Ernst P is a Nordic tool retailer and we've been stocking Bessey for decades — this guide pulls together everything we know about the range for customers across the UK and the EU.
Bessey is German and was founded in 1889 in Stuttgart by Max Bessey [1]. Originally a drawn-steel mill, the company started making clamps in 1936 after being granted a patent on malleable (reinforced) cast-iron clamps. Since 1944 the head office and the majority of manufacturing have been in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany [2]. Today Bessey sells around 1,600 different products to more than 100 countries, and for Nordic joiners and professional builders Bessey is synonymous with quality when it comes to clamps.
This guide walks through the entire relevant Bessey range that Ernst P sells: TB, TL, K-Body REVO, KliKlamp, EZS, BAN700, TG, GSM/classiX and UniKlamp. All specifications are verified against bessey.de, official data sheets and third-party tests. The numbers you see in the tables aren't estimates — they're taken from the sources listed at the bottom.
How to pick the right Bessey clamp
Before we dive into each series, here's the decision tree:
- Long joint (>500 mm): sash clamp — TB (heavy duty, 14 kN) or TL (lighter, 9.9 kN)
- Wider glue-up that must stay flat: parallel clamp — K-Body REVO (KRE) or UniKlamp (UK)
- Short joint or fixturing: screw clamp — TG or classiX GSM
- One hand free: one-handed clamp — KliKlamp (KLI) or EZS
- Frame, chair, window: band clamp — BAN700
- 90° corners: angle clamp — the WS series for wood, WSM for welding
We cover each series in detail below.
TB series — heavy-duty sash clamp with T-profile
The best-selling sash clamp in the Nordics. All models have 14 kN clamping force (roughly 1,400 kg of pressure) and a T-profile rail of 40 × 40 × 5 mm in cold-drawn steel [3][4].
| Model | Reach | Clamping force | Profile | Ernst P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TB100 | 1,000 mm | 14 kN | T 40×40×5 mm | In stock |
| TB120 | 1,200 mm | 14 kN | T 40×40×5 mm | In stock |
| TB150 | 1,500 mm | 14 kN | T 40×40×5 mm | In stock |
| TB210 | 2,100 mm | 14 kN | T 40×40×5 mm | In stock |
| TB250 | 2,500 mm | 14 kN | T 40×40×5 mm | In stock |
Important finding: clamping force is identical across the entire TB series. The only difference between the TB100 and the TB250 is the length. If you need more grip than 14 kN — it doesn't exist in the TB. Step up to the classiX GSM series in all-steel instead.
TL series — I-profile, lighter version
The TL has an I-profile instead of a T-profile. Clamping force is 9.9 kN — around 30% lower than the TB — but it's considerably lighter. The TL60 weighs 3.8 kg, while the equivalent TB is significantly heavier [5][6].
| Model | Reach | Clamping force | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL60 | 600 mm | 9.9 kN | 3.80 kg |
| TL90 | 900 mm | 9.9 kN | ~4.6 kg |
| TL120 | 1,200 mm | 9.9 kN | ~5.3 kg |
| TL180 | 1,800 mm | 9.9 kN | ~6.3 kg |
Choose:
- TB (14 kN) if you want maximum clamping force or work on large/heavy assemblies
- TL (9.9 kN) if you want easy-to-handle sash clamps with ample force for furniture and cabinet work
K-Body REVO (KRE) — the parallel clamp that set a new standard
K-Body REVO is Bessey's parallel clamp — a sash clamp with fully parallel jaws that don't bow the panel under clamping pressure. That makes it the obvious choice for edge gluing table tops, drawer assembly and any panel that must be perfectly flat after glue-up [7][8].
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal clamping force | 1,700 lbs (~7.6 kN) |
| Maximum working load | 2,200 lbs (~9.8 kN) |
| Throat depth | 95 mm |
| Parallel jaws | Yes, slip-free |
| Extra torque | 6 mm hex in handle — up to 17 Nm |
| Pressure plates | Replaceable 2" × 5¾" |
REVO is the third generation K-Body. Compared with the old KR series, REVO has increased clamping force from 1,500 to 1,700 lbs and gained a stiffer lock on the moving jaw [9]. If you see older "KR" models on the second-hand market, that's the predecessor — REVO has been the current standard since around 2015.
When is the KRE worth the extra cost? Typically 1.8–2× the price of a TB in the same length. Justified when:
- Edge gluing table tops regularly
- Drawer assembly where exact flatness is required
- Composite glue-ups where the jaws keep the workpiece from shifting
For everyday furniture and frame glue-ups a TB or TL is plenty. Professional recommendation: 4× KRE plus 6–8× TB/TL for all-round work.
UniKlamp (UK) — lightweight parallel clamp for panels
A more affordable alternative to the K-Body for when you need parallel jaws but not maximum clamping force [10].
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Clamping force | Up to 1,500 N (1.5 kN) |
| Depth | 80 mm |
| Jaws | Glass-fibre reinforced polyamide, near-parallel |
| Sizes | UK60, UK80, UK100 (600, 800, 1000 mm) |
The UK is good for light furniture work, shelf glue-ups and drawers where you don't need the K-Body's 7.6 kN. Around a third of the price of a KRE.
KliKlamp (KLI) — the lightweight one-handed clamp
Ratchet-based one-handed clamp with magnesium jaws [11][12]. Light, fast, reliable for fixturing.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Clamping force | Up to 1,200 N (~260 lbs) |
| Construction | Steel rail + magnesium jaws |
| Handle | Glass-fibre reinforced polyamide (2K) |
| Weight | Around 0.45 kg |
| Sizes | KLI12, KLI16, KLI20, KLI25, KLI30, KLI40 |
Use: Quick fixturing of workpieces against a workbench, holding mouldings in place during gluing, clamping against jigs. Not enough for full glue-joint clamping pressure.
