When I first used the new parallel-jaw clamp from Irwin, I was surprised at how good the handle felt in my hands. The handle has an oval shape, and the grip feels like soft rubber, making it easier to grip and crank than other parallel clamps.

New parallel clamps. Irwin’s parallel-jaw clamps have handles with a slip-free grip.

No matter how much I tightened the clamps, the cold-formed steel bar refused to deflect. This might be because the clamps measured an average force of 575 lb. when Fine Woodworking tested them, about 15% less than Bessey’s 675-lb. average.

The Irwin clamps have a removable plastic foot that helps level the clamp on your benchtop. Mounted on a cotter-pin assembly, the foot can be adjusted down the bar-which comes in handy when your clamp is longer than your assembly table-or removed completely.

With the foot removed, you can flip the clamp head and convert the clamp into a spreader, which is invaluable for safely disassembling joinery.

Expect to pay about $35 for the 24-in. clamp, $40 for the 48-in. version. Go to www.irwin.com for more information.

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