Parallel Jaw Clamps

**Dovetail** · 2nd January 2013, 07:38 PM

This entry appears in the Market Place section of this forum: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f253/s...me-jet-162983/

I've purchased a couple of sets - 1x24" and 1x50" - and I thought I'd post my findings comparing them to the Jet clamps I already own for anyone contemplating a purchase of same.

I had contacted the eBay seller who was quite forthright in answering my questions and assured me regarding the quality of the clamps indicating that they originated from the 'same factory that makes the Jet clamps'. The clamps were delivered by courier and were very well packaged.

Attached are a few images:

The first shows the clamps side by side. Slightly different colour but note the difference in colour of the individual Jet jaws which probably indicates that the plastic is from a different batch. Other than this, there is nothing to outwardly suggest a difference in the two brands.
IMG_0450.jpg

The second image shows the labelling. The Stekol clearly identifies that it was Made in China. The Jet doesn't indicate where it was made but the writing is in Spanish.

IMG_0454.jpg

The Item#:70424 on the bars is identical. Not shown well in this image, but the finish on the bar of the Stekol is ever so slightly rippled/dimpled and not as clear as on the Jet so that the jaw separation numbers on the Jet bar are easier to read.
IMG_0448.jpg

The tail end of a rivet on one handle only is a bit ordinary. None of the other rivets is similar and the next image shows the heads of the rivets with the genuine Jet ones being slightly larger - whatever that means.
IMG_0451.jpg

Note also in this image the thread (?Acme) on the Stekol clamp on the left is a little 'rougher' than that on the Jet which shows 'clean' surfaces.
IMG_0453.jpg

Finally, note the serrations on the bar of the Stekol clamp on the left. They are more superficial (almost a scratch) compared to the Jet. I don't know at this stage whether or not clamping pressure will be adversely affected - but in a brief test, there did not appear to be a problem. The serrations on the underside are not much more impressive.
IMG_0455.jpg

Adjusting the position of the sliding jaw on the Stekols is not quite as smooth as the Jets but keep in mind the Stekols are brand new.

So, all in all, the differences in the clamps - Jet vs Stekol - are minor and only noted because I was looking for differences and, importantly, they are unlikely to affect function in the longer term. They otherwise certainly look as similar as possible but, of course, whether or not the materials are the same as the much heralded Jet clamps is unknown. However, I have no reason to think otherwise.

Importantly, there is an impressive price difference between the Stekol and Jet clamps, even taking freight into consideration, and I have no reason to think 'penny wise pound foolish' at this stage.

Cheers
Brian

**NCArcher** · 2nd January 2013, 07:45 PM

Thanks DT. I have 8 Jets and I looked at those Stekol and wondered if it was worth the gamble. Looks like it might be worth adding a few to the clamp rack.

**aldav** · 3rd January 2013, 10:40 AM

Thanks for the review Brian. I have sold some of these locally and a few sets in Sydney. All buyers have been impressed by the quality.

I was interested to see the difference in the acme thread. I have noted a variation in the serrations between the 24" and 50" bars , but, have found it to have no affect on function.

acmegridley · 3rd January 2013, 06:26 PM

The Japanese when they first started manufacturing after the war were at about where Chinese stuff is at the moment,till the Yanks got hold of them and showed them how to produce top class stuff,I remember buying Jap stuff and it was very "tinny",make no mistake the Chinese will learn soon enough.

**aldav** · 4th January 2013, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by acmegridley

The Japanese when they first started manufacturing after the war were at about where Chinese stuff is at the moment,till the Yanks got hold of them and showed them how to produce top class stuff,I remember buying Jap stuff and it was very "tinny",make no mistake the Chinese will learn soon enough.

I think you may be missing the point acmegridley, Jet clamps are made in China by the same factory that makes Stekol clamps.

**Dengue** · 7th February 2013, 11:02 PM

Where can you buy these clamps, please? I could not find any on eBay.

**aldav** · 8th February 2013, 04:32 PM

See above. PM?

rrich · 8th February 2013, 05:02 PM

I don't know mates. I have the Jet brand of clamps and as they are used they will slip. It appears that the shims in the jaws that grip the bar were not hardened correctly and the sharp 90° edge needed to grip the bar gets rounded over which causes the clamp fails.

I was using the clamp to pull a tenon into a mortise. The jet started to slip but the Bessey did not.

**NCArcher** · 8th February 2013, 06:25 PM

That doesn't sound too good Rich. How old are they?

rrich · 10th February 2013, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by NCArcher

That doesn't sound too good Rich. How old are they?

Difficult to say... My guess that one set was November 2006 and the second set was probably spring 2007. It's not like that they were used a lot. I'm not a business. Both sets are slipping.

**KorDes** · 16th February 2013, 03:02 PM

I've thought that the Jet clamps were as good as Bessey clamps but they both look rough compared to my Bessey clamps.
Thanks for the review. I'm just abit relieved that I decided to get Bessey instead of Jet clamps.

**Trav** · 16th February 2013, 05:37 PM

I've got both, and I think the jets are better. They are bigger in the clamping area, which I've found useful on occasion. And they have a quick release trigger which I find better than the tilting mechanism n the besseys.

It's also worth watching this video from the wood whisperer about the difference between the clamps.

http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/vide...tools-articles

He goes for the jets too, but I think in the end the difference is marginal. I'd buy whatever is cheaper and stick to the one brand.

Trav

**mrtayls** · 17th February 2013, 10:07 PM

so where did you say you bought them from?

**Trav** · 17th February 2013, 10:18 PM

Not sure who your question was directed to mrtayls. If me, I got mine while I was living overseas. But I've seen the jet clamps here in Canberra, so they couldn't be that hard to find elsewhere.

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