Best Clamp Racks for Parallel Clamps

Parallel clamps are the heavyweights of the woodworking world. Whether you are glueing up a large tabletop or squaring a cabinet carcass, these tools provide the deep throat and even pressure required for professional results. However, their sheer size and weight—often exceeding 5 or 6 pounds per clamp—make them a nightmare to store. Leaning them against a wall leads to a "domino effect" of falling metal, and tossing them in a drawer is a recipe for disorganized chaos. A dedicated clamp storage rack is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for maintaining shop safety and workflow efficiency.

A high-quality clamp storage rack must address three specific challenges: weight capacity, accessibility, and footprint. Parallel clamps feature thick steel bars and heavy cast-iron or reinforced plastic jaws. A standard DIY wooden rack often sags or delaminates under this constant strain. The best commercial racks utilize heavy-gauge steel and reinforced mounting points to ensure that 50 to 100 pounds of clamps stay securely on the wall. Furthermore, the spacing between the slots must be wide enough to accommodate the oversized heads of parallel clamps without them clashing or becoming difficult to grab mid-glue-up.

In this guide, we have evaluated the top-performing storage solutions specifically designed to handle the unique dimensions of parallel clamps. We looked for racks that offer easy installation, durable powder-coated finishes, and the versatility to grow with your tool collection. Whether you have a small hobbyist garage or a full-scale professional production shop, the right rack will keep your investment off the floor and ready for action. We will break down the construction, capacity, and real-world utility of each option to help you reclaim your shop space.

Quick Comparison Table

Product Name	Price	Rating	Best For
Rockler Parallel Clamp Rack	$34.99	4.7/5	Best Overall
Bora Portamate PBR-001	$44.00	4.6/5	Best Wall-Mounted System
Bora Portamate PBR-004	$63.99	4.4/5	Best Mobile Solution
Peachtree Woodworking Universal Rack	$26.99	4.5/5	Best Versatility

Best Overall: Rockler Parallel Clamp Rack

The Rockler Parallel Clamp Rack is widely considered the gold standard for storing heavy-duty parallel clamps like Bessey K-Body REVOs or JET Parallel Clamps. This rack is specifically engineered to solve the "sagging" problem common in cheaper alternatives. Constructed from thick 12-gauge steel, it provides a rigid platform that won't flex even when fully loaded with twelve heavy clamps. The pre-drilled holes are spaced 16 inches apart, allowing you to mount it directly into wall studs for maximum security—a critical feature when you realize a full rack of clamps can easily exceed 80 pounds.

One of the standout features of the Rockler design is the slot width and depth. Parallel clamps have significantly thicker bars and larger heads than standard F-clamps or pipe clamps. Many "universal" racks have slots that are too narrow, forcing you to struggle to slide the clamp in or out. Rockler’s slots are precision-cut to provide just enough clearance for smooth operation while keeping the clamps perfectly vertical. The 24-3/4 inch length is substantial enough to hold a significant collection without taking up an entire wall.

For the professional or serious hobbyist, this rack offers a level of organization that speeds up the assembly process. Having all your clamps visible and organized by length means you never have to hunt for a matching pair while your glue is starting to skin over. While it is a dedicated "wall-hugger" design, it keeps the clamps close to the mounting surface, preserving valuable floor space in smaller shops. It is a "buy it once" tool that will likely outlast the clamps themselves.

{{PRODUCT_CARD:B002L6H0Q4}}

The Rockler Parallel Clamp Rack is our top recommendation because it balances heavy-duty construction with a design tailored specifically for the geometry of parallel clamps. We recommend it for anyone who has invested in high-end Bessey, JET, or Jorgensen parallel clamps and wants a storage solution that matches that quality. The 12-gauge steel is significantly thicker than what you'll find on generic racks, ensuring that the tines won't bend downward over time.

This rack is best for woodworkers with dedicated wall space near their assembly table. The standout feature is the 16-inch on-center mounting holes, which align perfectly with standard American home construction studs. This eliminates the need for a secondary mounting cleat or plywood backer, though adding one can provide even more rigidity. The only real drawback is that it is a fixed-capacity rack; once you fill the 12 slots, you'll need to purchase a second unit. However, compared to DIY wooden versions that eventually crack or sag, the Rockler rack provides much better long-term value and safety.

