($50.82). Mounts a small grinder securely to the bench for sharpening / dressing work.
- Drill press clamps — Strong Hand PTD09 Drill Press Clamp ($62.50). Holds the workpiece on the drill press table during drilling — different geometry from a free clamp.
For stick welding fabrication and MIG welding shop work, this clamp range is purpose-built. See the Stick Welding Guide and MIG Welding Guide for process context; the clamps are how you keep the work square while welding.
Magnetic welding clamps and third-hand setups
Magnetic welding clamps eliminate the hand-holding step in tacking operations — the magnet holds the workpiece against the work surface or another magnetic part while the welder positions. Critical for solo welding work where every "third hand" needed is a hand that doesn't exist.
AIMS magnetic clamp range:
- StrongHand MagVise with Adjustable Spindle ($63.50) — magnetic-based vise with adjustable spindle for clamping force control
- Strong Hand MagVise with Pliers ($52.08) — magnetic base + plier-style clamping head
- Strong Hand Magnetic Panel Clamp Twin Pack ($34.44) — pair of magnetic panel clamps for double-sided panel positioning
- Strong Hand Snake Magnet 405mm Cable + Clamp + Flat Magnetic Pad ($52.92) — flexible "snake" arm with magnetic base, ideal for awkward positioning
Third-hand modular clamps: for repeat fabrication where the work needs holding at a precise angle or position multiple times, modular third-hand clamps mount to the welding table and hold a workpiece at the configured geometry. Strong Hand HAS40 Welding Table Base Mount Third Hand Modular Clamp ($112.90) bolts to a welding table; HAS42 Universal Base Mount ($96.18) clamps to any flat surface. The "third hand" name comes from the welder's reality — you need a third hand to hold the work while you tack, and this is it.
Quick-release / trigger-action clamps
Quick-release clamps (also called trigger clamps, one-handed clamps) use a pistol-grip trigger mechanism instead of a screw. Squeeze the trigger to advance the moving jaw; press the release lever to retract. Faster than F-clamps, lower clamping force than G-clamps, ideal for one-handed work where the other hand holds the workpiece.
The dominant brand is Irwin Quick-Grip (a brand name that became a generic term for the category, like Vise-Grip). AIMS doesn't stock Irwin Quick-Grip at retail — our equivalent is:
- Piher 450mm Quick Clamp Trigger Action Nylon & Fibreglass Jaw ($67.87) — Piher is a respected European clamp brand, this is the workshop trigger-action option
- Abbott & Ashby Workshop Quick Clamp for Bench Vice (2-pack) ($18.68) — budget option, designed to fit Abbott & Ashby bench vices
When to choose quick-release over F-clamp: when one-handed operation matters (other hand holding the work, or applying glue, or wiring), and when clamping force ≤ what the trigger mechanism can apply (~150 kg typical). When you need maximum force, go back to G-clamp or screw F-clamp.
Construction materials — forged steel vs SG cast iron vs cast iron
The frame material determines clamping force capacity, impact resistance and price.
| Material | Tier | Properties | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drop-forged steel | Premium | Highest strength; grain flow follows frame shape; impact-resistant; won't crack under shock load. Most expensive. | Heavy fabrication, machinery assembly, daily-use industrial |
| Chrome-molybdenum steel (CrMo) | Premium | Like forged steel but alloyed for higher hardness and wear resistance. Lockjaw's premium C-clamp range uses this. | Daily-use industrial workshop, fabrication trade |
| SG cast iron / ductile iron / nodular iron | Mid-tier | Cast iron with spheroidal graphite — much more impact-resistant than plain cast iron. AU's Hare & Forbes RPC clamps use this. | General workshop, occasional industrial |
| Malleable iron | Mid-tier | Annealed cast iron — improved ductility. Common on AU industrial G-clamps. | General workshop |
| Plain cast iron | Budget | Cheap but brittle — will crack under shock load. Bunnings DIY tier is mostly this. | Light occasional use, not industrial production |
Forum reality (UK Workshop forum, 2006 thread still relevant): "Record clamps are superior in that they are forged steel, not cast iron. Drop forging imparts grain flow in the forging complimentary to its overall shape." Drop-forged steel is the gold standard; SG/ductile iron is the practical workshop tier; plain cast iron is the budget compromise that's fine for light use but fails when overloaded.
The Lockjaw chrome-molybdenum steel range at AIMS — 480mm Large C-Clamp Chrome-Moly and 250mm Small Body C-Clamp Chrome-Moly — is the premium-tier material grade for AU workshop buyers who don't want to source Bessey directly.
