I just wrapped up a head-to-head test between the Maximus clamp and the classic 3/4" pipe clamp, and I thought you all might find the results as eye-opening as I did.
I was working on a project that required squeezing some seriously heavy material—just trying to nudge it a sixteenth of an inch. That’s when I thought, “Let’s really find out which clamp can deliver the most force and hold it.”
The Pipe Clamp:
We all know this old standby. Threads onto standard pipe, but the weak link is right there in the name—threads. Once we hit around 1,300 pounds of clamping force, Those threads gave out, and I could feel it pop in the handle. Honestly, a little scary. Definitely don’t put a wrench on these.
The Maximus Clamp:
Next I tested the Maximus Clamp. This clamp is designed to work with standard steel tubing you can find around most shops. The rectangular tubing means the clamps do not clock and easily stay perfectly aligned.
So i tested them with the same setup, same torque. And The Maximus handled it like a champ—3,800 pounds and still no failure. Just smooth, reliable power. Though I still do not recommend putting a wrench on these either.
Key Takeaways:
- Pipe clamp failed at ~1,300 lbs.
- Maximus clamp hit 3,800 lbs with no issues.
- Maximus is safer and more durable.
- You can use multiple tubing sizes—1x1, 1x2, even solid bar stock.
- Everything is replaceable and built to last in a real-world shop.
Yes, the Maximus clamp costs more upfront, but after seeing the performance and the safety margin? I’d say it’s a no-brainer for anyone doing heavy clamping on a regular basis.
If you’re on the fence, just think about what your fingers and face are worth.
Hope this was helpful especially if you’re tired of bringing around your 3/4 inch pipes to every job. If anyone else has run similar tests, I’d love to hear how they performed!
Thanks for reading—and as always, you can check out the Maximus Clamp lineup (and now our New Lumber Clamps too!) over at the Fireball Tool website.
Jason