Adam C. contacted ToolGuyd to suggest a tool for review back in June:
I was watching a video the other day and I saw someone using an interesting clamp. In the comments someone mentioned it was called a JackClamp. Have you heard or seen these before? They are pricy (sic) for clamps but I can see where they may be useful.
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The JackClamp is a unique multi-purpose parallel bar clamps that is said to be a reinvented bar clamp and the most versatile clamp on the market today.
Well, yes, we’ve seen these clamps before. In fact, I posted about a previous iteration of this clamp, the Alpha Clamp, in 2009 back on Toolmonger. These clamps have continued to be sold since then, and don’t look like they are going anywhere. The big question though is are they are worth the hefty price tag.
A single JackClamp will cost you $55. Let’s compare the JackClamp to some similar “Quick-Clamp” style clamps.
With the double rail and spreader attachment, you can clamp work up to 32″, so we need to look at higher-end 36″ quick clamps. The two more comparable models are the Bessey EZS 90-8, and the Irwin Quick-Grip XP600, which are priced at $30 and $40, respectively.
The Bessey model will deliver up to 445 lbs of clamping force, while the Irwin will squeeze out glue with 600 pounds of force. I don’t see Lowell Thomas Tool explicitly mentioning the JackClamp’s clamping force, but since they claim the JackClamp can jack or hoist up to 300 pounds, let’s assume that it can also deliver that kind of clamping force. Like the JackClamp, both of these competing clamps can also be used as spreaders.
If the story ended there, I’d say go buy another clamp, but the Jack Clamp can do more than these other clamps.
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With the spreader attachment, you can use the JackClamp as a spreader in gaps as narrow as 1/4″.
The V-Jaw attachment allows you to use the JackClamp to clamp round objects, such as pipes. Also, each of the V-jaws can be pivoted independently of the JackClamp jaws, so you could clamp two pipes perpendicularly or any other angle.
Like its name implies, the JackClamp can also be used as a jack with 300 lbs of lifting force. To use the Jack Clamp as a jack you connect the foot attachment to the fixed jaw, which allows the JackClamp to stand vertically on its own. Then you flip the moving jaw around to lifting position.
There are several different cabinet jacks on the market. These tools support and stabilize cabinets for easier installation.
For instance, the T-Jak TJ-104 uses a screw mechanism that adjusts from 52″ to 84″, to hold up to 400lbs. A single T-Jak cabinet Jack will run you about $100 after shipping. FastCap also makes the Jack of all Trades that’ll lift 70 lbs for $40. It also clamps and spreads but with a much shorter reach and presumably less spreading and clamping force.
I couldn’t find any pictures of the Jack Clamp hoisting, but they demonstrate it in an older video. There are holes in the ends of each rail. You use one hole for hooking the jack clamp to something solid, like a ceiling joist, and you’d use the other to hook up to a 300 pound load.
The JackClamp’s features don’t end there. It has two built in bubble level vials. They say you can use it for leveling cabinets or picture frames, but the only non-gimmicky use I can see would be to level the base while you are jacking up a cabinet or other work.
The JackClamp and all accessories are made in the USA, and Thomas Lowell Tools warranties the Jack Clamp for life. They also have a very generous satisfaction guarantee:
Give the JackClamp a try and if you aren’t totally satisfied, we’ll buy it back from you for up to 30 days.
As I mentioned above, a single Jack Clamp without any accessories will run you $55 plus $6.50 shipping, if you buy directly from Lowell Thomas Tools, or you can purchase one at Amazon for $50 shipped via prime.
Buy Now (Single JackClamp via Lowell Thomas Tools)
Buy Now (single JackClamp via Amazon)
Another way to go is to buy the entire JackClamp System for $120. This includes two JackClamps, spreader attachments, foot attachments, and V-jaw attachments. Shipping for the kit is free from both Lowell Thomas Tool and Amazon.
Right now it’s $1-2 cheaper if you buy from Amazon.
Buy Now (JackClamp System via Lowell Thomas Tool)
Buy Now (JackClamp System via Amazon)
On the Lowell Thomas Website, you can also buy the different attachments separately (spreader attachments, pad attachments, foot attachments, and V-jaw attachments) or the single and double Cabinet Jack clamp kits.
Buy Now (Jack Clamp Store)
Final Analysis
Since I’ve never picked up JackClamp, I can’t comment on the build quality or performance. When I started to revisit the JackClamp, I was convinced that it was still just a gimmick, but after doing the research for this post and looking at the other products available on the market, I’m not so sure anymore. The clamping, spreading, jacking, and hoisting capacity puts the Jack Clamp squarely in the really useful range.
If you’re wondering about whether the JackClamp is worth buying, you need to ask yourself: “do I need all these features in a clamp, or is a less expensive clamp going to do the job?”
If you’re a small business owner with a limited tool budget who installs cabinets infrequently, this might be a good tool for you — you can take your everyday clamp and jack up cabinets with it.
But, if you’re a pro who does this every day, you probably don’t want to monkey around re-configuring a clamp to jack or hoist — you will probably want to either dedicate a couple of JackClamps just for jacking up cabinets, or buy another dedicated tool.