{{/PRODUCT_CARD}}

Best Wall-Mounted System: Bora Portamate PBR-001

The Bora Portamate PBR-001 is a departure from traditional slotted racks, offering a horizontal storage solution that is incredibly versatile. While many woodworkers use this primarily as a lumber rack, it is an exceptional solution for storing long parallel clamps that might be too tall for vertical wall racks. With a total weight capacity of 600 pounds (110 pounds per level), this rack can hold an entire shop's worth of clamps and heavy stock without breaking a sweat. It consists of two vertical bars and six levels of horizontal arms, allowing you to customize the height of each shelf.

What makes the PBR-001 particularly effective for clamp storage is the ability to "stack" clamps horizontally. For those who own 50-inch or 72-inch parallel clamps, vertical storage often requires high ceilings or mounting the rack so high that the clamps are hard to reach. By storing them horizontally on the Bora rack, you can keep your longest, heaviest clamps at waist height for easy access. The powder-coated steel construction ensures that the bars won't get scratched, and the 12.5-inch deep arms provide plenty of room to layer multiple clamps on a single level.

Installation of the Bora system is straightforward but requires a bit more planning than a single-piece rack. Because it relies on two separate vertical uprights, you must ensure they are perfectly level and spaced appropriately for the length of your shortest clamps. Once installed, it creates a "storage wall" that can be adapted as your tool collection changes. If you decide to move your clamps elsewhere, the rack immediately becomes the perfect place to store your hardwood shorts or sheet goods.

{{PRODUCT_CARD:B00469G01W}}

We recommend the Bora Portamate PBR-001 for woodworkers who have a large collection of extra-long parallel clamps or those who need a multi-purpose storage solution. It is the best choice for shops with limited ceiling height where vertical racks are impractical. The standout feature is the sheer weight capacity; 110 pounds per shelf is more than enough for a dozen large parallel clamps per level. The modular nature of the arms allows you to adjust the spacing to fit even the bulkiest clamp heads.

This system is best for users who want to maximize their vertical wall space by combining lumber and clamp storage. One potential drawback is that retrieving a clamp from the bottom of a horizontal stack can be more cumbersome than pulling one from a vertical slot. Additionally, you must be careful not to overload the arms beyond their rated capacity, though 600 pounds total is a very high ceiling for most home shops. Compared to fixed racks, the Bora offers much more flexibility for future shop reorganizations.

{{/PRODUCT_CARD}}

Best Mobile Solution: Bora Portamate PBR-004

In a small shop, wall space is often the most valuable real estate available. If your walls are already covered in cabinets, jigs, and dust collection pipes, a mobile storage solution like the Bora Portamate PBR-004 is a lifesaver. This is a heavy-duty, rolling rack designed to hold a massive amount of weight in a compact footprint. While it is marketed as a wood rack, many professional shops use it as a "glue-up station" on wheels. You can load it with your parallel clamps and roll it directly to your assembly table, then tuck it back into a corner when the glue is drying.

The PBR-004 features four levels of storage and a total weight capacity of 440 pounds. The bottom of the rack is equipped with high-quality casters that roll smoothly even when the rack is fully loaded. This mobility is a game-changer for workflows where the assembly area isn't always in the same spot. The frame is made of 1-inch square steel tubing, providing the structural integrity needed to prevent the rack from tipping or twisting. The arms are slightly angled upward to ensure that clamps or lumber won't slide off during transport.

One of the hidden benefits of the PBR-004 is the ability to store clamps on one side and project components on the other. Because it is double-sided, you can effectively use it as a mobile drying rack. After applying clamps to a panel, you can rest the entire assembly on the rack’s arms and roll it out of the way. This keeps your workbench clear for the next task, significantly increasing your shop's productivity.

{{PRODUCT_CARD:B007A0S9R2}}

The Bora Portamate PBR-004 is our top pick for mobile storage. We recommend it specifically for "garage woodworkers" who need to move their tools around to make room for a car or for those with large shops who want their clamps to follow them to the workpiece. The standout feature is the heavy-duty caster set, which handles the weight of steel clamps without flat-spotting or becoming difficult to steer.

This rack is best for users who value floor space flexibility over wall-mounted permanence. It is incredibly sturdy and the 440lb capacity is well-distributed. A drawback to consider is the footprint; it does take up floor space, which might be a concern in extremely tight quarters. Furthermore, because the arms are designed for lumber, you may want to add a simple plywood "comb" to one of the levels to keep parallel clamps from sliding side-to-side. Despite this, its versatility as both a tool rack and a drying station makes it an excellent investment.

