Pipe clamps are a form of support mechanism for suspended pipe installations. It doesn’t matter from which angle or direction the suspension comes, as long as there is a good pipe clamp, it will hold.
Even though pipe fittings are common to plumbers, you might need it too as a DIY enthusiast. Here are the recommended models for your use.
Our Top Picks for Best Pipe Clamps
1. Bessey BPC-H12 1/2-Inch H Style Pipe Clamps, 4 Pack
Its clamp surface and its padded jaws are wide enough to allow a more positive grip. The handle is large for more positive pressure, allowing the clutch action for an automatic bar grip. It is sold together in a pack of 4 and this product is one of the most durable ones you can get on the market currently .
The work surface clears off automatically when you open and close the clamp jaws through its crank handles. The clutch components are plated with zinc while the threaded spindle is coated with black oxide. With all these coatings, you can be sure that you are buying a durable pipe clamp.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 9 x 10.24 x 10.25 inches
- Item weight: 8.4 pounds
- Item package quantity: 4
- Manufacturer: Bessey
- Customer reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Durable material
- Easy to fix
- Offers great value for money
Cons
- Better suited for small projects only
2. Bessey BPC-H34 3/4-Inch H Style Pipe Clamp, red
Just like the first product on this list from the same manufacturer, this pipe clamp is also an H style foot design. The H design has two dimensions, giving the clamp dual-axis stability. This H style base also prevents the clamps from tipping over.
There is also an extra base that provides industry-leading clearance from any surface.
This pipe clamp is durable, especially when you look at the design of its cast jaws. The clutch components are plated with zinc, while the threaded spindle is coated with black oxide to ensure you get maximum use from it.
When you open or close the jaw on the clamp, its crank handle clears the work surface. The clamping surface is large enough to aid a positive grip.
Also included in the package are soft jaws that prevent any form of damage when used with soft materials.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 8.5 x 2.5 x 5 Inches
- Item weight: 1.1 pounds
- Color: Red
- Material: Black oxide
- Manufacturer: Bessey
Pros
- Durable material
- Easy to use
- Offers great value for money
Cons
- Limited to small projects
3. IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Pipe Clamp, 3/4-Inch (224134)
Greater clearance is exhibited between the work surface and the handle. The handle is ergonomic, minimizing any cause for hand strain while in use. The handle also prevents your knuckles from always brushing the pipe surface. Its cast steel material makes it a durable pipe clamp.
It features a double screw thread that makes applying pressure a lot easier. You also don’t need to use multiple clamps on one project with it.
The clutch has a quick release, making the clamp compatible with a non-threaded pipe.
It is smooth and easy to operate, even if you have no prior knowledge of clamps. There is an instruction manual in the package detailing how best to use it.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 12 x 8.5 x 2.2 inches
- Item weight: 1.6 pounds
- Size: ¾ inch
- Included component: A unit instruction guide
- Material: Cast steel
- Manufacturer: IRWIN
- Customer reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Pros
- It is easy to use
- Great value for money
- Made of durable material
Cons
- May not grip well with non-threaded pipes
4. 3/4″ Wood Gluing Pipe Clamp Set Heavy Duty PRO Woodworking Cast Iron New FOUR
It is versatile, capable of clamping any pipe length you supply. The clutch is 4 plated, aiding the application of pressure and a quick release.
Even though it is best for woodworkers, it can hold and stabilize metallic materials considering its heavy-duty construction.
It is one of the cheapest on the market; still, it does its job well. When you buy the package, you get 4 clamps that are ready for use straight away.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 10 x 6 x 6 inches
- Item weight: 8.99 pounds
- Material: Cast iron
- Size: ¾ inch
- Color: Red
- Manufacturer: J & R Quality Tools
- Customer reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Easy to use
- Durable clamp
- Versatile
Cons
- Some customers complained that all 4 clamps are not included
5. Bessey PC-34DR 3/4-Inch Deep Reach Pipe Clamp Fixture
The cast iron material on the handle gives it a better feel in your hands, eliminating any hand fatigue that is synonymous with other pipe clamps of lesser quality.
