DeWalt 6 in. (150 mm) Large Trigger Clamp

I reach for this 6-inch DeWalt trigger clamp more than I expected. It’s the kind of shop companion that disappears into the routine: one hand on the work, one squeeze on the trigger, and the piece is held exactly where I need it. After months of using it for everything from guiding straight-line cuts to building small assemblies and quick jigs, I’ve come to trust it within the limits of what a compact trigger clamp can do.

Build and materials

The clamp pairs a reinforced nylon body with a black-oxide, heat-treated steel I-beam bar. At this size, that combination feels right: light enough to maneuver one-handed, yet rigid enough that the bar doesn’t twist or chatter as you apply pressure. The 5 mm-thick bar and I-beam profile help resist flex, and I haven’t noticed any permanent bending even after cranking it hard across the full opening.

Removable, non-marring jaw pads are a must on a trigger clamp, and these are well executed. They’ve stayed put under typical loads and protect finished surfaces, face frames, and thin veneers as long as you keep dust and chips off the pad faces. If I need bite—say, to grab rough-sawn edges or through plastic sheet—I’ll pop the pads off temporarily, but 95% of the time I leave them on.

Fit and finish are tidy: the slider glides smoothly on the bar, the action is predictable, and the safety stop at the bar end keeps the head from walking off when you’re rearranging things mid-task.

Capacity and clamping force

The clamp is rated at 300 lb of clamping force, which is on the high end for this class. In practice, “300 lb” is a lab number; real clamping force depends on the surface, pad condition, and how much squeeze you’re willing to apply. That said, it bites with authority. For securing a circular saw guide to a thick slab, holding a fence to a benchtop, or locking a miter during layout, it has ample headroom. I haven’t encountered the telltale “creep” you get with lower-tier clamps where the jaws relax over a few minutes.

Maximum jaw opening is about 165 mm (roughly 6.5 inches), with a throat depth of 3-1/4 inches. That throat is generous for a 6-inch clamp and lets me reach beyond edges to clamp shelves, rails, and small boxes without resorting to a deeper specialty clamp. The sweet spot is small-to-medium work: case components, jigs, fixtures, guides, drawer faces, and quick glue-ups where you want speed and access over brute force.

One-handed operation

The large trigger is the star of the show. It’s shaped well and gives very fine control over the last turn or two of pressure, which matters when you’re aligning a line on a guide track or coaxing a miter into true. The quick-release lever sits naturally under the index finger and never pinched or surprised me, even when releasing under high load.

There’s the expected increase in squeeze effort near the top of the clamp’s capacity; that’s a function of the ratcheting mechanism and leverage. Still, the ergonomics are good enough that I can reach firm pressure with a gloved hand without contorting my wrist.

Spreader mode

The quick-change feature lets you convert the clamp into a spreader without tools. Press the release, move the fixed jaw to the opposite end of the bar, and you’ve got a spreader with up to about 330 mm of capacity. Conversion takes a handful of seconds once you’ve done it a couple of times. I often use spreader mode for:

• Dry-fitting small cases to square before glue
• Easing drawers into slightly tight openings
• Holding trim outward while brad-nailing
• Spacing panels for epoxy layups

Force in spreader mode is lower than in clamping mode (that’s true across brands), but it’s more than adequate for the tasks above.

Day-to-day performance

What I appreciate most is predictability. The bar doesn’t gall or hang up, the head doesn’t wander when you’re close to the end of the bar, and the pads land squarely even if you come in at a slight angle. That reliability makes it useful for jobs where you can’t make a second pass—locking a guide for a long rip cut, for example.

A few practical notes from the shop:

• The bar’s black oxide finish holds up well, but glue squeeze-out will eventually slow the slider. A quick wipe with mineral spirits brings it back to smooth.
• The jaw faces stay parallel enough that I don’t see racking on small parts. If you’re clamping near a corner or onto a beveled edge, add a scrap caul to keep things square.
• The pads are removable for cleaning. If you frequently clamp over abrasive surfaces, plan to brush the pads or flip to a sacrificial caul to preserve their grip.

At 600 grams, the clamp feels substantial without being top-heavy. I can position it overhead or mid-air with one hand while placing a workpiece with the other, which is where trigger clamps earn their keep.

Durability

Nothing on mine has loosened or drifted with use. The pivot pins remain tight, the trigger return is positive, and the bar edge hasn’t mushroomed or nicked. The reinforced nylon body doesn’t feel brittle, and it shrugs off the typical shop abuse—drops onto concrete, living in a drawer with other metal clamps, and the occasional whack from a mallet.

As with any ratcheting clamp, long-term durability hinges on keeping the bar clean. Dust and dried adhesive can reduce the bite of the pawl on the bar’s serrations. A periodic wipe and a blast of compressed air go a long way.

Limitations

This clamp is not a replacement for parallel-jaw or heavy F-style clamps in panel glue-ups. If you need dead-flat, high-pressure clamping across wide spans, you’ll want a different tool. The 3-1/4-inch throat, while generous for a trigger clamp, won’t reach deep into carcasses or across face frames in the middle of wide boxes.

A small nit: the quick-change button is a bit stiff when the clamp is brand new. It breaks in with use, and even when it’s stiff, you can still convert it without tools—just expect a firmer press the first few times.

Lastly, the removable pads are secure, but like all pads of this type, they can pop off if you side-load them aggressively. Keep your force in line with the bar, or use a caul if you’ll be levering.

Value and alternatives

In the crowded field of 6-inch trigger clamps, this one sits in the “heavy-duty” tier. It’s more robust than the bargain-bin options and competitive with other premium clamps that carry a similar 300 lb rating. You’re paying for the stronger bar, better trigger feel, and more consistent hold. If you only need light-duty positioning, a cheaper clamp may suffice, but if you actually rely on the clamping force (guides, fixtures, alignment), the difference is obvious.

The 1-year limited warranty is standard. I haven’t had cause to use it, and I wouldn’t expect warranty support to cover pads or wear from adhesive—those are maintenance items.

Who it’s for

• Woodworkers and DIYers who want a reliable, one-handed clamp for small assemblies, jigs, and guide rails
• Makers who value quick spreader conversion for fitting and spacing tasks
• Anyone frustrated by weaker trigger clamps that creep or rack under load

If your work leans toward cabinet carcasses, panel glue-ups, or deep-reach clamping, consider stepping up in size or moving to parallel-jaw or F-style clamps for those tasks. This clamp complements those, it doesn’t replace them.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 6-inch trigger clamp. It delivers a credible 300 lb class hold, has a useful 3-1/4-inch throat, converts quickly to a spreader, and maintains one-handed convenience without sacrificing rigidity. The build quality inspires confidence, and the day-to-day usability—smooth slider, predictable trigger, secure pads—has made it a default grab on my wall. For small to mid-sized clamping and spacing chores, it’s a dependable, well-rounded choice that earns its spot in the shop.