****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is my first pair of Jet 70440 40" Parallel Clamps. I do have six Jet 24" Parallel Clamps but I need some longer parallel clamps to glue-up a larger project. I thought I would start with two to see how well they would work. I'm very happy with the Jet 24" parallel clamps and the Jet 70440 40" Parallel Clamps do not disappoint. The Jet 70440 40" Parallel Clamps are very heavy and well constructed. The heads of the Jet parallel clamps are very large and reinforced, the i-beam has little indents so the parallel clamps can lock down on the bar and not move, the quick release button works lets the head move very easy as long as there is no pressure on it, I don't think you would want it any other way. The Jet parallel clamps stand very flat which is nice when you trying to put together a large projects and you are trying to do did by yourself. The Jet Parallel Clamps also let you set the clamps up to any size opening before you start gluing everything up with the measurement system or the side of the bar, no need to guess how big to open the parallel clamps.Well this is set number four of Jet parallel clamps so far and I plan on buying more from the looks of the Jet 70440 40" Parallel Clamps. I need maybe four more of this size so I'm glad I was not disappointed. Just before writing this review I bought a pair of Jet 70431 31" Parallel Clamps and looking to buy some JET 70412 12" Parallel Clamps and Jet 70450 50-Inch Parallel Clamps. I'm building some kitchen cabinets and need a little small ones for this projects. Hopefully I'll be done buying clamps by the end year but it may take longer then that. Like everyone says you can never have to many clamps.These clamps are great, easy to slide the jaw up and down with the trigger release. Nice big rubber/plastic handles make clamping easier. The available holes to screw in bench dogs is a nice feature. I've no doubt these clamps will last a life time. That said... Bessy K Body Revo's are a better version of these with more features for less money. It's a no-brainer for me. Amazon sent me 4 of these and all of them had broken, missing or slightly scratched/used parts. They arrived in a cardboard box with no packaging and no labels. I believe they were used. Returned with no issue from Amazon.I have 30+ Jet Parallel-ish clamps that were all purchased during the same sale. They exert a lot of force, for sure, but the jaws don't apply force in a parallel manner which can be problematic if you're not using cauls. Jet's quality control on these clamps is all but non-existent so you never know quite what you're going to get. The handles aren't especially comfortable if your glue-up requires a dozen or more clamps. Some clamps will slide too freely when the quick-release is engaged while others will require a swift knock of the metal bar against the concrete floor. If you can get them on sale, go for it. If not, consider other brands (which, in fairness, are sure to have their own short-comings).I purchased the Jet 40 inch Parallel clamp and took it out of the package and put it right to use. It is a very strong clamp and you can get a lot of leverage with the turn screw handles. They have ridges and are a good size to fit your hand. The clamps can exert a lot of pressure and do not deflect or ride up on your project. The finger release works great once you figure out that you don't have to pull it all the way up; just a little movement releases the clamp. I would recommend these clamps without hesitation.Great clamp. I went with the JET over other brands because 1 it was on sale but my main reason was watching a video that the wood whisper made and I trust his judgement along with liking the measurements on the side of the bar. At first things were a bit stiff but once I learned how to use it and open it up fast it was very easy to use.All clamps work the same way, its just what works best for you.shipped it in a thin unsupported cardboard with large gapping holes where the lid is suppose to be closed. one of my four clamps also came with a missing sliding bench dog piece. Be sure to check the holes at the end of the clamp Jet will add a zip tie here so the sliding bench dog piece doesn't slide off. 2 of the 4 that ordered had this cut off so they were more than likely used and returned not new.great clampsthe best in my books.