Frame size, throat depth and reach — match the dimensions to the job
Two dimensional decisions to get right:
- Capacity (jaw opening): the maximum gap when fully open. Always buy capacity at least 25-50mm bigger than the thickest workpiece you'll regularly clamp. Don't try to "just fit" — the screw runs out of thread, the swivel pad ends up unsupported, and clamping force drops to nothing.
- Throat depth (reach): how far the clamp reaches in from the edge. Standard G-clamps: 30-50mm. Deep-throat G-clamps: 75-100mm. F-clamps vary with bar position. For workpieces wider than your standard clamp can reach, you need either deep-throat clamps or F-clamps.
Sizing for AU workshops (rules of thumb):
| Application | Capacity needed | Recommended AIMS option |
|---|---|---|
| Light bench fitting, small parts | 50-100mm | Trax G Clamp 75/100mm |
| General workshop, medium fabrication | 150-250mm | Lockjaw 250mm Chrome-Moly, Trax G Clamp 150mm |
| Heavy fabrication, large workpieces | 300-480mm | Lockjaw 480mm Chrome-Moly |
| Long panels, wider than 500mm | F-clamp (varies) | Strong Hand UF100JRM F-Clamp 254mm |
| Welding tacking, hands-free | Match welding clamp to plate thickness | See Strong Hand Tools welding range above |
| Drill press operation | Drill press-specific | Strong Hand PTD09 Drill Press Clamp |
Workshop counsel: buy a set covering 75-250mm before you buy specialty welding or magnetic clamps. Standard G-clamps in 4 sizes solve 80% of workshop clamping problems. Specialty clamps come later when specific jobs demand them.
Brand reality — Bessey, Lockjaw, Strong Hand, Vise-Grip, Trax
The clamp market has clear tier brands. Knowing them helps interpret price differences.
| Brand | Tier | Strength | AU availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bessey | Premium | German engineering, parallel clamps, woodworking-dominant. Drop-forged. Most-respected brand globally. | Premium tier — Total Tools, Sydney Tools. Not AIMS. |
| Strong Hand Tools | Premium-mid | Welding fabrication specialty. Copies Bessey design at lower price. AU industrial standard for welding clamps. | AIMS deep range (50+ products) |
| Lockjaw | Premium-mid | Locking C-clamp pliers, chrome-moly construction. Vise-Grip equivalent. | AIMS dominant (highest inventory) |
| Vise-Grip (Irwin) | Mid-premium | Original locking-pliers brand (1924), now Irwin-owned. Generic-name for locking clamps. | Bunnings, Total Tools. Not AIMS. |
| Irwin Quick-Grip | Mid | Trigger-action one-handed clamps. Generic-name for quick clamps. | Bunnings, hardware. Not AIMS. |
| Milwaukee | Premium | Power tools brand expanding into hand clamps. Locking-clamp range gaining respect on forums. | Sydney Tools, Total Tools. Not AIMS. |
| Piher | Mid-premium | Spanish quick-clamp specialist. Trigger-action with nylon/fibreglass jaws. | AIMS (single product currently) |
| Trax | Mid-budget | Workshop-grade C-clamps + G-clamps. Multiple sizes. Locking versions. | AIMS |
| Excision | Mid | Locking C-clamp pliers, mid-tier construction. | AIMS |
| Record / Faithfull / Jorgensen | Premium-mid | UK/US drop-forged G-clamp specialists. Workshop classic. | Specialty importers. Not AIMS. |
| Cast iron generic / no-brand | Budget | Plain cast iron, brittle, cheap. Will work for light occasional use. | Bunnings, hardware. Not AIMS retail. |
If you need a specific brand AIMS doesn't stock — call (02) 9773 0122. We can usually source through supplier network.
AIMS clamp range — Lockjaw, Strong Hand, Trax, Piher, Excision, Abbott & Ashby
The complete AIMS clamp range covers workshop, fabrication and welding-shop needs across 121 products at /collections/clamps. Lockjaw dominates by inventory volume; Strong Hand Tools dominates by product diversity (welding specialty); Trax + Piher + Excision fill the workshop tiers. AIMS does not stock Bessey (premium German), Irwin Vise-Grip / Quick-Grip (Bunnings/Total Tools tier), Milwaukee, Record, Faithfull or Jorgensen — different retail channels for those brands.
