The specialists

Wait to buy these clamps until you have a specific need for them.

Band (or strap) clamp ($20–$35 for 6–23')

Wrap its webbed strap around a glue-up to hold corners together, such as when assembling a box or drawer. Some have blocks with pivoting jaws that protect delicate mitered corners and can accommodate corners other than 90° [Photo M]. The blocks also lift the strap off the workpiece so the strap doesn’t get glued in place or fouled by squeeze-out. Tighten a screw or a ratcheting mechanism to apply pressure.

Corner clamps ($15)

These often serve as a much-needed third hand, aligning perpendicular pieces as you twist the handle to apply clamping pressure. If you see frame making in your future, a set of four makes life much easier [Photo N].

C-clamps ($5–$20)

For the money, nothing beats C-clamps for applying pressure [Photo O]. The crossbar in the screw handle, the hefty threads, and the beefy iron body make these clamps overkill for most jobs. However, the long threaded rod provides a large capacity (after much spinning of the screw).

M Take up the slack with the crank. A band clamp conforms to non-square shapes, applying even pressure all around. Pivoting jaws concentrate clamping pressure near each joint.

N Use a corner clamp to hold mitered pieces in position while the glue dries. These clamps hold the corner of a drawer or carcase as well.

O C-clamps provide plenty of pressure for keeping a bandsaw tire in place while stretching it onto the wheel.