Top tools: Clamps
Our pick for a pipe clamp
Pony 3/4 in. pipe clamp fixture
Model No. 50
Why we picked it
- Pipe clamps are a low-cost way to get long, strong clamps for panels and carcases. You buy the fixtures once and screw them onto whatever length of 3/4 in. black pipe the job needs.
- In Fine Woodworking's bar-clamp head-to-head, the Jorgensen No. 50 (the same Pony fixture) had the least jaw deflection of the pipe clamps and a smooth screw.
- Popular Mechanics named it its pipe-clamp pick for its cast-iron build and a clutch that's easy to set and release.
Specs (from the maker)
- Fits 3/4 in. black pipe threaded on both ends (pipe not included)
- Clamping faces about 1-3/4 in. square
- Multiple-disc clutch on the sliding jaw
- Use pipe about 7 in. longer than the work
Keep in mind
- The handle sits close to the bench, so Fine Woodworking found knuckle room tight. Rest the pipes on scrap blocks.
Where to buy
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Photo credits
- Pony 3/4 in. pipe clamp fixture: Image: Pony product image
More on Pony 3/4 in. pipe clamp fixture
Keep in mind
- Store listings give different clamping-force numbers and the maker's page doesn't list one, so we've left it out.
What the sources found
- Fine Woodworking: Bar clamps, head to head (PDF) (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent test, Sept/Oct 2004; checked ): Tested 48 in. clamps of four types. Among 3/4 in. pipe clamps, the Jorgensen No. 50 showed the least jaw deflection and a smooth screw but little handle clearance; Rockler's Sure-Foot won the pipe group for its wide base.
- Popular Mechanics: The best wood clamps (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent review, Updated Jan 6, 2025; checked ): A former carpenter's experience-based picks. Names the Pony No. 50 the best pipe clamp for its durable cast iron and easy-to-set clutch, and notes it's heavier than plastic clamps.
- Wood Magazine: Which clamps should I buy first? (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent guide; checked ): Suggests a starter set built around 3/4 in. pipe-clamp fixtures on 24 in. and 48 in. pipes (with couplers for longer work), plus a few one-handed clamps.
- Pony Jorgensen product catalog (PDF): No. 50 pipe clamp fixture (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page; checked ): Describes the cast-iron fixture with a multiple-disc clutch, for 3/4 in. black or galvanized pipe at least 7 in. longer than the work, with a 1-3/4 in. clamping face.
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 ; prices and stock change, so check the store before you buy.
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Some outlets we cite get review samples from tool makers; we don't use pieces a maker paid for or sponsored.
We pick tools from independent tests and reviews, not our own testing.