
( Brand: Craftsman ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 66639-66636 ), ( Model: 66639 66636 ), ( Jaw Size: 10 In ), ( Type: Gluing Clamp ), ( Size: 14 10 ), ( Material: Wood ), ( Country Of Origin: United States )
The **Craftsman 66639-66636 Sears Roebuck 14" Wooden Clamps** is a timeless, high-quality tool designed for both professional woodworkers and dedicated DIY enthusiasts who demand precision, durability, and classic craftsmanship. Part of the iconic Craftsman brand, known for its robust construction and enduring reliability, these clamps feature a **14-inch jaw span**, making them ideal for securing larger workpieces, such as wide boards, panels, or even small furniture pieces during assembly or finishing. Crafted from **hardwood**, these clamps boast a sturdy, natural aesthetic that complements traditional woodworking projects while providing the strength needed to hold materials firmly in place without slipping or warping. The **smooth, hand-rubbed finish** ensures a professional look, while the **heavy-duty metal hardware**, including a durable screw mechanism and reinforced frame, guarantees consistent clamping pressure and long-lasting performance.
What sets these clamps apart is their **versatile design**, which allows for both **parallel and angled clamping** perfect for tasks like gluing, assembling joints, or holding pieces at precise angles for joinery work. The **wooden construction** not only adds a touch of rustic charm to any workshop but also absorbs vibrations, reducing the risk of marring delicate surfaces. Unlike metal clamps, which can sometimes leave marks or indentations, these wooden clamps distribute pressure evenly, protecting your materials while maintaining a tight grip. The **ergonomic, easy-to-use screw handle** ensures smooth operation, allowing for quick adjustments without excessive effort, while the **reinforced base** provides stability on various surfaces, from workbenches to uneven floors.
Whether you're a seasoned carpenter tackling large-scale projects or a hobbyist refining fine woodworking details, these Craftsman clamps deliver the **precision and reliability** expected from a legacy brand. Their **durable build** means they can withstand years of heavy use, making them a worthwhile investment for any serious woodworker s toolkit. With their blend of **functional strength, classic design, and dependable performance**, these clamps are an essential addition to any workshop, bridging the gap between craftsmanship and practicality.
The Sears Craftsman 66639 and 66636 wooden clamps are classic, heavy-duty clamps designed for woodworking and other DIY projects. Below is a detailed breakdown of their pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros**
1. **Durability and Strength**
The Craftsman clamps are made from solid hardwood (typically oak or ash) and feature metal hardware, including forged steel pivots and bolts. This construction makes them highly resistant to warping, splitting, or breaking over time, even with heavy-duty use. They are built to last decades with proper care.
2. **Classic Design and Aesthetic Appeal**
These clamps have a timeless, traditional look that many woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts appreciate. The natural wood finish blends well with hand-tool work and adds a rustic charm to workshops. They are often considered collector s items due to their vintage design.
3. **Versatility**
The 66639 is a 14-inch bar clamp, while the 66636 is a 10-inch pipe clamp. Together, they cover a wide range of clamping needs, from small joints to larger assemblies. The pipe clamp (66636) is particularly useful for gripping pipes, rods, or irregularly shaped materials, while the bar clamp (66639) excels at holding flat surfaces together.
4. **Adjustability**
Both clamps offer smooth, precise adjustments. The bar clamp has a threaded rod with a knurled knob for fine-tuning pressure, and the pipe clamp features a ratcheting mechanism for quick and secure clamping. This adjustability ensures a snug fit for various projects.
5. **Compatibility with Other Tools**
The Craftsman clamps are designed to work seamlessly with other vintage Sears tools, such as their workbenches and vises. They can also be used alongside modern clamps if needed, though their size and style may not match contemporary designs.
6. **Resale Value**
Due to their popularity and collectible status, these clamps hold value well over time. If you decide to sell them later, you may recover a significant portion of your investment, especially if they are in good condition.
7. **Low Maintenance**
Wooden clamps require minimal upkeep compared to hydraulic or pneumatic clamps. Regularly oiling the metal parts (such as the pivots and bolts) and avoiding excessive moisture will keep them in good working order for years.
