Pipe clamps - best deal?

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

I'm looking to make some 1/2" and 3/4" pipe clamps, but am having a hard time choosing which clamps to go with. I'm not wanting to drop a ton of money, but still want something that will last and be able to clamp fairly tight.

Opinions? What do you guys use?

Click to read more...

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

Harbor Freight tools has some clamp ends for $8-10. I've been pricing out building up some clamps of my own but I need to find out what kind of pipe to use.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/clamps/1-2-half-inch-pipe-clamp-3813.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/clamps/3-4-quarter-inch-pipe-clamp-with-base-94053.html

They also have fully assembled 3-4foot clamps starting at $18.

edit: my dad has these ends on gas piping, its what I use: http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/clamps/2-piece-3-4-quarter-inch-heavy-duty-cast-iron-pipe-clamp-31255.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/clamps/48-inch-aluminum-bar-clamp-38185.html

this is interesting, just came across it while surfing: http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/clamps/1-inch-x-15-ft-ratcheting-band-clamp-66220.html

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

Yeah, I was checking out some of the stuff at HF, just don't know what kind of quality they are. They look decent though. I'm looking at making two different lengths that can clamp 26" and 62". I'm not sure if I'd need 3/4" pipe for the 62" or if 1/2" would suffice since that cast iron pipe is pretty hefty.

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

Shit, HF just changed their coupon to 10% savings on an item instead of 20%...and the 20% worked when doing multiples of the same item. The 10% just applies to one single item. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

Most of Harbor Freights tools are junk...

 

[kgcolbyIII 10+ year member]

Most of Harbor Freights tools are junk...

thats funny because i work the hell out of mine for HOURS and are running strong. Just dont buy the cheapo stuff.

the guys told me (if it does not say proffesional on the box then its only a temp tool and wont last long) its worth spending the extra 20% more for the better version.

I bought a router for 69.99 and iv done TONS of work and its still running strong. Iv gotton two 4' clamps and they havent failed, how about the router bits that are still sharp and solid after it has chewed through some 20AWG nails. Oh dont get me started on the wired drill that i have that i used for LONG term run time cleaning the concrete from the resin on the ground with a steel brush. The thing ran for hours and it didnt cook.

Not tryin to attack but honestly iv loved every tool from them yet, works just as good as my Porter Cable/Dewalt tools so far.

 

[kgcolbyIII 10+ year member]

holy hell tripple post

DELETED

 

[kgcolbyIII 10+ year member]

holy hell tripple post

DELETED

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

thats funny because i work the hell out of mine for HOURS and are running strong. Just dont buy the cheapo stuff.
the guys told me (if it does not say proffesional on the box then its only a temp tool and wont last long) its worth spending the extra 20% more for the better version.

I bought a router for 69.99 and iv done TONS of work and its still running strong. Iv gotton two 4' clamps and they havent failed, how about the router bits that are still sharp and solid after it has chewed through some 20AWG nails. Oh dont get me started on the wired drill that i have that i used for LONG term run time cleaning the concrete from the resin on the ground with a steel brush. The thing ran for hours and it didnt cook.

Not tryin to attack but honestly iv loved every tool from them yet, works just as good as my Porter Cable/Dewalt tools so far.

I've bought plenty of tools from them and IMO you get what you pay for.

 

[kgcolbyIII 10+ year member]

I've bought plenty of tools from them and IMO you get what you pay for.

do you buy the standered versions or the higher end ones? there high end is about the same price as home depots/lowes bottom end and still VERY effective product. So far its lasted as long as my lowes/depot upper tier tools