Irwin Clamps

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C clamps, locking C clamps. I know they are made in China now. Anyone use them? Should I search more for US made clamps or will the Irwin ones be alright? It p****s me off that it's so hard to find US made tools anymore. Hell, even Snap On clamps are made in China. And they are still charging an arm and a leg for them. WTF!Last edited by rschreck; 10-29-2012 at 11:49 PM.
Reply:The Irwin or Vise-Grips are still OK, but stay away from the Horror Fright vise-grips and C-clamp knockoffs; they are a pure POS.  The HFones work for a few clamps, then the threaded piece at the back splits open...and that's with normal clamping pressure.
Reply:Use the heck out of my Irwin clamps... Never had one fail...Even use the "woodworking clamps" for metal work and they hold up just fine...From the desk of Kevin CaronTrying to be the best me I can!www.kevincaron.comAHP Alpha Tig 200x MillerMatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200
Reply:I can bend CHINA made clamps with my bare hands and Im not trying to brag. No problems with IRWIN unless you count the time my helper dropped and lost a spring from one.
Reply:I like my "Bessey" adjustable clamps, they aren't cheap but they last.I can't say where they are built now?Leo
Reply:Originally Posted by NVWI like my "Bessey" adjustable clamps, they aren't cheap but they last.I can't say where they are built now?
Reply:These guys are making some good clamps, etc.http://www.stronghandtools.com/SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:had a HF clamp break in two on me last night. under normal clamping preasure. I need to invest in some good c Clamps. I've got a few of the Irwin wood working ones that do a good job too. but I did manage to break one of those as well. but it was plastic so I shouldn't be to surprised. otherwise I've never heard a bad thing about the Irwin clamps.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Originally Posted by NVWI like my "Bessey" adjustable clamps, they aren't cheap but they last.I can't say where they are built now?
Reply:Keep your eyes open at garage/estate/yard sales.  I had alot of luck finding previously loved made in US C clamps there.  They tried a couple of HF clamps in the shop at work with poor results.
Reply:Originally Posted by [email protected], will you post a pic of your Bessel clamps?
Reply:What about these? http://store.cyberweld.com/howecl13pise.htmlGarbage? Worth it?
Reply:Yep the Irwins are now Chinese and yep, cheap just like every other chinese made junk.Darn shame and not any cheaper either.Tim Beeker.
Reply:Originally Posted by maxduganLooks like they are made in Germany.  It's not America but, still beats the hell outta China!http://www.besseytools.com/en/about_prodsite.php
Reply:Originally Posted by tnjindYep the Irwins are now Chinese and yep, cheap just like every other chinese made junk.Darn shame and not any cheaper either.
Reply:Originally Posted by LlundbergBeats american made bubblegum tools too. German made tools are usually the very best you can buy for money.Mercedes, BMW, EWM, Lorch...
Reply:not 100%, but i think i've seen bessey clamps at lowes that were made in china.  definetly more beefy than the hf stuff, but i dont think they were german.  maybe a lower grade for teh box stores?
Reply:On German tools.  You will not find a better pair of pliers than Knipex.   I have several and they are awesome.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I bought some Wilton "L" clamps. Quick to adjust and strong as heck. Kinda spendy but im glad i got em.Dynasty 200DXMiller 210 Spooly
Reply:I have never, Honest To God, had a clamp break.  Really.I generally screw them down till I either see, or feel, that the casting is starting to spring.  Then I stop.  I figure they're clamps, not a vice.  You can only get so much force from an acme thread in a ductile casting.  To get more force, actually useable force, you need to step up to fine thread in tool steel."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:These were mentioned, before, but would vote for you to take a look at them, too.http://www.stronghandtools.com/home.htmlStrong Hand Tools makes quality and innovative products. AND, have great customer support AFTER the sale.Good luck on your search!TxDoc's Photos Lincoln SP175 PlusLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln 250 LX Spool Gun Lincoln Precision Tig 225 Hypertherm 600 KMG 2x72 Belt GrinderBaldor 812RE Grinder
Reply:So I'm assuming nobody would suggest Craftsman c-clamps?
Reply:Originally Posted by dunemetalKeep your eyes open at garage/estate/yard sales.  I had alot of luck finding previously loved made in US C clamps there.  They tried a couple of HF clamps in the shop at work with poor results.
Reply:Fixed it for ya.
Reply:Originally Posted by rschreckFixed it for ya.Originally Posted by farmersammI have never, Honest To God, had a clamp break.  Really.I generally screw them down till I either see, or feel, that the casting is starting to spring.  Then I stop.  I figure they're clamps, not a vice.  You can only get so much force from an acme thread in a ductile casting.  To get more force, actually useable force, you need to step up to fine thread in tool steel.