If you’re establishing your woodworking space, you may want to consider a straight edge clamp. While many woodworkers use a table saw there are some who don’t own one or maybe just want to be prepared with all of the tools. If you don’t use a table saw in your shop, you absolutely must have a straight edge clamp to work with.
This workpiece is essential for making cuts with straight lines. It’s simple to work with and incredibly effective for the task. The title is pretty self explanatory. If you want a straight edge, equip your work station with top rated straight edge clamps.
Whether you like to use power tools or you simply want to make the best of your applications and work surfaces, this little tool will be vital for your woodworking pieces. A straight edge with a clamp can be incredibly helpful as a straight edge guide. You seriously don’t want to miss out on these tools and what they can do to help you have the best edge possible with your cuts.
In this guide, we will share with you some straight edge clamp review details. We’ve scoured the market to find the very best and you will see every detail and feature that you need to know down below.
Stick with us to choose your next straight edge clamp!
Table of Contents
Top Rated Straight Edge Clamp Reviews
This guide is loaded with quality edge clamps that pose a variety of features. Whether you’re considering something for straight cuts, or you want a full edge clamp system, we’ve got you covered. There are low profile options, circular saw plate functionality, locking handle, varying clamping power and more clamping information here. You’re in for a real treat in this straight edge guide.
Let’s take a look!
1. Best Overall: E Emerson Tool Co C50 5-Inch Straight Edge Tool
This first option is our best overall pick from E Emerson . It’s a quality piece all-in-one contractor tool perfect for a straight edge with clamping features and even a story stick. The E Emerson model tool guide comes in several different sizes but we chose the 50 inch option as that gives you the most clamp edge space. They even have an extra wide tool and a metric tool if you prefer those qualities for your clamps.
This is a contractor’s tool and it’s made to provide you with a straight edge using a self clamping design. This is patented by E Emerson and it really is impressive. It almost acts like a bar clamp or c clamp but with the straight edge and a low profile overall.
This 50 inch tool will free you of that with for a t square or t fence so that you can get high quality straight cuts even with your circular saws. The edge guide is parked for measurements and the fastening device is simple.
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This is a wide model and it has a story stick as well to guide you if it helps. The flat saw makes it far more compatible with power tools like a circular saw. Your straight cut won’t be an issue with this well-made edge clamping device. It’s even made with a heavy gauge aluminum body.
- Table saw guide with story guide
- Replace c clamps with a rigid model
- Low profile design with lever locking mechanism
- 50 inch length with options for 36 inch or 24 inch
- Perfect for dado slots and seamless straight edge guide
- The clamping handle could be a bit larger for the best lock lever clamping power
Why We Like It
This copyright 2020 tool is the ultimate clamping machine. It has a sturdy aluminum construction with a construction build. It’s reliable enough to replace c clamps and give you the best edge with a 50 inch measurement. It’s perfect for use with a circular saw and many other tools as well. It even has a hanging loop on the handle edges so storage won’t be a problem. The brand is a winner and we really like the price for the quality as well.
2. Budget Pick: DCT Aluminum Pro Grip Clamp Straight Edge Wood Guide
Next up, we have a simple channel bar that comes at a good price. The DCT Aluminum Pro Grip Clamp model gives you an instant straight edge with a 50 inch length and a nice hanging loop. It’s perfect for woodworking with plywood and other pieces. The features are simple but nice and again, we really love the price. It’s budget friendly but does everything it should for these types of tools. The brand isn’t well-known but the quality is clear.
These straight edge clamps will help you replace your bar clamps. You get just the right amount of clamping pressure to work with straight cuts and circular saws with a reliable clamp edge for your t track or other use.
This is another low profile build clamp with a simple lock lever and a story guide as well. This aluminum construction clamp is made with extruded aluminum so the clamps are built to last with heavy gauge material. The straight edge guide is simple and the clamps are self clamping as well.
These clamps are easy to adjust and set so that you can get to work making your cuts. The locking handle sets into place with a t square maneuver that also gives you plenty of flexibility to get everything just right for your cuts.