Locking C-clamp pliers (Lockjaw range — workshop workhorse):
- Lockjaw Locking Pliers C-Clamp 230/330mm
- Lockjaw Locking Clamp Swivel Head 230/330mm
- Lockjaw Self-Adjusting Plier Extended Reach 290/455mm
- Lockjaw Table C-Clamp Plier 275mm
- Lockjaw Small Body C-Clamp Chrome-Moly 250mm
- Lockjaw Large C-Clamp Chrome-Moly 480mm
G-clamps and standard C-clamps (Trax):
F-clamps and ratchet utility clamps (Strong Hand):
Welding specialty (Strong Hand Tools — the deepest welding-clamp range at AIMS):
- Strong Hand PT09 Table-Mount Locking C-Clamp
- Strong Hand MGK53 Grinder Rest C-Clamp
- Strong Hand PTD09 Drill Press Clamp
- Strong Hand UDL365 90° Corner Angle Clamping Tool 50mm
- Strong Hand 76mm Angle Clamping Tool
- StrongHand 300mm Welding Finger Clamp Grasshopper
- Strong Hand VHC15 Half Clamp
- Strong Hand VSC15 Side Clamp
- Strong Hand HAS40 Welding Table Base Mount Third Hand
- Strong Hand HAS42 Universal Base Mount Third Hand
Magnetic welding clamps:
- StrongHand MagVise with Adjustable Spindle
- Strong Hand MagVise with Pliers
- Strong Hand Magnetic Panel Clamp Twin Pack
- Strong Hand Snake Magnet with Cable, Clamp & Flat Pad
Quick-release / trigger-action:
Other locking:
Woodworking clamps — honest scope (not AIMS supply)
AIMS does not stock the woodworking specialty clamp range. The following product categories are better served by Bunnings, Sydney Tools, Total Tools, Trade Tools or specialty woodworking retailers (Carbatec, Timbecon, Carrolls Woodcraft):
| Woodworking clamp type | Use | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Bessey parallel clamps | Cabinet making, panel glue-ups — parallel jaws stay flat across the workpiece | Carbatec, Timbecon, Total Tools |
| Irwin Quick-Grip woodworking | One-handed wood gluing, lighter than F-clamps | Bunnings, hardware |
| Pipe clamps (Pony, Jorgensen) | Long workpieces — clamping a tabletop or bench top | Specialty woodworking |
| Spring clamps | Light holding for thin material, hose work, model making | Bunnings, craft stores |
| Cabinet hardware clamps | Drawer fronts, hinge installation | Hardware specialty |
| Sash clamps | Door and window frame assembly | Carbatec, Timbecon |
AIMS supply focuses on industrial workshop and fabrication — Lockjaw locking clamps, Strong Hand welding range, Trax workshop tier. For woodworking, see the specialty retailers above. If you have a mixed shop (some metal, some wood), keep the two clamp categories physically separated — woodworking clamps often have wide soft pads that don't grip metal well; metal clamps' steel pads damage finished wood.
Common mistakes — 8 forum-validated errors
| Mistake | Why it fails | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Buying cheap cast iron G-clamps for production | Plain cast iron is brittle — cracks under shock load or over-torquing. Frames fail unpredictably. | Forged steel for daily use; chrome-moly for premium; SG/ductile iron for general workshop. Avoid plain cast iron in production. |
| Over-tightening G-clamps | Bend the frame, crack cast iron, strip the screw threads. The clamp deforms but the user thinks the workpiece is "clamped tight" — false security. | Tighten only to the resistance you need. If the workpiece still moves at moderate force, use a larger clamp or two clamps in parallel. |
| Steel swivel pad on polished or soft surfaces | Marks the workpiece — paint, polish, aluminium, copper, brass. Damage is permanent. | Use a soft pad insert (rubber, plastic), or place a scrap of wood/leather between the pad and the workpiece. Strong Hand sells soft pad inserts for the UB/UD/UE/UF/UG/UM/UP series. |
| Single-clamp setup for fabrication tacking | One clamp creates a pivot point — the work rotates around it. Tacks pull the assembly out of square. | Two or more clamps minimum for any fabrication tack. Use angle clamping tools (Strong Hand UDL365) for 90° box fabrication. |
| Wrong clamp size for the job | Capacity too small = no room to clamp; capacity too big = screw at near-full extension is unsupported and weak. | Match capacity to workpiece thickness + 25-50mm margin. Don't try to make a 100mm clamp work on 95mm material. |
| Mismatched welding clamp for plate thickness | Magnetic clamps on thin sheet bend the sheet; angle clamps designed for 6mm plate are weak on 25mm plate. | Match welding clamp design to plate thickness — Strong Hand product range is sized by capacity and intended fabrication tier. |
| Ignoring jaw geometry for the surface | Flat-jaw G-clamps on a curved or angled surface = point loading + slip-off. Swivel pads accommodate uneven surfaces. | Use swivel-pad G-clamps for non-flat surfaces (Lockjaw Swivel Head range, Trax with Swivel Pad). |
| No replacement pad strategy | Worn pad = reduced clamping force, marked workpieces, eventual screw damage. Workshop ignores until clamp fails. | Buy replacement pads as part of initial purchase — Strong Hand replacement pad kits for UB/UD/UE/UF/UG series are cheap insurance. |
Care and maintenance — preventing seized threads
Clamps last years if maintained. Three failure modes dominate:
- Seized threads — workshop dust, rust and metal swarf accumulate on the lead screw. Eventually the screw won't turn. Lubricate the thread monthly with a light oil (3-in-1, light machine oil). Don't use heavy grease — it traps swarf and accelerates seizing.
