There are dozens of types of clamps out there, and when you factor in the different sizes, that number climbs into the hundreds. For DIYers, it’s good to have an assortment of clamps in your toolbox for various household projects. Below are five types of clamps that are particularly versatile and commonly used by the DIYer. Most of these clamps are available in a variety of sizes.

Pipe clamp fixture

This clamp attaches to 3/4 inch threaded pipe of any length you need. You can change the size of the clamp by changing the length of the pipe. They’re a great solution for clamping large items, and with connectors, you can tackle even bigger projects. Pipe clamps are also available for 1/2 inch pipe.

Spring clamp

These are small, inexpensive clamps that are quick and easy to use. They are great for light jobs where you need lots of clamps. Some have a ratcheting mechanism to tighten.

C-clamp

This clamp is in the shape of a “C”. It’s a simple mechanism with a fixed metal body and a long bolt at one end that moves up and down.

Bar clamp

This clamp has two adjustable jaws, one fixed and one that moves along a long bar. Bar clamps are known for even pressure distribution which helps prevent material from warping. Their soft jaw pads prevent surface damage while holding material securely in place. Bar clamps are mostly used for projects that require precise gluing or the assembly of large pieces. They are also called F-clamps because of their shape.

Strap clamp

Also called a band clamp, this is for large or irregularly shaped objects. The strap wraps around the object and the clamping mechanism tightens the strap to hold the pieces together.