Jorgensen Handscrew Clamp Value Guide

The Jorgensen Handscrew Clamp, produced by the Adjustable Clamp Co. of Chicago, represents the gold standard of mid-century American woodworking utility. These tools are highly collectible because they allow for non-parallel pressure on irregular surfaces, a unique mechanical advantage that modern bar clamps often lack.

What Is Jorgensen Handscrew Clamp Worth?

The typical price range for Jorgensen Handscrew Clamp is $25 - $30 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the wooden jaws, specifically looking for lack of deep glue residue, cracks, or heavy saw marks.
• Smoothness of the metal spindle threads and the absence of significant rust or pitting on the steel components.
• Integrity of the wooden handles, ensuring they are securely attached to the spindles without splitting.
• Size of the clamp, as larger jaw capacities or rare specialized sizes can command prices at the higher end of the $25-$30 range.

How to Identify Jorgensen Handscrew Clamp?

• Look for the 'Jorgensen' brand name and 'Adjustable Clamp Co.' stamped directly into the wooden jaws.
• Verify the presence of dual wooden-handled metal spindles which were standard for the 1930-1950 era.
• Check for the 'Made in USA' or Chicago origin markings typically found near the brand stamp.
• Examine the jaw material for high-quality hard maple, which was the traditional wood used for authentic Jorgensen models.

History of Jorgensen Handscrew Clamp

The handscrew clamp design is centuries old, but the Jorgensen brand, manufactured by the Adjustable Clamp Co. of Chicago, became the industry standard in the early 20th century. These clamps are highly valued by woodworkers for their ability to apply pressure evenly across irregular surfaces and their capacity to hold workpieces at an angle, features unmatched by traditional parallel bar clamps.