- Worn swivel pads — daily-use clamps wear the pad to a tilted face after months. Replace pads (Strong Hand replacement range, or generic pads from /collections/clamps) before the worn pad damages workpieces.
- Bent frames — over-tightening or shock load bends a cast iron frame slightly out of square. The clamp still works but doesn't grip parallel. Replace the clamp rather than try to straighten — bent cast iron is weakened.
For locking C-clamp pliers (Lockjaw, Strong Hand PT09): occasionally clean the adjustment screw thread with brake cleaner or thread cleaning brush + light oil. The locking mechanism's spring may eventually weaken — replace the clamp rather than the spring.
Wear safety glasses when working with clamps — locking-clamp release under unexpected load can fling the work or the clamp itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are G-clamp and C-clamp the same thing?
Yes. G-clamp and C-clamp refer to the same tool — the AU/UK term is "G-clamp" (frame resembles a G); the US term is "C-clamp" (frame resembles a C). Same geometry, same use, same product. Lowe's (US retailer) is explicit: "The terms C-clamp and G-clamp refer to the same type of clamp." AU vendors split between the terms — Bunnings uses G-clamp, RS Components calls them "G/C Clamps." AIMS uses G-clamp throughout.
What is the difference between an F-clamp and a G-clamp?
G-clamps have a fixed C/G-shaped frame with a screw at one end — capacity limited by the frame (typically 50-480mm), force concentrated by the stiff frame. F-clamps have a sliding bar with two jaws — capacity unlimited by frame (100mm to 1200mm+), force lower because the bar bends under load. Choose G-clamp for high-force smaller workpieces; choose F-clamp for larger workpieces and faster adjustment. Most workshops keep both.
What is a G-clamp used for?
Holding workpieces during machining, welding, drilling, gluing, sawing, sanding and assembly. The G-clamp is the workshop's general-purpose temporary holder — applies controlled pressure to keep parts immobile while the operation runs. Sizes from 50mm (small bench work) to 480mm (heavy fabrication) cover most workshop tasks. Pair G-clamps with a bench vice for the most flexible holding setup.
What is an F-clamp used for?
Holding longer or wider workpieces than a G-clamp can accommodate — typically panels, frames, long timber, or assemblies that exceed 250mm thickness. F-clamps have a sliding bar that lets the capacity reach 1200mm+, and the moving jaw adjusts faster than a G-clamp screw. Common in woodworking glue-ups, panel fabrication, and heavy assembly. Lower clamping force than equivalent-size G-clamps but bigger reach.
What is the difference between a locking C-clamp and a regular C-clamp?
A regular C-clamp uses a threaded screw — turn the handle to tighten. A locking C-clamp (often called Vise-Grip C-clamp) uses an over-centre toggle mechanism — squeeze the handles together to clamp, the toggle locks. Both hands are then free. Press the release lever to open. The locking version is much faster for repeat tacking work in welding fabrication. The downside is a lower maximum clamping force than a screw-type G/C-clamp of the same size. AIMS stocks the Lockjaw range as the workshop locking-clamp option.
What is the strongest type of clamp?
For maximum clamping force per dollar, a drop-forged steel G-clamp wins. For force per setup speed, an F-clamp with screw or ratchet handle is faster. For one-handed locking force, locking C-clamp pliers (Vise-Grip / Lockjaw) hold both hands free. The "strongest" depends on what you're optimising — force, speed, or hands-free locking. A heavy-duty drop-forged 12" G-clamp will deliver 5,000+ kg of clamping force.
What is the difference between forged steel and cast iron G-clamps?
Drop-forged steel is forged under heat and pressure — the grain flow follows the frame shape, giving maximum strength and impact resistance. SG/ductile/nodular cast iron is cast in moulds, then chemically modified for ductility (less brittle than plain cast iron). Plain cast iron is the cheapest — brittle, will crack under shock load. Forged steel is premium tier (workshop-daily); SG/ductile cast iron is mid-tier (general workshop); plain cast iron is budget (light occasional use). The Lockjaw chrome-molybdenum steel range at AIMS is the premium tier.
