Originally Posted by
Justin Rapp
So - is there a SMC hatred for pipe clamps?
Nope. While many of us "prefer" parallel clamps, many of the same folks also have pipe clamps for when pipe clamps are the right solution or to increase the stable at lower cost. I even have two 11 foot pipe clamps and actually used them recently for a project. Pipe clamps are also a good entry point for someone who needs a lot of clamps "now" and doesn't have a winning lottery ticket to buy what's needed. As to what I use...100% were bought on sale over the years...but I started with the pipe clamps and still have them on the wall ready to use when I run out of my preference in quantity or size.
One other format that's worthy for large glue-ups are aluminum bar clamps. They tend to be mid-priced and are lighter to handle while still providing adequate clamping power for most needs.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...