Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

After limited usage in my home woodshop, the clamps no longer engage upon closing. I have 2 each of the 6", 12" and 18" and they are junk. I have found the same problem with the Jorgensen ISD clamps. My old Irwin Quick-Grips are still working well, but the last time I looked at Lowes, the Irwins didn't look as heavy as my old ones, so I bought the Bessey's. Irwin has changed all their models so I don't know where they stand now. I'm giving up on plastic clamps.

These clamps are well made and do a good clamping job. Clamping and spreader features via a simple turning of a knob on the handle is convenient. These clamps are a good alternative to the standard all-metal "parallel jaw" clamps that are quite heavy, and can be cumbersome to use. Good value for the money.

I love Bessy clamps, but am disappointed in the DuoKlamps. I had to return 2 300x65 clamps because they slip when putting clamping pressure on them. I now have a problem with a 300x85 clamp that slips and doesn't clamp any longer. My other Dupklamps have problems in that the reversing switch sometimes disengages and needs to be reset.

I think Bessy has a design or manufacturing problem with these clamps. Does Bessy have a recall on these clamps? If not, they should.

Marty

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