The harbor freight pipe clamps do work well. I also buy galvanized pipe instead of black pipe. The galvanized pipe wont leave black streaks on a glue up.
I use the half inch pipe clamp and one inch PVC pipe cut into rings about two inches to slide onto the black pipe so it not only doesn't stain but the glue sits proud of the pipe. If you slot the PVC rings a bit you can pop them onto the black pipe where ever you need them and use as many as you need... just a thought. Fred
Thanks, I’ll follow your advice! I bought some of the Harbor Freight Pittsburg quick-grip clamps and they’ve been nothing but trouble… squeezing the handle just moves the bar about 1/4” and then releasing the handle moves it right back!
I hear you regarding $12 opposed to the higher-end clamps. Thanks for your ideas. You are helping a couple thousand folks with your videos. I did the same thing you did by purchasing the clamps separate and adding the size bar-stock that one desires.
Glad you made this. While a teen I bought some import pipe clamps that were had to slip on the sliding end. For a good while I'd wandered if the newer HarborFreight pipe clamps would hold. They come in handy in the welding shop like when squaring a trailer frame by clamping a cross corners. HarborFreight is now good about taking stuff back if it fails but just didn't want to deal with them if they didn't hold. Its good that folks still care about their fellow man.
$13 for 10 ft of pipe. I wish. It's like 3 times and more than that in my area. I just checked again and it was $50+ for 10ft black pipe at hd. I bought a few of these clamps at hf like 2 years ago but never used them because I can't source the pipe cheaper than buying the bar clamps or making do in other ways.
Nice review. I was glad you did mention buying the longer pipes from the "big box stores," 10ft for example, and cutting them to size as needed; saves you a good chunk of change. (Note, for the pipe clamps you only need ONE end with threads, the other end just slides down over the non-threaded end.) I'm gonna pick up a few sets of these for some bench & table tops to glue together. And, one more thing. At Harbor Freight they're currently selling the 3/4" footed clamps for $11.99. Seems the prices have gone up, darn it. And you didn't mention why you'd choose the 3/4" or 1/2" clamps. Obviously, you need to get the right size that fits; won't do you any good to buy a 1/2" clamp to go over a 3/4" pipe! (And you can't use a 3/4" clamp on 1/2" pipe.) Second, the 1/2" pipe, being 1/2", is more prone to bending more than the tougher 3/4" pipes; for the extra few bucks I'd go with 3/4". In addition, in most cases you'll want "feet" on the clamps so they don't roll around. Those cost a couple bucks more but are worth it. And I noticed that HF doesn't sell 1/2" clamps with feet. So, all that said,, thanks for the video pal. :)
Good idea on these inexpensive clamps and how to save money on the pipes. HF has usually has 20-25% off coupons in the local paper if you have a HF near you. My wife coupons and she has found them in the comics section and the parade section. You can only use one per visit, but with the coupons you drop the price from $8.99 to $7.19 (20% off) or $6.74 (25% off) and you save a little extra not having to pay the tax in most states. Usually in their coupon flyer they will give you something free as well with each purchase. I have a HF near my job, so making trips on multiple days to use multiple coupons is no problem. Also many of the woodworking/handyman/car magazines have HF coupons as well.
Have some Jorgensen pipe clamps on the way and I just got back from the big box store where I bought 2 - 10' pieces of black pipe for 10.85 each and had them cut into 4 pieces and thread one end. I ended up with 8 pieces approx. 30" in length for about 25.00 , I love the Besseys but who can afford a $95 dollar 3' clamp? Good tips please keep them coming.
Thanks for the comment. You can save more. Go to a plumbing supply buy a 21' piece of pipe hacksaw it in half and cut and thread your own to any length you like. thread both ends and use a coupling and make longer clamps. You can buy a cheap pipe threader at HF use a vise or a pipe wrench to hold the pipe.
+Gary Rider Wish our pipe was that cheap. I was just at the blue store the other night and black pipe 10' length was almost 20 bucks. Still a far cry cheaper than the bessey clamps, but it adds up. I'm glad to know people have tried and liked the H.F. clamps.
The expensive clamps are to impress people when their videos are viewed on You tube. I was born poor so I understand poor. I don't know what it is like to spend $2000 for a saw or $100 for a pair of clamps. I use a piece of rail from the railroad as a clamp and an anvil.
Great tip, but I already knew bout it which I have several of 3/4 an 1/2 inch ones. As far as the galvanized pipe, yea it won't leave marks but I've found that the clamps grip part doesn't want to "bite" into it like the black. So ya have to either tap the jaw part with a hammer to get it to engage into the pipe. Another option with the galvanized is to scuff it with a course sandpaper. Which is what I did it grips better now on the galvanized but I still like the black better because of that.
Nice hat I have the same one. I bought a couple at HF but then I went to a store called Ollies they had pony clamps for $6 a piece the only problem was they only had 8 of them they now reside in my shop. I did the same with the longer pipe I couldn't figure out how 3' costs $15 and 10' costs $12. I'm bad at math but even I figured that one out.
If have a pipe not in use.You should be able to use that.I know most farms with water wells would have extra pipe sitting around.I own a farm and don't really need to buy the pipe i have pipe setting around from well setup
Pvc flexes too much true.. I thought about filling it with either concrete or wooden dowel. Nah...plain steel pipe, but head over to the scrap yard and buy it for about 2¢ a pound. I'm not sure about here in SC though. I haven't been to any local scrap yards here in Columbia yet.
Problem with that is threading. They aren't going to thread it for you. If you buy it new they will cut and thread whatever you want. If you have a pipe threader than this is the right route.
My local box store has the Bessey 36" bar clamp (1100 pound, 3.5" throat) for $14.00. Probably should pick some up. For pipe clamps, is the 1/2" or 3/4" recommended? Seems like the 1/2" would be plenty strong. Thoughts?
He first hooked up the gas, then installed the clamp to the bar at the other end, then turned on the gas, waited for a few moments, and then lit the open end with a lighter. It was spectacular!
Stay away from the 1/2" ones...slider moves when clamping down (does not grip the pipe) on 1/2" black pipe...thought the HF reviews were lies until bought a set. Damn shame though...casting looked nice, painted well, and for the cost of 1 Jorgenson or Bessemer I bought 2 of the HF 1/2" ones. Shooting them back today, might try antiques store in town for some old ones ;) I also see Irwins suck now too..double damn
Anyone have the experiencie with irwin clamp i bought 1/2 pipe clamp, and it dont grip, it slids on the pipe, the clutch system sucks, and if someone have the same situation ¿how did you fix it?
It dose not matter where u r it is about saving money the powers at be is making life hell here so we all who has not got the money has to look at how to save money
@@bethlarson7144 working just a good as my expensive ones. I've been clamping butcher block countertops together during gluing and have not had an issue.