Included in this package are cast iron jaws that prevent any damage to the surface of the material. It also features an H design which is two dimensional, giving the clamp dual-axis stability
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 6 x 3 x 2 inches
- Item weight: 0.01 ounce
- Manufacturer: Bessey
- Customer reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Pros
- It is extremely lightweight
- It is easy to use
Cons
- Some customers complained of misaligned screws
6. PONY 50 Pipe Clamp, Fixture for 3/4-Inch Black Pipe
After you buy it, it is very easy to assemble, requiring no tool whatsoever. It can serve several needs as the fixtures are interchangeable from one end to the other.
Its multiple disc clutch design improves its grip or hold at any point along the pipe. For a quick release of pressure, the disc clutch can be accessed from above and beneath the pipe. The handle is a crank type.
It has a screw diameter of 5/8” and is capable of cutting Acme threads. The sliding head has a steel thrust bearing to prevent wear at any point on the screw.
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 5.25 x 2 x 8.5 inches
- Item weight: 2.44 pounds
- Size: Medium
- Material: Iron
- Color: Black
- Manufacturer: Pony
- Customer reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Pros
- The clamp is versatile
- Ease to use
- Great value for money
Cons
- It does not come with the pipe
The Buying Guide
Selecting pipe clamps can be quite tricky as there is no universal clamp that works for almost all pipes. Much depends on the project you are working on, as well as the installation environment. Here are several things you need to take into consideration when shopping for pipe clamps.
Temperature: Dealing with pipes requires caution because with any slight changes in the temperature of the environment, the pipe can either expand or contract. You need to carefully choose the right kind of clamps, taking into consideration the probable expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
A failure to do this can result in damage to the structure, or in the worst-case scenario, a total collapse. If you’re installing an appliance, the installation risks failing when the temperature is not put into consideration.
What should you do? Before choosing the clamps for your next pipe fixing, try to calculate the level of thermal expansion or contraction. When this is done, you will make a good decision.
Weight: Each clamp has a minimum and maximum load capacity. So, take into consideration the load you are intending to support when shopping for pipe clamps online. Depending on your project, you may find out that only heavy-duty clamps can make your installation safe.
If the maximum load capacity is exceeded, you may find that immediately after completing your installation, you begin seeing signs that the installation is not secure.
Do this simple check before buying the camp. Read the specifications as well as the description well to understand if it can work with the pipe load you have in mind. You will save yourself much stress and extra cash later on.
Material: Pipes are made from various plastic materials. Each of them behaves differently in the same environmental conditions. Take the temperature as an example. You may find 4 pipes reacting differently to changes in temperature because they all have different resistances to heat.
They may also have different ways they react to certain chemicals like oils, acids, and so on. So, clamps should be bought based on the type of materials the pipe is made from.
So, think about the environment you will likely use the pipe clamp. What are the prevalent conditions there? Thinking about things like this will help you understand which plastic material you should choose.
There are certain metal pipes too. The same conditions discussed above apply to them. Iron, copper, steel, and certain alloys have a different reaction to heat. You may also want to consider the reaction of the materials when trying to use one metal clamp to fix a pipe made from another metal. Be sure they are not two metals that will react with each other.
Size: This factor is only logical since the size of the pipe will determine the type of clamp you buy. Take a simple measurement of the pipe, and make sure it will not be too much for the diameter of the clamp you are trying to purchase. Be sure to know how this measurement works, as many product manufacturers do not guarantee your money back after the pipe clamps have been shipped.
As a general principle, larger pipes often require two screw clamps or what some may refer to as a heavy-duty clamp. If you are working with smaller pipes, a regular clamp will do the job.
Environment: If you need the pipe clamp for an external installation, understand that it will be exposed to weather conditions that might cause corrosion eventually. That is why you should buy clamps that have been specially coated with corrosion-resistance materials.
Many clamps you find available will have some form of coating, just be sure that it is the coating you need. If the environment is always exposed to chemicals, there are special kinds of plastic clamps that will do what you need.
Final Verdict
No matter what size or type of clamps you need for your project, you can find them here. Just go over the list again, paying close attention to the specifications of each of the models. Whether it is for woodworking or plumbing, pipe clamps will improve the quality of your work.
We hope this buying guide for the best pipe clamps has helped you make the right choice. And if you decide to explore other options, don’t forget to check out the buying guide for assistance.