- T Track for flexibility
- 50 inch model with 36 inch available
- Clamping pressure has a secure hold
- Straight cuts every time
- Pairs well with circular saws
- Built primarily for light duty
Why We Like It
This tool comes at the perfect price for a quality tool, particularly if you need something on a budget. With a quality lock lever, you can count on straight cuts with every use. No need to worry about your edge. This low profile edge clamp has got you covered in ways that bar clamps never will.
3. Bora 50 Inch NGX Clamp Edge Straight Cut Guide
This next option from a great brand but it really doesn’t have a premium price. This sleek and trendy Bora 50 inch model is one of the best out there. If you like the features of this brand, you can also get other lengths, including 3 5, 22 5, and even up to 100 inches. It’s perfect for a straight cut and the length can actually be extended so you can get your dad slots across your whole plywood piece or whatever else you need to do.
This is made with a heavy gauge extruded aluminum body and has plenty of length and features. The primary drawback is that there are no marked measurements on the aluminum body for your saw guide and measurements but it’s perfect for a smooth and straight edge cut or even dado slots, similar to a table saw guide.
These clamps won the 2019 Pro Tool Innovation award, which really says something about the quality of the tools and the brand overall. The handle locks into place for clamping, much like a bar clamp would, but so much better.
Use these straight edge clamps with circular saws and other tools. The low profile means the edge clamp won’t interfere with your saw plate and you have a solid clamp edge straight edge to get your cuts done.
- Low profile mixes well with saw plate use
- Edge clamp can even be extended with an extension purchase
- These straight edge clamps are award winning
- Replace your bar clamp tools with these clamps
- Features pieces made of quality aluminum
- Slightly limited for length if you wanted to work on a perpendicular track
Why We Like It
We love the length and the quality of this aluminum tool for the price. It’s certainly one for the books and it will let you cut with your favorite saw plate without any issues. The length of these edge clamps can be extended up to 100 inches, which is phenomenal, particularly when you are working with plywood. It’s even covered by a lifetime warranty.
4. Bora WTX Deluxe Set
Finally, we leave you with a quality WTX clamp edge set from Bora. This set comes with everything you need and really is a good price when you consider the quality, ingenuity, and the lifetime warranty all combined.
You get 24 inch and 50 inch clamps and you get the 50 inch extension. This also comes with a saw plate that works as a guide in contrast with the low profile design. These clamps have measurement markings so you can mark and make one cut. It’s awesome to be able to adjust your clamping length as well.
The width is 3 5 inches so you can see and handle the length with ease. This has a nice, long clamping handle to give you the perfect semblance of control for your cut. This is again made with heavy aluminum so you can count on it to last as well.
This is one of the best straight edge clamp sets you are going to find with a clamp for every situation. As far as straight edge clamps go, this best design will let you clamp multiple lengths and will clamp and lock in place securely.
- One of the best clamp sets on the market
- Comes with 2 clamps, an extension, and a saw plate
- High quality clamp built to last with the best aluminum materials
- Clamp edge has measurement markings
- Long handle for steady and secure clamping
- This set of clamps replaces a previous set of edge clamps so there is no long term information available yet
Why We Like It
Bora is one of the best clamp models out there and you can’t beat this entire set of straight edge clamps to back you when you need them most. They are sturdy and solid clamps with supreme clamping capability for each cut you make. The aluminum is solid and sturdy.
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Buying Guide
Now that we have shared our best clamps with you, it’s time to talk about what makes them some of the best. It’s fair to say that not every clamp is created equally, right?
Every woodworker has their own preferences and needs when it comes to tools, so it’s important to keep in mind things that might be valuable to evaluate.
This buyer’s guide just shares some features with you that might help you narrow down the options and make the best decision for yourself.
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Length
One of the first things to consider is the clamp edge length. Most workers want to be able to attach to a piece of plywood, which requires a fairly significant length. Choose your clamp carefully based on the length and whether you might be able to add an extension edge.
Some clamps can be extended to varying lengths while others simply are what they are and there is no wiggle room involved.
Low Profile
If you plan to use your clamps for clamping in conjunction with a saw, you need a low profile option. We specifically looked for this characteristic in choosing our top picks so everything you see here meets that clamping guideline.
