Our pick for a one-handed bar clamp: Bessey EHK trigger clamp, 24 in., 300 lb class

Bessey EHK trigger clamp, 24 in., 300 lb class

Model EHKL24

Why we picked it

A one-handed clamp is the one you'll grab most: it holds a part to the bench, a fence to a tool, or a joint while you drive a screw, and you can set it with one hand while the other holds the work.

In Canadian Woodworking's six-clamp test, Bessey's 300 lb clamp reached its rated force and had the most comfortable handle, and it was the tester's top pick. A separate hands-on review in the same magazine found these smoother and better made than older one-handed clamps.

It converts to a spreader without tools, which helps when you need to push a dry-fitted joint apart.

Specs (from the maker)

24 in. clamping capacity, 3-1/8 in. throat depth

300 lb rated clamping force

Spreads from about 6-1/4 in. to 29-1/2 in.

Keep in mind

One-handed clamps are for holding and light glue-ups. For edge-gluing a panel, use the screw-driven clamps below.

Where to buy

More on Bessey EHK trigger clamp, 24 in., 300 lb class

Keep in mind

Fine Woodworking's reviewer found the release lever on the heavier EHK XL version hard to work while the clamp was locked down.

What the sources found

Canadian Woodworking: 6 trigger/spreader clamps tested (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent test, May 14, 2023, revised Oct 31, 2025; checked October 15, 2026): Measured six 300 lb class trigger clamps. Bessey, DeWalt, Irwin and Jorgensen all reached 300 lb; two cheap online-only clamps fell far short. Bessey had the most comfortable handle and was the tester's first choice.
Canadian Woodworking: Bessey EHK trigger clamps (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, Feb 2, 2021, revised Sept 29, 2023; checked October 15, 2026): Hands-on review of the EHK line. The reviewer found the bars stiff, the action smooth and the spreader conversion quick, and said the 300 lb EHKL beat the other one-handed clamps he owned.
LRN2DIY: The ultimate trigger clamp showdown (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent test, Mar 15, 2025; checked October 15, 2026): Compared 12 trigger clamps, mostly 24 in., including Bessey's 300 lb model. The Bessey clamps were solid all-rounders but didn't clearly beat cheaper rivals, a useful counterpoint.
Fine Woodworking: EHK XL trigger clamps by Bessey (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, Mar/Apr 2020; checked October 15, 2026): Reviewed the heavier 600 lb EHK XL sibling: held work securely with little effort and converted easily to a spreader, but the release lever was sometimes hard to work when the clamp was tight.
Bessey: EHK series trigger clamps (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page; checked October 15, 2026): Lists the EHKL24 at 24 in. capacity, 3-1/8 in. throat, 300 lb clamping force and a spreading range of about 6-1/4 in. to 29-1/2 in.

How we picked

We didn't hands-on test these. We picked them by reading independent tests, reviews and guides (Fine Woodworking, Wood Magazine, Canadian Woodworking, Popular Mechanics and independent YouTube testers), checking each maker's spec page, and looking at review counts at large stores. Every pick has at least three independent sources from at least two different outlets, including at least one independent test or review, plus the maker's spec page and review counts at large stores, all linked with each pick along with what each one found. We also looked for an F-style clamp pick but didn't find one with enough current independent coverage, so we've left that slot out for now. Prices, review counts and links were last checked on October 15, 2026; prices and stock change, so check the store before you buy.

No paid links. Every link on this page is a plain link: no affiliate codes or tracking, and no company paid or asked to be listed (disclosure). Links open in a new tab.

Some outlets we cite get review samples from tool makers; we don't use pieces a maker paid for or sponsored.