What clamps do welders use?
Welders use specialty welding clamps from the Strong Hand Tools range: angle clamping tools (90° corner pliers, UDL365), locking C-clamps that bolt to the welding table (PT09 Table Mount), magnetic clamps (MagVise, Snake Magnet, Panel Clamps), third-hand modular setups (HAS40, HAS42), grinder rest clamps (MGK53), drill press clamps (PTD09), and Grasshopper-style welding finger clamps (300mm) for tight space holding. The Strong Hand range at AIMS covers all of these. For positioning thin sheet, magnetic clamps eliminate hand-holding completely.
What is a magnetic welding clamp?
A magnetic welding clamp uses a rare-earth magnet base to hold the clamp body to the workpiece or work surface. The welder positions the workpiece against the magnet, then the clamp's jaw or arm holds the second piece in position — hands-free. Critical for solo welding work where you don't have a third hand. AIMS magnetic clamp options: StrongHand MagVise with Adjustable Spindle, MagVise with Pliers, Snake Magnet 405mm, and Magnetic Panel Clamp Twin Pack.
What is a third hand welding clamp?
A third hand welding clamp is a modular workholding setup that mounts to the welding table (or any flat surface) and holds the workpiece at a configured angle or position. The "third hand" refers to the welder's reality of needing a third hand to hold the work while you tack — and this is it. Strong Hand HAS40 (welding table base mount) and HAS42 (universal base mount) are the AIMS options. For repeat fabrication where the same piece needs holding at the same angle multiple times, third hand setups save time over re-clamping with G-clamps each cycle.
What's the difference between a clamp and a vice?
A vice is bench-mounted — bolted to a workbench, fixed location. A clamp is portable — used wherever the work happens. Both hold workpieces under controlled force, but vices are for sustained holding at a fixed station, clamps for temporary/portable holding. Many workshops use both — clamp the work in the vice for the most flexible holding (e.g. clamp a small part to a flat plate, then hold the plate in the vice). See the Bench Vice Guide for vice selection.
How do I choose the right size G-clamp?
Match capacity (jaw opening) to your workpiece thickness + 25-50mm working margin. A typical workshop set covers 75mm, 100mm, 150mm and 250mm capacities — solving 80% of workshop clamping problems. Heavy fabrication needs larger (300-480mm). For workpieces too wide for any G-clamp, switch to F-clamps. Also consider throat depth (reach from edge) — standard 30-50mm, deep-throat 75-100mm. AIMS G-clamp range covers 75mm (Trax) up to 480mm (Lockjaw Chrome-Moly 480mm).
What is a quick-release clamp / Quick-Grip?
A quick-release or trigger-action clamp uses a pistol-grip squeeze trigger instead of a screw. Squeeze the trigger to advance the moving jaw; press the release lever to retract. Faster than F-clamps, lower clamping force than G-clamps. Iconic brand: Irwin Quick-Grip (which became a generic name for the category, like Vise-Grip). AIMS doesn't stock Irwin Quick-Grip at retail — our equivalent is the Piher 450mm Quick Clamp Trigger Action and Abbott & Ashby Workshop Quick Clamp 2-Pack.
Are Strong Hand Tools clamps as good as Bessey?
For welding fabrication: yes, with caveats. Strong Hand Tools has copied many Bessey designs at lower price points — workshop and forum consensus from r/Welding (180+ comments thread) and r/BuyItForLife is that the Strong Hand light-duty welding clamps perform similarly to Bessey at a fraction of the price. For premium woodworking parallel clamps (Bessey's signature product), Strong Hand doesn't compete — Bessey is unmatched there. AIMS stocks Strong Hand because they hit the AU welding-shop sweet spot of capability + price; we don't stock Bessey at retail (their woodworking-dominant range targets a different retail channel).
Why does AIMS not stock Bessey or Irwin Quick-Grip woodworking clamps?
AIMS is an industrial supply business focused on workshop, fabrication, welding and engineering trades. Bessey's premium parallel clamps and Irwin's Quick-Grip woodworking line are better served by specialty woodworking retailers (Carbatec, Timbecon, Carrolls Woodcraft) and big-box hardware (Bunnings, Total Tools). AIMS dives deep on the industrial clamp range — Lockjaw locking pliers (workshop workhorse), Strong Hand Tools welding specialty (50+ products), Trax workshop tier, Piher quick clamps. If you need Bessey or Irwin specifically, call AIMS on (02) 9773 0122 — we can sometimes source through supplier network.