Bessey DUO45-8 18-Inch DuoKlamp One Hand Clamp/Spreader

by Bessey

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Functions as a One Handed Clamp or Spreader All in One. Turn the Knob to Change From Clamping to the Spreading Function. Utilizes Large, Flat Clamping Jaws with Soft Pads that Allows you to Clamp or Spread Sensitive Surfaces, Right Angles and Both Rounded & Pointed Work pieces. 18"

Product Description

Reverse the action of the DuoKlamp from clamping to spreading with a simple twist of the mini-dial. Switch between clamping and spreading without taking the tool apart. Ergonomic parallel handle with pump lever is to tighten clamping pressure. Fast adjustment release lever allows you to quickly slide up or down to clamping position. Large impact and fracture resistant jaws are made of reinforced polyamide. Unique centered jaw configuration facilitates clamping on all four edges. Includes four plastic caps that can be moved for spreading. 3.25" depth x 18" length

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 4.7 inches ; 1.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0002H49OO
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: DUO45-8
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,306 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The first clamp I usually reach for, February 23, 2007

By 

Drew Heywood (Richmond, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bessey DUO45-8 18-Inch DuoKlamp One Hand Clamp/Spreader (Tools & Home Improvement)

Frankly, I wouldn't buy a clamp based on how easily it changes from clamping to spreading. It's not something I need to do very often. First and foremost, I want a clamp that works well in it's primary role of clamping. As a clamp, the DuoKlamp is superb. It's not bad for spreading, either.

I like the grip, which is in-line with the bar, as opposed to the pistol grip used on most squeeze-operated clamps. Whether the bar is vertical or horizontal, it's usually possible to find a grip that doesn't put an unnatural twist on your wrist, enabling you to squeeze tighter with less strain. The heads have lots of squeezing power. I can't measure the force, but it's certainly adequate for my needs.

There are situations when the head design causes problems. The heads are a bit wide and thick, so they won't fit in some restricted spaces. Don't expect to fit a DuoKlamp everywhere you might be able to use a bar clamp. Also, the grip depth of 3 3/8" isn't as deep as it is on some clamps. DuoKlamps won't replace your bar clamps, and you may need other designs in some situations. Nevertheless, the heads work for most jobs I do.

Another review criticizes the button that releases the clamp head when it is tightened down. The button is indeed small and a bit stiff, making it harder to release the head than on some other one-hand clamps. Before you make a big investment in DuoKlamps, see if you are comfortable with the finger strength that is required. I'm not terribly bothered by it, but my wife has trouble with them. A bigger release trigger would be a welcome improvement. I think Bessey kept the trigger small so it wouldn't stick out any further than necessary from the body of the clamp.

To convert the DuoKlamp to a spreader, you twist a knob, after which squeezing the handle spreads the heads rather than closing them. But that doesn't make conversion instantaneous. If you want to use the no-mar pads, you have to peel them off one side of the head and press them on to the other. The spreader side of the head isn't quite as well-suited to accepting the pads. Minor differences in the two sides of the head mean that there may be situations when the heads can grip but can't spread.

On a minor note, the no-mar pads don't readily slip off the heads. This has been a problem with other clamps I've used. To get them off the DuoKlamp, you really have to make a concerted effort to peel them off the clamp heads, avoiding the irritation of pads that spontaneously slip off, something that always seems to happen when it's least convenient..

Here's the bottom line: When I want a clamp, the first one I reach for is usually a DuoKlamp. Of all the one-hand clamps I've tried, the DuoKlamp is the one I most want to spend my money on.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good product, October 28, 2006

By 

Red Sawman (NW Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bessey DUO45-8 18-Inch DuoKlamp One Hand Clamp/Spreader (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have had a set of four (4) for several months and I reach for them before anything when clamping anything under 18". These clamps are the easiest I have ever used. The Duoklamp becomes a Clamp or a spreader with the flip of a switch. I'm buying more today.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Difficult to release the clamp., June 28, 2005

By 

J.B. White (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bessey DUO45-8 18-Inch DuoKlamp One Hand Clamp/Spreader (Tools & Home Improvement)

I am a big fan of Bessey clamps. However, I am disappointed in this clamp because the release button is very difficult to engage. For about the same money, I am much more satisfied with Sears Craftsman Bar Clamps/Spreaders. The Craftsman Clamp clamps harder and releases more easily.