► LOCKJAW | Clamps

Faster Setup & Secure Workholding Without Constant Readjustment

Ever had a workpiece shift just as everything was finally square? LOCKJAW clamps are built for faster holding, positioning, assembly & fabrication, with options including one-handed clamps, parallel clamps, ratchet clamps plus self-adjusting locking clamps. For fabrication benches where accurate positioning matters before cutting, drilling or joining begins, Fabrication Tools & Workholding provides the broader workholding equipment around the job.

Traditional screw clamps have their place, but repeated adjustment can become tedious when material thickness keeps changing. Selected LOCKJAW locking clamps automatically accommodate different workpiece sizes, while other designs use quick adjustment, swivelling pads, parallel jaws or one-handed operation. Pairing the right clamp with dependable Hand Tools can make repetitive fitting, assembly & repair work considerably smoother.

Choose around the workpiece before choosing around clamp size. Timber panels need different support from round tube, sheet metal, box section or an awkward fabrication assembly. Jaw opening, throat depth, clamping force, pad design, reach, one-handed operation & spreader capability should all influence the decision.

What Are LOCKJAW | Clamps?

LOCKJAW clamps are workholding tools designed to grip, position or support material while another part of the job takes place. Depending on the model, that could mean holding steel before welding, keeping components aligned during assembly, clamping timber during a glue-up or securing a workpiece before drilling.

The LOCKJAW range includes different workholding mechanisms rather than one universal clamp style.

Depending on design, features can include:

► One-handed operation
► Self-adjusting locking action
► Set & Forget pressure control
► V-grooved pads
► Flat grip pads
► Swivelling contact pads
► Parallel-jaw clamping
► Adjustable pressure
► Ratcheting adjustment
► Quick-release mechanisms
► Spreader conversion
► Different jaw openings & throat depths

The distinction between a clamp & locking clamp matters. A conventional clamp may require manual adjustment as material thickness changes, while compatible LOCKJAW self-adjusting locking clamps can adapt their jaw opening automatically once the required pressure has been set.

Why Choose LOCKJAW | Clamps?

Clamping shouldn't take longer than the operation the clamp is preparing.

LOCKJAW clamps can help with:

► Holding components during assembly
► Positioning material before drilling
► Securing work during fabrication
► Supporting timber glue-ups
► Gripping suitable irregular profiles
► Holding round or flat material
► Temporary positioning during repairs
► Repetitive clamping across changing thicknesses
► Spreading suitable assemblies with convertible clamps
► Holding components before permanent fasteners are installed

Self-adjustment becomes particularly useful when the bench keeps seeing different material sizes. Compatible LOCKJAW designs use Set & Forget pressure control so the jaw opening can automatically accommodate changing thickness while retaining the selected pressure setting.

When the workpiece needs a permanent fixed grip rather than a portable clamp,  Bench Vice provides another practical workholding option.

Common Applications

What are you trying to stop moving? That question usually points towards the right clamp.

► Metal fabrication – position sections, brackets & compatible components during setup.
► Welding preparation – hold suitable pieces in alignment before joining.
► Woodworking – secure panels, frames & assemblies during appropriate tasks.
► Mechanical repairs – temporarily hold components while adjustments are made.
► Construction – position material during fitting, drilling or assembly.
► Cabinetry – clamp suitable panels & components during assembly.
► Workshop maintenance – hold awkward items when two free hands make the job easier.
► Sheet-metal work – secure appropriate flat sections during fitting or fabrication.
► Tube & pipe work – use suitable jaw configurations around round profiles.
► Glue-ups – maintain appropriate pressure while compatible adhesives cure.
► Assembly work – keep pieces positioned while permanent fixings are installed.
► Temporary spreading – use compatible convertible clamps where controlled separation is required.

Welding setup adds heat, joint access & material geometry to the clamping equation. Workshops building or upgrading their fabrication capability can also use  Metal Fab. Kits to support the wider metalworking workflow.

Product Selection Guide

Start With the Clamp Style

One clamp design can't be ideal for everything from a timber glue-up to holding steel tube.

LOCKJAW clamp styles can include:

► One-hand dual clamps
► Ratchet clamps
► Parallel clamps
► Self-adjusting C-clamps
► Swivel-pad locking clamps
► Extended-reach configurations

Match the mechanism to the movement you're trying to prevent. Fast one-handed positioning, broad parallel pressure & deeper-reach metalwork create very different workholding requirements.

Match the Clamp to the Material

Steel, timber, aluminium & round tube don't behave the same way between two jaws.

For steel fabrication, consider:

► Jaw reach
► Clamping force
► Access around the joint
► Swivel-pad contact
► Heat exposure
► Workpiece geometry

For timber & panels, consider:

► Parallel jaw contact
► Surface protection
► Pressure distribution
► Clamp length
► Glue-line alignment

For round tube or pipe, consider:

► V-grooved pads
► Jaw geometry
► Resistance to rolling
► Contact position

For finished or softer material, consider:

► Protective pads
► Reduced marking
► Controlled pressure
► Clean contact surfaces

Material compatibility matters more than maximum force. The best clamp is the one that holds securely without unnecessarily crushing, distorting or marking the workpiece.

