Clamps and vises have a large number of uses in a wide variety of industries. From carpentry to automobile repair, from arts and crafts to heavy-duty welding, you can use a vise clamp in your business to make work quicker and easier.

Because there are many uses for clamps and vises, you must analyze your needs and figure out what type of clamp vise is right for your business. Decide on characteristics such as strength, size and configuration. Depending on your business, seek:

1. Woodworking clamps for carpentry and light construction

2. Industrial vise clamps for metal work

3. Band clamps for piping, wiring and duct work.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase wood clamps for sale for carpentry and other woodworking needs

Outfit your business with woodworking vises and clamps and get through your tasks much faster. A clamp is an excellent tool for keeping pieces of your wood project in a fixed position so that you can cut, shape, file, attach or paint them, freeing both hands for the process. Most wood clamps are adjustable for both position and width, making them highly diverse and acceptable for any type of project.

I recommend: Choose a clamp vise that will fit your needs from among those available at Woodworker's Supply, Woodcraft or Rockler.

Make your shop more efficient with industrial clamps and vises

Automotive and motorcycle repair, machine-building and other metal and welding work often involve welding clamps and vises. Due to the size of the material or the type of tool being used, you may need two hands for the work, necessitating a heavy-duty vise. If your shop includes the cutting, welding, grinding or shaping of metals, incorporate industrial clamps and vises for increased safety.

I recommend: Buy bench vises from Northern Tool, Southern-Tool or Yost; each sells heavy-duty vises fit for welding and other metal work. Reed Manufacturing offers a selection of specialty vises for various applications.

Use band clamps for duct work, piping and wiring

An essential part of constructing any closed system, such as plumbing, heating or electrical wiring, is making sure that the network fits together solidly. Ensure tight joins and structural integrity by using band clamps in your project. Affixing these products in appropriate places means that your pipes, ducts or wiring conduits create a sealed system, resulting in greater efficiency and less repair work.

I recommend: You can find a variety of band clamp sizes for various functions at Ideal or Hosexpress.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  With wood- and metal-working vises, most are heavy and will need a solid bench or wall mount to function safely. Additionally, make sure they're securely bolted in place. Even for more lightweight clamps, some of the material you're connecting will be heavy enough to make these precautions necessary.