In this video I demonstrate how to add a couple of enhancements to some inexpensive Harbor Freight aluminum bar clamps, turning them into decent medium duty bar clamps.
Thanks for the tip. That works great and it makes the clamp more rigid and hardly no flex. Haven't tried the clamp pads yet but I'm sure that will work also. Thanks again..
Nice to see you gave Paul Sellers some credit. I bought those clamps years ago as well and made similar changes to them. Great video, I like those pads.
I just added the pads to my Hf clamps, works great, thanks. I also removed the Tommy bar and glued on handles. I am liking these more since they work and are light. Getting more soon, probably 48". Thanks
I added the stiffeners and wooden pads so my HF have performed just great, however that soft aluminum is finally wearing out after a few years of every day heavy duty use. It's rapidly approaching time for me to go on an extended HF shopping spree for some new bar clamps. I have 6 and of the 6 5 have pretty much exceeded any expectations I ever had for them.
I've bought quite a few of these clamps after watching Paul Sellers' Workbench series. They've worked well for me but these modifications will be a nice upgrade. Thanks!
Thanks for video, I was on the fence about purchasing these clamps but now I will. Some things I don’t mind spending big money on , but for clamps like these some companies are changing crazy money, like rockler there prices are nuts sometimes. So thanks again.
I'd suggest putting the 1/8" spacer (or even 1/4") inside the pads when cutting out the corners. This would give you a surface to bear down on without damaging the pads and allow you to press harder when making the cuts.
Thanks for showing your careful unpacking of the clamp pads. I tell my kids all the time: the right tool for the right job.
I'm really glad I've discovered you, Marty. Thank you for your excellent videos!
I love it when folks take HF tools, hack em a bit, and make some decent stuff. Pretty slick!
Great video. I have several of the HF bar clamps and I've done the wood spine. Love the idea of the pads. Will do that to all of them.👍
Upgraded 4 harbor freight clamps as per your instructions. Came out great. Thank you, Marty.
Thanks for the tip. That works great and it makes the clamp more rigid and hardly no flex. Haven't tried the clamp pads yet but I'm sure that will work also. Thanks again..
Great tips Marty, thank you for sharing.
Nice to see you gave Paul Sellers some credit. I bought those clamps years ago as well and made similar changes to them. Great video, I like those pads.
I am uploading my video on this very thing tonight and I found yours. Nicely done.
Thanks for the information. I enjoyed my stay here.
We are all grateful that Harold Smith from Twin Peaks has taken up woodworking and shared his knowledge with us.
I just added the pads to my Hf clamps, works great, thanks. I also removed the Tommy bar and glued on handles. I am liking these more since they work and are light. Getting more soon, probably 48". Thanks
I added the stiffeners and wooden pads so my HF have performed just great, however that soft aluminum is finally wearing out after a few years of every day heavy duty use. It's rapidly approaching time for me to go on an extended HF shopping spree for some new bar clamps. I have 6 and of the 6 5 have pretty much exceeded any expectations I ever had for them.
Thanks for the info, Marty.....great video!
I've bought quite a few of these clamps after watching Paul Sellers' Workbench series. They've worked well for me but these modifications will be a nice upgrade. Thanks!
Good tip Marty I am always looking for ways to make things better.
Thanks for video, I was on the fence about purchasing these clamps but now I will. Some things I don’t mind spending big money on , but for clamps like these some companies are changing crazy money, like rockler there prices are nuts sometimes. So thanks again.
I'd suggest putting the 1/8" spacer (or even 1/4") inside the pads when cutting out the corners. This would give you a surface to bear down on without damaging the pads and allow you to press harder when making the cuts.
Just got the pony clamp pads and they also work as you said. Great job Marty
this is great! can't wait to try it