One-Hand Dual Clamps

Need one hand on the workpiece while the other applies the clamp? That's where one-handed operation starts earning its keep.

LOCKJAW one-hand dual clamps use a nylon-composite body with a strengthened carbon-steel bar.

Changeable pads allow compatible models to use:

► V-grooved pads
► Flat TPR grip pads

V-grooved pads can help locate suitable round or irregular material, while flatter pads provide broader contact across compatible surfaces.

Keeping one hand available for alignment can eliminate the familiar cycle of position, release, clamp then reposition.

Ratchet Clamps

Small workpieces don't always need a long bar clamp hanging off the bench.

LOCKJAW ratchet clamps use a ratcheting mechanism with an easy-release trigger plus V-grooved swivelling pads.

They can suit:

► Smaller assemblies
► Quick positioning
► Light fabrication setup
► Repair tasks
► Holding irregular profiles
► General bench work

Progressive ratcheting makes pressure straightforward to apply. The release mechanism then allows the clamp to come away without laboriously winding back a threaded adjustment.

Parallel Clamps

Long panels have a habit of exposing uneven pressure very quickly.

LOCKJAW parallel clamps maintain broad opposing jaw contact across suitable workpieces.

Available sizes can accommodate different assembly requirements, while the parallel-jaw format can be useful where deeper, broader contact is preferred.

They can suit:

► Timber panels
► Cabinetry
► Frames
► Larger assemblies
► Glue-ups
► Work requiring distributed pressure

Parallel jaws help spread pressure across opposing faces rather than concentrating the entire load at a small contact point.

Clamp or Spreader?

What if the job needs controlled pressure in the opposite direction?

Compatible LOCKJAW parallel clamps can convert into spreaders without additional tools.

That can help with suitable:

► Frame adjustment
► Assembly positioning
► Controlled separation
► Installation work
► Repair tasks

Convertible clamping earns its workshop space twice. The same tool can provide inward clamping plus outward spreading where the application allows it.

Self-Adjusting Locking Clamps

Changing from thin plate to thicker box section shouldn't automatically mean resetting the jaw opening from scratch.

Selected LOCKJAW self-adjusting locking clamps automatically accommodate changing workpiece thickness while using Set & Forget pressure control.

That can be useful during:

► Repetitive fabrication
► Welding setup
► Production work
► Repairs involving mixed material sizes
► Assembly across changing profiles

This is where self-adjusting locking clamps differ from traditional locking pliers or manually adjusted locking clamps. Instead of repeatedly setting the jaw opening for each thickness, compatible LOCKJAW models can adapt while maintaining the selected pressure setting.

C-Clamps for Fabrication

Need access around the joint while still reaching deep enough to hold the work?

C-clamp configurations can suit fabrication where jaw geometry needs to reach around:

► Flanges
► Plate
► Box section
► Frames
► Brackets
► Weld preparation

Before choosing, check:

► Jaw opening
► Throat depth
► Pad type
► Required pressure
► Access around the joint

Reach can be every bit as important as capacity. A clamp may open wide enough for the material yet still fail to reach the point where pressure needs to be applied.

Standard Tips or Swivel Pads?

Flat steel, angled sections & irregular assemblies don't always offer two perfectly parallel faces.

Swivel pads can adapt contact to changing surface angles while distributing pressure across a broader area.

Standard contact points may suit jobs where:

► Direct contact is acceptable
► Geometry is straightforward
► Concentrated grip is useful

Swivel pads become attractive where:

► Surfaces aren't parallel
► Broader contact is preferred
► Workpiece marking is a concern
► Component geometry changes

Pad design isn't cosmetic. The way a clamp contacts the work influences stability, pressure distribution & the likelihood of marking the surface.

Check Jaw Opening

A clamp that's 10 mm short has exactly zero spare capacity for the job.

Measure the maximum thickness or combined material stack the jaws need to clear.

Allow for:

► Workpiece thickness
► Protective packing
► Jigs
► Fixtures
► Multiple components
► Angled positioning

Avoid selecting a clamp that only just reaches. Additional capacity can make setup easier when material isn't sitting perfectly square between the jaws.

Check Throat Depth

Jaw opening tells you how thick the work can be; throat depth tells you how far onto it the clamp can reach.

Deeper reach can become useful for:

► Sheet material
► Wide flanges
► Fabricated assemblies
► Panels
► Sections where the pressure point sits away from the edge

This measurement is easy to overlook until the clamp physically can't reach the required location.

Compare Clamping Force With the Job

More force isn't automatically better. Controlled force is better.

LOCKJAW designs serve different pressure requirements. Parallel clamps, ratchet clamps, one-hand clamps & locking clamps shouldn't be selected on maximum force alone.

