Customer Reviews

Bessey SG-8WP SuperGrip 8-Inch Jaw Capacity 2-1/2-Inch Throat Depth Gripping Plier

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like the other Bessey clamps in my collection this is well made. Acts like a large jaw vice-grip. Instead of taking the few seconds (minutes) to screw down a clamp this is very quick. Just a squeeze and it's done. Another of of these items that makes you ask why they didn't think of this before.

Heavy duty and one is surprised that it isn't made by vice grip. It has that same heavy feel to it. This was added to my K-Body, K-Body Maxis VarioPivot, Clamping Blocks and KliKlamp collection of fine clamps from Bessey.

This is perhaps the best, most versatile hand tool that I have ever owned. I own 4 and will be buying several more. I use this handy vise clamp for gluing, to hold the fence in place for my router table, "ratchet" two warped boards together, hold featherboards to my table saw fence, hold a board to a work surface to cut, sand, route, plane, paint, etc. I also have used the SG8 (without the protective jaw covers) to hold metal together for welding or brazing. This high quality German-made tool is worth every bit of the $50-60 price tag.
I am still amazed that this tool is not for sale in every Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears, Woodcraft or any other wood working tool outlet.
I suggest that this tool be bought in pairs, but one tool alone will be an amazing, very helpful addition to any tool box.

This clamp is pricey, but is superbly manufactured. Though is utilizes the "vise-grip" style clamping mechanism, I found it somewhat difficult to use "one handed". It comes with two pair of plastic slip-on protective jaws for woodworking, or the jaws can be removed if marring is not a factor (welding?). The jaws clamp perfectly parallel, and are capable of tremendous holding power. The 8" width capacity is also a bonus, especially for curved lamination projects. If Norm uses it, how can it be bad?

I've put the purchase of these clamps off due to the price. I have Bessey Uniclamps and K-Body's and have never had a complaint. I decided to pull the trigger on these and am happy I did - yes, the money for two of them stings, especially when considering they are simply clamps, but they will last the rest of my life and then probably whoever would get them after that.

They lock incredibily easy in that you simply slide the jaw to the bottom of what you want to clamp and are set to "cam over" as vise grips do. When releasing, the side extended release bar certainly saves your fingers as opposed to the older style of vise grip. I'm very happy with the purchase.

Aug 2010: I won't change the review because they are a vry stout clamp, but I certainly don't use them enough to warrant the purchase. Due to the short throat, they are more limited in range than I thought. I've also discovered that you have to hold them pretty tight when you close the clamp or it closes fairly loose. Doens't matter how good they are if you spend this much money on something that has limited use. Must confess that I have some buyers remorse due to the cost.

I kept seeing Norm use this clamp in the New Yankee Workshop, but could never seem to locate one. Finally, I happened to see it on Amazon and bought one. The certainly are not cheap, but it is so good that I am buying additional ones. Assuming you can use it with the bar in the up position, it is a one handed clamp like no other. I don't know how I functioned without it before. Every well equipped shop needs a couple of these at a minimum.

These aren't the cheapest clamps going around by any means, but you ARE buying quality, and you can expect these clamps to last a lifetime. Typical Bessey clamp quality is exhibited here. I use the Supergrips mostly to hold various featherboards to various tools in the wood shop, but have found many other uses for them as well. The 8-inch clamp range also makes them much more versatile and useful for odd glue-up clamping too.

I purchased 2 of these clamps after seeing them being used extensively by Norm in the New yankee Workshop. They are very handy clamps to have in your clamping arsenal. expensive,yes! I liked them so much that I purchased 2 more! Try em you'll like em!

I've had two of these clamps for about a month and they are SO useful. They work well in situations that I've tried to make due with quick-grips in the past, but the SuperGrip's just work so much better. I agree with other reviewers that I don't understand why these aren't in EVERY home improvement store - why is Bessey keeping them a secret???

I have four of these clamps and use them all the time, both in my finish and framing work. Like having a third hand sometimes.
I give 'em Five Stars with a bullet!

-Kevin Crites,
Crites Contracting
Los Angeles

I bought a pair of these clamps while back. Extremely well made, durable and handy. You can use them almost anywhere. They are expensive but I think they are worth the high price.