Jorgensen

Jorgensen makes clamps. Real clamps with actual force ratings — 300 lbs, 600 lbs, 1000 lbs, 1500 lbs — not marketing fluff. The brand’s been around over a century, known for durability and versatility in their woodworking clamps. Their lineup includes bar clamps, parallel jaw clamps, hand screw clamps, and their patented EZ Hold expandable system.

What Separates Jorgensen From Hardware Store Clamps

The 36-inch heavy-duty bar clamp delivers 1,000 pounds of clamping force through cast-iron heads and a rust-resistant steel bar rated at 80,000 psi tensile strength. Those aren’t decorative numbers. The 24-inch Cabinet Master parallel jaw clamp pushes 1,500 pounds — the highest in their lineup — with 90-degree jaws that stay square to prevent bowing.

Every EZ Hold clamp, regardless of size, provides consistent 300-pound force. That consistency matters when you’re gluing up panels and need uniform pressure across multiple clamps.

Users compare them to Bessey clamps, noting Jorgensen builds are “more robust and beefier” with a slightly longer and heavier build. Translation: they’re overbuilt for the contractors who break lesser tools.

Model	Clamping Force	Opening Capacity	Throat Depth
24” Medium-Duty Bar	600 lbs	24”	2-1/2”
36” Heavy-Duty Bar	1,000 lbs	36”	3”
24” Cabinet Master	1,500 lbs	24”	3-7/8”
12” EZ Hold	300 lbs	12”	3-3/8”
10” Hand Screw	300 lbs	6”	5”

The EZ Hold System Actually Works

The patented EZ Hold mechanism allows true one-handed operation for both clamping and releasing. But here’s what matters: the dovetail joint feature lets you join two clamps end-to-end to double your reach. Need a 24-inch clamp but only have 12s? Join them. Each clamp also converts to a spreader with 6-1/2 inches of additional capacity beyond the clamping range.

The 18-inch model weighs just 2 pounds but still delivers that same 300-pound force. Quick-release levers and contoured grips reduce hand fatigue during repetitive operations. These aren’t gimmicks — they’re features that save time on production work.

The rubber pads actually protect workpieces, and the heat-treated carbon steel bars maintain their shape under load. For Montana’s temperature swings between seasons, that rust-resistant finish matters more than in stable climates.

Cabinet Master Clamps For Precision Work

The Cabinet Master line addresses a specific problem: keeping large assemblies square under pressure. The 90-degree parallel jaws prevent the bowing and lifting that plague standard bar clamps on cabinet boxes. At 1,500 pounds of force through a 3-7/8 inch throat, they handle full cabinet depths.

The built-in clamp stand enables upright, one-handed operation — set it on your bench, slide in your workpiece, tighten with one hand while holding alignment with the other. Multiple hardened steel clutch disks provide the holding power, while large plastic jaws distribute pressure evenly across wide surfaces.

The reversible sliding head converts it to a spreader, useful for disassembly or applying outward pressure during repairs.

Hand Screw Clamps For Irregular Work

The 10-inch hand screw uses seasoned hard-maple jaws with adjustable angles for clamping irregular shapes. With a 5-inch throat depth and 6-inch opening capacity, it reaches places bar clamps can’t. The wood jaws won’t mar finished surfaces, and the 300-pound clamping force handles most woodworking tasks.

Cold-drawn steel spindles with double-lead threads provide smooth adjustment. These aren’t as fast as modern quick-release clamps, but they excel at distributing pressure over broad areas on odd-shaped pieces.

Hand Screw Specs	Value
Jaw Length	10”
Max Opening	6”
Throat Depth	5”
Clamping Force	300 lbs
Jaw Material	Seasoned hard-maple

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the actual difference between Jorgensen’s force ratings?

The 600-pound medium-duty clamps handle standard glue-ups and assembly work. The 1,000-pound heavy-duty models tackle laminating thick stock or bending operations. The 1,500-pound Cabinet Masters are specifically for large cabinet assemblies where any flex means rework.

Can the EZ Hold clamps really support joining multiple units?

Yes, the dovetail joint is a patented mechanical connection, not just overlapping bars. Two 12-inch clamps joined create a functional 24-inch clamp with the same 300-pound force rating.

Why do the Cabinet Master clamps cost more than standard bar clamps?

The parallel jaw mechanism uses multiple hardened steel clutch disks and precision-machined components to maintain that 90-degree angle under 1,500 pounds of force. The built-in stand and larger throat depth (3-7/8”) also add to the cost.

Are wooden hand screws still relevant with all the modern clamp options?

For clamping tapered legs, angled assemblies, or finished pieces where metal jaws would leave marks, the adjustable wooden jaws solve problems other clamps create. The 5-inch throat depth also beats most bar clamps for reaching into assemblies.