Ultimately, this allows your clamps to not be too high when attached. You want to be able to guide your saw without catching on the edge so a low profile design really is essential for accuracy purposes.
Strength
Next up, consider the strength. Chances are you won’t be gentle on your edge clamp. You need something solid and stable that can handle being bumped and moved around and handle its encounters against your tools as well.
Your clamp should be able to stay straight. The strength is not just about the body of the clamp but about the clamping pressure as well. If the clamp won’t stay in place at the slightest bump, it’s really a waste of your time and money.
Straight Edge Clamp Vs. Other Clamps
You know there are a million types of clamps out there and some of them can be versatile and helpful for a number of things. So what makes this clamp so special?
Our guess is you’ve been pairing a bar clamp or a C-Clamp with a level or some other tool to try to get your cuts straight. The downfall is, this is a pain and it’s really not as effective. If you want accuracy and precision, you need a clamp that is designed specifically for a straight edge.
It latches right on to your piece with a clamp handle on each end and it just sits nearly flush with your wood. You may need to square it up to get it placed just right but then it stays in place so you can cut quick and accurately without having to struggle with other styles.
You can use just about any clamp for some of these things but just be aware that a straight edge clamp was designed for such a time as this. It’s not an overly expensive tool and it is well worth the purchase.
Most clamps were made with a specific purpose in mind and that is the same of the straight edge clamps. If you use it properly, you will be happy with your results and it will certainly stand out when you take that hand saw or jig saw to the surface to wrap up a cut that you need.
Don’t rely on that setup that you have to adjust over and over or that you are rigging up. Go ahead and get an edge clamp and let it work for you in the way that it was intended to! you really can’t go wrong here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Straight Edge Clamp?
We really like the E Emerson clamp but if you want the premium option then go with the Bora brand. The set is pretty cool because it gives you multiple pieces to keep your straight needs perfectly aligned with your clamp.
The best clamp might vary from person to person but you really can’t go wrong with any clamp listed here on this guide.
What is an Edge Clamp?
A clamp straight edge clamp is ultimately designed for the purpose just as it sounds. This clamp is meant to help you get a straight and precise cut when you are using a tool besides a typical table saw. The clamp can be used for circular saws as well as routers, jig saws, and many other tools.
One of the most common uses for this type of clamp is cutting plywood.
Is the Bora Clamp Extension Worth the Money?
Length is often important with this type of clamp. If you are using it for long pieces of wood, like plywood, then a clamp extension really might be the best option for you. A clamp is only as good as its stability and length so be sure to pay attention to these factors. If you want the extension, we recommend going for the set to begin with.
Conclusion
We hope that you find this guide to be a valuable resource to help you find the best straight edge clamp around. There are some great options out there and you really can’t go wrong with any of the selections provided on our list today. Whether you want a premium option or you just want something simple and affordable, we’ve got you covered!
Be sure to pay attention to the details so you know that you are getting what you really need in order to be successful as you work.
Which one are you considering adding to your workshop?
Expert Tip
Use a framing square to help square up your straight edge. This will help your clamp and your cut be far more accurate in the end. Keep in mind a clamp isn’t designed to square itself so you may need to take that extra step for precision.
Did You Know?
You can use this type of clamp to clean up an edge that is simply ragged or not cut well to begin with. This will help you finish up with a straight edge on a piece that might otherwise be too rough or unreliable to get the tasks taken care of.
Amazon Recommends:
- No more c-clamps when trying to secure a straight edge to your large or small wooden panels! Cut large panels, small panels, rout straight dado’s and more! ProGrip Straight Edge Guides are not only great straight edge guides, they are super easy to align and even easier to clamp into place. Made from extruded aluminum and with the extra wide 2-3/16 inch tube rail, the ProGrip Straight Edge Guide Clamps are robust guides that are made for everyday workshop or contractor use.
- Cut straight, true lines with circular saws, routers, trim routers, jig saws and many other power tools you probably own. These clamps are ideal for cutting large sheets of plywood in half (with a 50” straight edge guide). Each clamp is identified by the maximum clamping distance between jaws. Another great application for these clamps is cutting dado slots for bookshelves. The alignment and cutting process for dados is so much easier than ever before with the ProGrip Straight Edge Guides.