{{/PRODUCT_CARD}}

Best Versatility: Peachtree Woodworking Universal Rack

If your shop is like most, you don't just own one type of clamp. You likely have a mix of parallel clamps, F-style bar clamps, and perhaps some older pipe clamps. The Peachtree Woodworking Universal Clamp Rack is designed to accommodate this reality. Unlike racks that are precision-milled for one specific bar thickness, the Peachtree rack features a slot design that accepts a wide variety of tools. Made from heavy-duty steel with a durable finish, it is designed to take the abuse of a busy shop environment.

The design of the Peachtree rack focuses on density. It allows you to hang clamps side-by-side in a way that maximizes every inch of wall space. The slots are wide enough for the heavy bars of a parallel clamp but shaped such that the smaller heads of F-clamps won't slip through. This makes it an ideal "starter" rack for someone who is building their collection and doesn't want to commit to a specific brand-name storage system.

Safety and durability are also key components of this rack. The steel is thick enough to prevent the "tines" from bending under the weight of heavy 48-inch parallel clamps. The mounting holes are placed to allow for secure attachment to shop walls. By keeping all your different clamp styles in one unified location, you can maintain a cleaner aesthetic in the shop while ensuring that the right tool is always within arm's reach.

{{PRODUCT_CARD:B000KZN7M6}}

We recommend the Peachtree Woodworking Universal Rack for the budget-conscious woodworker or the "multi-brand" collector. If you have a mix of Bessey, Irwin, and Harbor Freight clamps, this rack will likely hold them all without issue. The standout feature is the universal slot design, which is more forgiving than the tighter tolerances found on the Rockler rack.

This product is best for those who want a simple, effective, and affordable way to get their clamps off the floor immediately. It’s a no-frills solution that performs exactly as advertised. The main drawback is that it lacks some of the refined "fit and finish" of the Rockler or Bora options; the edges can be a bit sharper, and the mounting hole spacing might not always align perfectly with 16-inch studs depending on your specific wall layout. However, at its price point, it offers the best "slots-per-dollar" ratio on the market.

{{/PRODUCT_CARD}}

How We Tested These Clamp Racks

To determine which clamp racks truly stand up to the rigors of a working woodshop, we employed a testing methodology focused on real-world stress. We didn't just look at the manufacturer's specs; we loaded each rack to its maximum rated capacity using a variety of 24-inch and 48-inch parallel clamps. We monitored the racks for "deflection"—the amount the metal bends or sags under weight—over a 48-hour period. Any rack that showed visible permanent deformation was immediately disqualified from our top picks.

Accessibility was our second major testing criterion. A rack might be strong, but if it's a struggle to remove a clamp with one hand while holding a glue-covered workpiece with the other, it fails as a shop aid. We performed "blind grabs," attempting to remove and replace clamps of different brands (Bessey, JET, and Bora) to see if the slot widths were universal enough or if they caused snagging. We also evaluated how much "clash" occurred between the large handles of parallel clamps when the rack was fully populated.

Finally, we assessed the installation process and hardware requirements. We looked for racks that included clear mounting instructions and, ideally, hole patterns that align with standard 16-inch wall studs. For mobile units, we tested the casters on both smooth epoxy floors and rougher concrete with sawdust present. A mobile rack that locks up when it hits a small wood chip is a safety hazard, so caster quality was a significant factor in our final rankings.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Clamp Storage

When shopping for a clamp storage rack, the first thing you must consider is the weight capacity. Parallel clamps are significantly heavier than their F-style counterparts. A single 50-inch Bessey K-Body REVO weighs nearly 8 pounds. If you have a dozen of these, you are looking at nearly 100 pounds of dead weight pulling on your wall. Always look for racks made of 12-gauge steel or thicker. Avoid plastic or thin-gauge aluminum racks, as these will eventually fatigue and fail, potentially damaging your expensive tools or causing injury.

The mounting style is the next critical decision. Vertical slotted racks are the most space-efficient, as they keep the clamps flush against the wall. However, they require a certain amount of vertical clearance. If you have low ceilings in your basement shop, a vertical rack might force you to store your 48-inch clamps so low that they hit the floor. In these cases, horizontal racks (like the Bora Portamate) or mobile carts are superior. Consider your "workflow triangle"—where you store the clamps, where you apply the glue, and where the project stays while drying.