Another thing to consider: if you want to use any of the special features you get with the attachments, where are you going to store them? Unless I keep a tool in its original case, I usually lose any attachments that aren’t permanently connected to the tool somehow. So are you going to actually be able to find that V-Jaw attachment when you need it? If you splurge on the JackClamp system, be sure to set aside a couple of bucks for a tool bag or tool box to keep it all in.
User reviews seem to be quite positive as well.
What’s your take on the JackClamp?
Mike
I actually won a set of these from a Home Fixated give away. Personally I never would have purchased a $120 set of “quick clamps” I have a good stock of Irwin quick clamps that worked fine for simple things, quick fixes or jigs. For most wood working I still prefer parallel jaw style bar clamps. So I had a few clamps before these. They are built well. They feel like any high quality quick clamp and work like one. In there basic “mode” they work fine. The adjustable bar is useful sometimes for basic clamping but not really. If doing something basic I’d still grab a Irwin cause of the weight, the Jack Clamps are heavy. If trying to do something one handed while the glue is setting, dealing with the extra weight can be a challenge.
Now if you have a collection of other clamps and do a lot of projects around the house by your self….these might be useful. When you start moving that adjustable bar around making spreaders, or little jacks. It is also nice to get your hand away from the work surface with that bar. The little finger guy is useful for spreading boards on a fence, or getting under a door/gate to pick it up while trying to align it. The pipe attachment for me so far hasn’t been used. The time I used it running conduit, I just clamped it to the vertical posts with the standard jaw. The wide foot attachment is kind of useful in vertical support situations. Under load it doesn’t really do much, but does keep the clamp vertical while setting up or once weight it taken off it.
Short version. Not a clamp for basic clamping. It’s heavy and bulky. It is a great TOOL for so many other little things. They wouldn’t be the first clamps I’d recommend to someone, but as you build your clamp collection I’d include a pair of these. I’d buy the big kit. It’s this little parts that make them as cool and useful as they are.
Yadda
Looks like a clamp for many tasks, but potentially a master of none of those tasks. Multipurpose tools (favorites of mine in all aspects) can be used for many purposes, but often fall a little short of the full capabilities of a dedicated tool. I don’t know that I would spend $120 on the full set.
John
I bought a set of these and they are really fantastic. The build quality was way better than my Irwins and they don’t bind or slip. Since I’m mostly by myself on projects and hobbies this is the perfect assistant for those times another set of hands are needed. Also it should be noted that the company themselves are incredibly receptive and helpful.
These have a lifetime warranty and they really do mean it. I’ve had friends who had damaged them which was obviously their fault (dropped from 3rd story ladder breaking removable foot only damage) and when they called to get a set of replacement parts to fix them, the company said “no lifetime warranty is lifetime coverage” and sent them for free and covered shipping. That’s the kind of service and customer support I’ll pay extra for.
fred
I asked my ex-compatriots if they had tried a set of these out. I was told they bought a set about 1 year ago – tried them out and as afar as they can tell they are gathering dust. We had used Fastcap 3rd Hand’s – and liked them – found no reason to change.
Nathan
there are other jacks out there for the cabinet thing. last time I put some up I used an automotive floor jack and a 2x
the other items look like better clamps – or easier to handle clamps, I have the bessey’s.
I can’t image using it as a hoist and it working well considering it’s hoist range is what – 32 inches? same with the jack idea.
well built – looks solid but since someone also said they are indeed heavy. I’d pass.
Robt Reph
Warum “Geld Verdienen im Internet” Doch Funktioniert. Sicher haben Sie schon vom Geld verdienen im Netz zählt. Es stellt einen viel diskutiertes, oft gar kontroverses Thema von fortschreitender Beliebtheit. Wahrscheinlich haben Sie auch schon ein paar Homepages bestaunt, die von Erreichbar Geld erwerben durch Mails lesen oder Im Netz Geld erwerben durch Studien sprechen.
http://likestudio.de/
Gabriella Sollman
http://likestudio.de/
Derek
The Jorgensen ISD’s can be turned around to act as a spreader. They can also be ganged together so two 12″ clamps become one 24″. I like them a lot.
Nick
I have a set of these and as others have said the build quality is excellent and they are indeed versatile.
I have used them to hold 9ft sheets of T1-11 up, and even been a little annoyed when I wanted to shift the sheet up 1/2 inch and couldn’t.
I use them to hold a cutting edge when riping with a circular saw but if my pony hand grip clamps are within reach I use those instead. Just easier and they don’t stick up like a clamp does.
I use them to align studs that warped (cheap lumber) and they are plenty strong as a clamp or a jack.
The spare parts are all kept in a drawer organizer but I rarely use them.
As far as cons go I would consider the price and the weight to be less than ideal. Not sure though you could get the same sturdy feel from a lighter clamp and quality tends to cost money.
If you are looking for a 1st set of clamps or a really tough clamp that is made in USA these are a good buy. If you have some good clamps already I wouldn’t add these in unless you ran out of other tools to buy.