Whether you’re a novice woodworker or one with years of experience, you’ve probably noticed that pipe clamps keep you visiting the handyman store for every other project!
However, the question of what size pipe clamps for woodworking to get on each of your errands, probably keeps you in a knot. Luckily, we’re about to sort all that out for you.
What size pipe clamps are best for woodworking? Although it entirely depends on the size and range of your project, the ½ inch pipe clamps are generally considered the best for woodworking. They are the most versatile pipe clamps, and they are also affordable. The 3/4 inch pipe clamps are sturdier and better for large or heavy projects.
If you need more details in order to decide, continue reading to discover the differences between ½ inch and ¾ inch pipe clamps to find the best fit for your woodworking projects.
Pipe clamps are something you’ll use for years on end, which is why buying pipe clamps can be equivalent to a life-long investment.
½ Inch vs. ¾ Inch Pipe Clamps for Woodworking
Half-inch pipe clamps are light, portable, and flexible. Hence, you can easily incorporate them into any project, whether it involves moderate-use or heavy-use clamps.
They are much easier to handle due to their light weight and high portability.
However, if you’re looking for stronger, thicker, and more rigid pipe clamps for larger or heavier projects, look into the ¾ inch pipe clamps.
These are good for projects where you need to put in a lot of muscle strength. Be wary; these can cost more, especially compared to their inexpensive ½ inch pipe clamp counterparts.
½ Inch Pipe Clamps – When To Use Them
What size pipe clamp for woodworking is ideal? The ½ inch pipe clamps are highly versatile and can be used for both DIY and professional-grade projects.
Often found racked up in every woodwork junkie’s storage, these clamps can be adjusted on different pipe lengths without requiring any additional expensive tools.
Hence, anyone can use these in every kind of project, including frame assembly!
Just screw this pipe clamp onto the pipe thread, and you’re good to go.
½ Inch Pipe Pros:
- Light and portable in nature.
- Does not require additional expensive tools.
- Has a coil-spring stop design.
- Inexpensive.
½ Inch Pipe Cons:
- Not suitable for heavier projects.
Recommended: PONY ½” Pipe Clamp Fixture
- Works with any length of 1/2 in. black or galvanized threaded pipe
- Includes head, tail stop, and coil spring stop
- Durable cast iron body
Accommodating a wide variety of pipe lengths, this highly versatile tool supports your creativity without requiring any special tools that would rack up your project’s bill.
The cast iron body is designed to last a lifetime, and they’ll work with both black and galvanized pipes of any length.
¾ Inch Pipe Clamps – When To Use Them
These pipe clamps accommodate any size and length of pipe you want to use, especially if you’re aiming to use heavy-duty pipes.
This makes the ¾ inch pipe clamp an extremely useful option to include in your DIY project, be it frame assembly, woodworking, or metalworking.
¾ Inch Pipe Pros:
- Rigid outer surface.
- It can be used on heavy-duty pipes.
- Do not stretch or bend once tightened.
¾ Inch Pipe Cons
- Costly.
- Not flexible.
Recommended: PONY ¾” Pipe Clamp Fixture
- 3/4-inch pony pipe clamp fixture
- Mounts on any 3/4-inch pipe; features crank-type handle and 1-3/4-inch square clamp faces
Built with multiple disc-clutch designs, this clamp fixture ensures that your pipes do not slip, move, or crush during your project.
Constructed of hardened steel with a baked enamel finish, these are high quality clamps that are made to last. The lifetime warranty is a huge selling point too.
What Pipe To Use With Pipe Clamps
There are two main types of pipes used with pipe clamps: galvanized pipes and black steel pipes.
Although either work well for a variety of jobs, it is best to compare the two in terms of material, features, and cost.
Galvanized Pipe
Galvanized pipes are steel pipes coated thoroughly with a protective layer of zinc. The addition of zinc strengthens the pipes and prevents them from corroding and rusting away.
With a variety of applications, galvanized pipes are mostly used for water supply lines.
Pros:
- Free from external corrosion.
- Rust protection.
- Longer life span.
- Smooth outer exterior.
- Easy inspection.
Cons:
- Prone to internal corrosion.
- Causes plaque.
- Costly.
Black Steel Pipe
Black steel pipes are regular pipes without zinc galvanization. Instead, dark-colored iron oxide coats the surface, giving them a rather scaly appearance.
Pros:
- Best for natural/propane gas.
- Fire resistant.
- Externally stronger and robust.
- Cheaper compared to galvanized pipes.
Cons:
- Prone to corrosion.
- Scaly finish.
Related Questions:
Do Pipe Clamps Need To Be Threaded?
Whether or not pipe clamp should be threaded depends entirely on the style of the pipe clamps you have purchased.
If your pipe clamps have a clutch mechanism, the pipes can slide into the clamp end until they firmly rest against the back wall. For such a design, you do not require any threading.
However, if your pipe clamps do not have a clutch mechanism and instead have an end with a crank or one that accepts a threaded pipe, then your pipe clamps will be threaded.
This threaded end of the pipe will screw into one of the pipe clamps ends.
It is helpful to have both ends of the pipes threaded in some cases, especially if you wish to prevent sliding of the pipe from either end.
Hence, you can always opt for screwing an end cap onto the pipe to thread it.
How Many Pipe Clamps Do I Need?
The number of pipe clamps you need has a lot to do with the size of the project you’re working on, the length of the pipes you’re using, your personal preference in clamp size, and the overall amount of storage space you have.
If you’re working on a small-scale project, you might not need as many pipe clamps as you would when working on a large-scale project.
However, if you often find yourself indulging in projects that require pipe clamps, regardless of the size of the project, you can always opt for storing the pipe clamps after buying them in bulk.
Don’t have a lot of storage space for larger pipe clamps? You can always use shorter ones and join them together to increase their length when required.
Remember, you will need to have threaded ends on your pipes for this.
Conclusion
Now you have all the information needed to make your decision about which pipe clamp size is right for your project.
If you still aren’t sure, you can always pick up a few of each so that you’re prepared for whatever project comes your way.