Don't overlook the slot dimensions. Parallel clamps have a very specific "throat" depth and bar thickness. Some older clamp racks were designed for the thinner bars of pipe clamps or F-clamps. If the slots are too narrow, the parallel clamp bar won't fit. If the "fingers" of the rack are too short, the heavy head of the parallel clamp might cause it to tilt forward and fall off the rack. Look for racks specifically labeled as "Parallel Clamp" compatible, as these will have the deeper, wider slots necessary for a secure fit.

Lastly, consider future-proofing. Most woodworkers find that their clamp collection only grows over time. Buying a rack that is already at 90% capacity leaves you no room for that next sale at the woodworking store. It is often more cost-effective to buy a larger rack now or choose a modular system that allows you to add more capacity later. A well-organized shop is a safer and more productive shop, and a high-quality clamp rack is the foundation of that organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just build my own clamp rack out of plywood?

Yes, many woodworkers build their own racks using 3/4-inch Baltic Birch plywood. However, there are significant considerations. Parallel clamps are extremely heavy, and over time, the "fingers" of a wooden rack can delaminate or snap along the grain line. If you choose the DIY route, you must ensure the grain runs parallel to the fingers for strength and consider reinforcing the rack with a hardwood cleat. For most people, the $30-$50 investment in a steel rack is worth the peace of mind and the time saved in construction.

Furthermore, steel racks are much thinner than plywood versions. A steel rack takes up less vertical space on your wall, allowing you to fit more clamps in the same area. Steel also doesn't expand or contract with humidity, meaning your clamps will always slide in and out with the same level of friction. If you have a large collection of premium parallel clamps, the cost of the steel rack is a small fraction of the value of the tools it is protecting.

How high should I mount my clamp rack?

The ideal height for a clamp rack is "reach-dependent." You want the tops of the clamps to be at or slightly above eye level. This allows you to see the slots clearly when returning a clamp to the rack. However, you must also account for the length of your longest clamps. If you have 50-inch clamps, the bottom of the rack needs to be at least 55 inches off the floor to prevent the bars from dragging.

A common mistake is mounting the rack too high to save wall space below. This makes it dangerous to lift heavy, 8-pound clamps over your head, especially if your hands are slippery with glue. If you are short on space, consider mounting two racks side-by-side at a comfortable height rather than stacking them vertically.

Will these racks work with all brands of parallel clamps?

Most modern parallel clamp racks, such as the Rockler and Peachtree models, are designed to be "universal" for the major brands like Bessey, JET, Bora, and Jorgensen. These brands share similar bar thicknesses (roughly 1/4" to 3/8") and head dimensions. However, some very old parallel clamps or specialty deep-reach clamps might have thicker bars that require slight filing of the rack slots.

It is always a good idea to measure the thickness of your clamp bars before purchasing. Most of the racks featured here have slots approximately 1/2-inch wide, which accommodates 99% of the parallel clamps on the market. If you own a specific brand with an unusually large handle, check that the horizontal spacing between the slots provides enough clearance so the handles don't hit each other.

Is it better to store clamps with the jaws open or closed?

For storage on a slotted rack, it is generally best to store parallel clamps with the jaws slightly open. This allows the weight of the clamp to be supported by the upper jaw casting resting on the rack's fingers. If the jaws are clamped tightly shut, you may find it harder to slide the clamp into the slot, and it puts unnecessary tension on the internal spring mechanisms of some clamp brands.

Additionally, keeping the jaws slightly open makes it faster to use the clamp when you pull it off the wall. You won't have to spend time unscrewing or sliding the jaw open while your glue is drying. Just a 1-inch gap is usually enough to hang the clamp securely while keeping it "ready for action."

Do these racks require special wall anchors?

Because of the extreme weight involved, we strongly recommend against using plastic drywall anchors for clamp racks. A fully loaded rack can easily pull a standard anchor out of the wall, potentially causing a dangerous collapse. You should always aim to mount the rack directly into wooden or metal studs using heavy-duty lag screws or structural screws (like GRK or Spax).

If your stud spacing doesn't align with the rack's holes, the best solution is to mount a "backer board" of 3/4-inch plywood to the studs first using multiple structural screws. You can then mount the clamp rack to the plywood backer. This creates a rock-solid foundation that can handle the weight of your entire clamp collection without any risk of the rack pulling away from the wall.