- Each clamp rail is manufactured with a low profile to make guiding your power tool along the edge much easier. The low profile has also been designed with guide accessories in mind. The clamp rails accept many different accessories (sold separately) or can create your very own jigs and fixtures to use with the ProGrip Straight Edge Guides. Each ProGrip Straight Edge Guide has the exact same profile regardless of length.
- How does it work? Each ProGrip Straight Edge Guide Clamp has one adjustable jaw and one fixed jaw. The fixed jaw typically will go against the edge of the board closest to you. Once you place the clamp on your board with the fixed jaw over the end, the adjustable end gets drawn in against the opposite side of the board. Once set and aligned, you secure the clamp by simply locking it down with the 3 position lock lever.
- The lock lever on each clamp can be secured into one of three positions, each position provides varying amounts of pressure. Depending on your project or application, you may need to apply more pressure by securing the lock lever to the appropriate position. Once secured, the ProGrip Straight Edge Guide Clamp is designed to have zero side to side play with minimal deflection to provide you with the ideal straight edge to make clean, smooth cuts every time!
- No more c-clamps when trying to secure a straight edge to your large or small wooden panels! Cut large panels, small panels, rout straight dado’s and more! ProGrip Straight Edge Guides are not only great straight edge guides, they are super easy to align and even easier to clamp into place. Made from extruded aluminum and with the extra wide 2-3/16 inch tube rail, the ProGrip Straight Edge Guide Clamps are robust guides that are made for everyday workshop or contractor use.
- Cut straight, true lines with circular saws, routers, trim routers, jig saws and many other power tools you probably own. These clamps are ideal for cutting large sheets of plywood in half (with a 50” straight edge guide). Each clamp is identified by the maximum clamping distance between jaws. Another great application for these clamps is cutting dado slots for bookshelves. The alignment and cutting process for dados is so much easier than ever before with the ProGrip Straight Edge Guides.
- Each clamp rail is manufactured with a low profile to make guiding your power tool along the edge much easier. The low profile has also been designed with guide accessories in mind. The clamp rails accept many different accessories (sold separately) or can create your very own jigs and fixtures to use with the ProGrip Straight Edge Guides. Each ProGrip Straight Edge Guide has the exact same profile regardless of length.
- How does it work? Each ProGrip Straight Edge Guide Clamp has one adjustable jaw and one fixed jaw. The fixed jaw typically will go against the edge of the board closest to you. Once you place the clamp on your board with the fixed jaw over the end, the adjustable end gets drawn in against the opposite side of the board. Once set and aligned, you secure the clamp by simply locking it down with the 3 position lock lever.
- The lock lever on each clamp can be secured into one of three positions, each position provides varying amounts of pressure. Depending on your project or application, you may need to apply more pressure by securing the lock lever to the appropriate position. Once secured, the ProGrip Straight Edge Guide Clamp is designed to have zero side to side play with minimal deflection to provide you with the ideal straight edge to make clean, smooth cuts every time!
- INCLUDES: (1) Straight Edge Clamp Saw Guides 24in
- FUNCTION: Space-saving tools that allow you to make straight cuts on any workpiece with parallel edges. This clamps allow for full adjustability to accommodate materials 24 inches in length. They have low-profile jaws that enable the clamps to be used inverted, which provides an unobstructed work area
- EASY TO USE: Perfect for beginners as well as professional contractors, the straight edge clamps hold the materials and are easy to adjust. The fixed clamp at the end has a lever that you push down to lock it in place. With the locking lever released and the fixed clamp in position, draw the adjustable end clamp in and position firmly against the opposite end of the material
- APPLICATIONS: Perfect tools for making straight cuts on the materials. You can easily make high-precision cuts for a wide range of woodworking applications, including rotary saws, jig saws, circular table saws, routers and jointers
- PREMIUM BUILD: Constructed with a lightweight aluminum body and is 2-3/16 inches wide, providing the strength and rigidity needed to prevent the bar from bending under pressure while operating a router or circular saw, for long-term durability