Review and photos by Raf Nathan
These low cost clamps come in a selection of lengths and appear quite rugged and easy to use. They use a steel bar and strong plastic fittings and according to the tech specs offer 227kg of raw clamping power. Sizes available, being the clamping range, are 150mm, 300mm, 450mm, 650 and 900mm.
The clamp action is activated with a pump style lever and release is by a separate button. As an extra, each clamp has a a hole through which other clamps can be slid and locked in place. This function allows the user to set up two clamps together forming a versatile clamping assembly to hold doors or other workpieces.
The head and lever section can be reversed so they can also be used as spreaders.
I mentioned low cost at the beginning because the prices start at $20 for the 150mm clamp and go up, roughly in $5 increments with the 900mm clamp costing around $35.
My recommendation would be to get two of the 300mm and two 450mm for general purpose use.
Crescent clamps are available from specialist tool retailers and hardware stores or see www.apextoolgroup.com.au