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### **Cons**
1. **Weight**
The clamps are heavy, particularly the 14-inch bar clamp. This can make them cumbersome to transport or store, and prolonged use may lead to fatigue, especially for smaller individuals or those with limited strength. The weight also means they require more effort to adjust or reposition.
2. **Limited Modern Ergonomics**
The design prioritizes durability and aesthetics over ergonomics. The knurled knobs on the bar clamp and the ratcheting mechanism on the pipe clamp can be stiff or awkward to use compared to modern clamps with smoother, more user-friendly controls. The wooden handles may also be slippery when wet or oily.
3. **Size Limitations**
While the 14-inch and 10-inch lengths are useful, they may not be sufficient for very large projects or specialized applications. For example, clamping very thick lumber or large panels might require additional clamps or a different clamping strategy.
4. **Potential for Wood Warping**
Although the wood is hard and dense, prolonged exposure to humidity or temperature fluctuations can cause the clamps to warp slightly over time. This is less of an issue with high-quality hardwoods like oak, but it s still a consideration for long-term use.
5. **Cost**
These clamps are not cheap, especially if purchased new or in good condition from a reputable seller. The price point may be prohibitive for casual DIYers or those on a tight budget. However, they are often found used at reasonable prices, making them a more accessible investment.
6. **Maintenance Requirements**
While low maintenance compared to other tools, the metal parts (pivots, bolts, and ratchets) will eventually wear out or rust if not properly lubricated and stored. This may require occasional disassembly and cleaning, which can be time-consuming.
7. **Incompatibility with Modern Workflows**
If you primarily work with modern materials (e.g., composite woods, plastics, or metals) or use power tools extensively, the vintage design of these clamps may feel outdated or impractical. They are best suited for traditional woodworking or projects where aesthetics and durability are prioritized over convenience.
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### **Conclusion**
The Sears Craftsman 66639 and 66636 wooden clamps are exceptional tools for woodworkers who value durability, craftsmanship, and a classic aesthetic. They are built to last, offer reliable performance, and hold sentimental or collectible value. However, their weight, lack of modern ergonomics, and higher cost may not make them ideal for everyone. They are best suited for enthusiasts, traditionalists, or those working on projects where vintage tools enhance the overall experience.
If you prioritize strength, longevity, and the satisfaction of using a well-made, heirloom-quality tool, these clamps are a worthwhile investment. For those who prefer lighter, more ergonomic, or budget-friendly options, modern clamps (e.g., F-clamps, bar clamps, or pipe clamps from brands like Irwin or Grizzly) may be more practical.
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### **Recommendation**
**Buy these clamps if:**- You are a woodworker or DIYer who appreciates traditional tools and values durability above all else.
- You have the space and strength to handle their weight and are willing to invest in a tool that will last generations.
- You enjoy the aesthetic of vintage hardware and are interested in collecting or restoring Sears Craftsman tools.
- You primarily work on projects where the clamps size and style are well-suited to your needs (e.g., furniture building, joinery, or traditional woodworking).
**Avoid buying these clamps if:**- You need lightweight, easy-to-use clamps for frequent or heavy-duty applications.
- Your budget is limited, and you can achieve similar results with more affordable modern alternatives.
- You work primarily with non-wood materials or require clamps with specialized features (e.g., hydraulic pressure, quick-release mechanisms).
- You dislike the vintage design or find the lack of modern ergonomics frustrating.
**Final Verdict:**For the right user, these clamps are a fantastic addition to any workshop. They are not just tools but pieces of history and craftsmanship. If you can justify the investment based on your needs and preferences, they are highly recommended. Otherwise, consider pairing them with a few modern clamps to cover all your clamping requirements.
Please look at the pictures for more details. Great set of clamps. Vintage Sears Roebuck Craftsman 14 10 Adjustable wood en Clamps 66639 66636. 66639 is a 14 clamp.
Both still have the original Sear Roebuck label on them. 66636 is a 10 clamp.