2012 WOOD® magazine Innov8 Awards

No-fuss toggle clamps self-adjust to thicknesses

Toggle clamps have been around for years, but getting them to apply just the right amount of clamping force takes a lot of trial-and-error tinkering. With Bessey's Auto-Adjust hold-down clamps, you set the bolt to an approximate depth, and the spring-loaded tensioning system automatically locks your workpiece in place-even when going from 1"-thick stock to 2". And you can vary the amount of clamping force, from 25 to 550 lbs, by adjusting a screw under the handle.

These clamps come in hold-down style with low-and high-clearance mounting bases, as well as inline style for vertical mounting. The hold-down clamps have a capacity up to 2 5/8"; the inline clamps have 1" of clamping range.

Bessey Tools
Auto-Adjust Toggle Clamps, $20-$25 each

Secrets to Clamping Success

Shop for Bessey Auto-adjust Toggle Clamps at Amazon.com