Sash clamps

[HawkEye244]

Is there any functional difference between a T-bar and an 'Expert' sash clamp ?

They look practically the same to me and I'm confused. *Thinking about buying a set*

Price is more or less the same as well.

 

[Burnerman]

The T bar cramps are supposed to resist any deflection when tightened fully - unfortunately the cheaper ones appear to be hewn out of railway lines rather than the more refined expert ones.
I've got some Record cramps of the expert style and they have been brilliant in every way.
John

 

[HawkEye244]

Thanks for posting Burner,

Two examples:

http://www.toolstation.com/search?searchstr=38126 67972 51911

http://www.toolstation.com/search?searchstr=84938 63897 21813

Besides the tiny variation in price and the functional difference they are sold in different lengths. Must be more to this I am missing ?

 

[Burnerman]

I can't really comment on the sizes of these things, but of course the expert types can be easily bolted together if need be.
Quality wise these are very reasonable (read cheap) and the real test is the distortion of the jaws when fully tightened - but at that price you can't go far wrong!
John

 

[Deleted member 174758]

T-bar cramps are designed for heavy cramping tasks where resistance to twisting and distortion as well as high cramping pressures are paramount, e.g. cramping stairs, frame and panel front doors, etc. Their weight makes them unsuitable to cramping lighter products such as window sashes, furniture, etc where the added weight could induce wind, etc and where there might be a tendency to over cramp, thus crushing the component. Sash cramps, as the name implies, were originlly designed to cramp window sash frames and similar lighter products where very heavy cramps could induce warping if not corrected.

In terms of quality the best heavy cramps have rolled T-section rail and will be available with cramp extensions. The best sash cramps will have extensions available as well.