Too much force can:

► Mark softer material
► Distort thin sections
► Damage finished surfaces
► Squeeze excessive adhesive from a joint
► Pull an assembly out of alignment

Too little force can allow:

► Movement
► Gaps
► Misalignment
► Slippage

Apply enough pressure to secure the work without turning every clamping job into a strength test.

Protect Finished Surfaces

The clamp can do its job perfectly & still leave a mark you didn't want.

Take extra care with:

► Finished timber
► Painted steel
► Aluminium
► Polished surfaces
► Thin sheet
► Coated components
► Softer materials

Use suitable pads or protective packing where appropriate.

Check the pad before every critical finish job. A piece of swarf trapped against a protective surface can turn the pad itself into the thing that causes damage.

Use Several Clamps Strategically

One huge clamp isn't always better than several correctly positioned clamps.

Multiple clamps can distribute pressure across:

► Long glue joints
► Panels
► Frames
► Fabricated sections
► Assembly fixtures
► Wide workpieces

Bring pressure up progressively. Position the assembly, apply several clamps lightly, recheck alignment then increase pressure rather than fully tightening the first clamp immediately.

Clamp Before Drilling

A drill bit can grab quickly enough to turn poor workholding into a serious problem.

Secure suitable work where the drilling operation requires restraint.

The wider Power Tools range can support drilling & fabrication tasks, but the workpiece still needs appropriate control.

Before drilling:

► Confirm clamp position
► Keep jaws clear of the bit
► Check workpiece stability
► Support larger material
► Confirm the clamp won't obstruct the tool

Good workholding lets the cutting tool move while the workpiece stays where it belongs.

Hold Alignment Before Installing Fasteners

The clamp often has one important job: keep everything aligned until the permanent fixing takes over.

When assembling components with Bolts & Fasteners, clamps can maintain suitable positioning while holes, brackets & fixings are prepared.

A practical sequence can be:

► Align components
► Apply clamps
► Recheck dimensions
► Confirm squareness
► Drill or position fixings where appropriate
► Install fasteners
► Confirm joint security
► Release clamps progressively

Don't let clamping pressure disguise poor alignment. Measure again before committing to permanent fixings.

Keep Clamp Faces Clean

One piece of metal swarf beneath a pad can leave a permanent reminder on softer material.

Before clamping:

► Inspect pads
► Remove metal particles
► Clear sawdust
► Wipe away grit
► Check contact faces
► Replace damaged protective pads

Clean contact surfaces support grip while reducing unnecessary marking.

Store Clamps Where Setup Happens

A quick-adjust clamp isn't particularly quick when it's buried at the bottom of the workshop.

Group frequently used clamps by:

► Clamp type
► Jaw capacity
► Throat depth
► Work area
► Fabrication task
► Material type

Tools Storage & Organization can help keep clamps, hand tools & fabrication accessories organised around the workbench.

Inspect Before the Next Job

Clamps spend their lives around force, dust, adhesive, welding benches & workshop debris. Give them thirty seconds before asking for another hard grip.

Check:

► Release mechanisms
► Pads
► Bars
► Jaw alignment
► Locking action
► Handles
► Threads where applicable
► Signs of bending or damage
► Contamination around moving components

Spring Jobsite Prep Getting Your Gear Ready covers broader equipment checks before workload increases.

Expert Tips

► Measure first. Jaw opening & throat depth are much easier to check before the job reaches the bench.
► Match the clamp to the material. Steel, timber, round tube & finished surfaces create different contact requirements.
► Use one-handed clamps when positioning is the difficult part. Keeping one hand on the work can simplify awkward setups.
► Don't automatically chase maximum pressure. Excessive force can distort material or
damage surfaces.
► Clamp progressively. Bring multiple clamps up to pressure gradually across larger assemblies.
► Check diagonals on frames. Strong clamping won't correct an assembly that's already out of square.
► Keep the tool path clear. A clamp shouldn't occupy the space where a drill, saw or grinder needs to travel.
► Protect finished surfaces. Use appropriate pads or packing where direct contact could leave marks.
► Remove swarf before clamping. Metal particles beneath pads can scratch softer materials.
► Use parallel clamps where broad opposing pressure matters. They're particularly useful across suitable panel & assembly work.
► Consider reach as carefully as opening. A clamp can fit the material thickness yet still fail to reach the required point.
► Use swivel pads on awkward faces. They can accommodate changing contact angles better than rigid points.
► Let self-adjusting locking clamps handle changing thicknesses. Repetitive fabrication is where automatic jaw adjustment can save repeated setup.
► Don't compensate for damaged clamps with more pressure. Bent bars, worn releases or damaged jaws deserve inspection.
► Keep common sizes close to the bench. Faster access helps the clamp deliver its setup-time advantage.
► Release pressure under control. Support assemblies that could shift when the clamp comes away.