I've had some of the US made Jorgensen cabinet master clamps (i.e., the ones with the wood handles) for more than a decade and would like to add some more parallel clamps to the kit. Lowe's has them on sale for a very attractive price into early January: $30 for a 24" and $40 for a 48", but these are the new version made in China with the plastic handles (and thinner acme screw?).
I've searched for old threads on the new version here, but didn't find much and no threads comparing the new vs. old. The alternative would be more Dubuque bar clamps as these are about the same price from Lee Valley when bought at four or more at a time.
Anybody have direct experience with the new incarnation and how they compare to the older ones?
Thanks,
Chris