EZS — more powerful one-handed clamp with pump lever
The EZS is Bessey's stronger one-handed clamp — all-steel instead of magnesium, and a pump lever instead of a ratchet [13].
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Clamping force | ~2,000 N (~445 lbs) |
| Rail | All-steel 6 × 19 mm, flex-resistant |
| Sizes | EZS15, EZS30, EZS45 (150, 300, 450 mm) |
The difference versus the KliKlamp: the EZS is 1.7× stronger (2 kN vs 1.2 kN) and more robust. The price is 30–50% higher. Choose:
- KliKlamp for quick fixturing where clamping force isn't critical (jigs, mouldings, temporary placement)
- EZS when you need a hand free AND serious clamping force — thin panels, trim, smaller furniture joints
BAN700 — band clamp for frame glue-ups
A band clamp is the only right tool for gluing up a frame (picture frame, drawers, chair frames) where all four sides need even pressure at the same time [14].
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Band | Polyester 25 × 1 mm, high tear strength |
| Reach | Up to 7 m |
| Angle | 60° to 180° — any shape, not just rectangular |
| Included | 4 Vario corner blocks |
| Weight | 0.53–0.62 kg |
Use: Frames, drawers, windows, chair backs — anything where four or more corners need clamping at once. A single BAN700 does the work of 4–6 ordinary sash clamps with better-distributed pressure.
TG and TGRC — classic screw clamps in malleable cast iron
Bessey's traditional screw clamp in malleable cast iron (reinforced cast iron). The most common woodworking clamp in the Nordics [15].
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Clamping force | Up to 6 kN |
| Arms | Malleable cast iron (AUX) — high-strength |
| Anti-slip | Integrated from 80 mm depth |
| Handle | Wood (TG) or two-component plastic (TG-2K) |
| Sizes | TG10 (100 mm) up to TG160 |
Variants:
- TG — wooden handle, classic design
- TGRC — same rail but with an R-handle (ergonomic)
- TGK — copper-coated jaws, gentle on softwoods
- TGN — larger sizes with an extended handle
For Nordic hobby and professional woodworkers the TG is the best-selling screw clamp. 160 mm is the most popular size — enough reach for most furniture parts without becoming unwieldy.
classiX (GS, GSL, GSM) — all-steel for heavy clamping
Bessey's all-steel series for industrial use and metalwork [16]. Construction: hardened Acme-thread spindle and an all-steel rail that withstands impacts without breaking.
| Model | Reach | Clamping force |
|---|---|---|
| GSM20 | 200 mm | ~11.8 kN (2,660 lbs) |
| GSM25 | 250 mm | ~11.8 kN |
| GSM30 | 300 mm | ~11.8 kN |
| GSL60 | 600 mm | ~8.4 kN (1,880 lbs) |
GSM is heavy duty (shorter and stronger), GSL is the standard version (longer reach, lower force). Both are used for:
- Metalwork (welding, brazing)
- High-strength industrial adhesives
- Holding where a TG can't cope
WSM — welder's angle clamp (not for wood)
An important nuance: the Bessey WSM is a welding clamp, not a primary woodworking clamp [17].
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Cast iron (high-grade) |
| Primary use | 90° alignment for welding |
| Copper-coated spindle | Yes — welding spatter doesn't stick |
| Moving jaw | Floating, self-adjusting |
For gluing 90° corners in wood, choose either the WS-3 or WS-3+2K (dedicated 90° clamps for woodworking) or the MCX mitre clamping system. The difference: the wood clamps have a larger pressure surface, softer jaws that won't mark the timber, and clamping mechanics optimised for wood.
Starter pack — what should a hobby workshop buy?
Based on the most common use cases in Nordic home workshops, and a budget of 3,000–4,000 SEK in total:
Hobby starter pack (6 clamps):
- 2× TG16-2K (160 mm screw clamp) — all-round
- 2× KliKlamp KLI30 (300 mm) — one-handed fixturing
- 2× K-Body REVO KRE30 (300 mm parallel clamp) — panel glue-ups
Professional add-on (+6 clamps, around another 4,000 SEK): 4. 2× TB120 or TB150 (large sash clamp) 5. 1× BAN700 (band clamp for frame glue-ups) 6. 1× WS-3+2K (90° angle for wood — note: not the WSM) 7. 2× EZS15 (powerful one-handed clamp)
Bessey versus the competition — where do they stand?
| Brand | Core strength | Nordic market |
|---|---|---|
| Bessey | Broadest range, verified quality | Market leader |
| Wolfcraft | Price-efficient, hobby segment | Strong DIY presence |
| Irwin (Record) | Mid-segment quality | Declining |
| Piher | Spanish, quick-clamp focus | Niche |
Bessey costs more than Wolfcraft or Piher but also delivers a longer service life and better precision. Ernst P stocks Bessey spares as a separate range — pressure plates, spindles, clamping fittings — which means the clamps are a lifetime investment, not a disposable item.
Frequently asked questions
See the FAQ section structured below.
The full Bessey range at Ernst P
We stock the entire Bessey portfolio relevant to Nordic woodworkers and professionals. Over 100 Bessey products in stock, including specialist clamps (carcase clamps, edge clamps, face clamps) and spare parts.
Sources
All technical specifications in this guide are verified against primary sources. Last updated 2026-04-18.
- BESSEY — The BESSEY story (official company history, founded 1889 in Stuttgart). bessey.de/en-GB/BESSEY-Tool/Company/History
- BESSEY — Locations (Bietigheim-Bissingen as main site since 1944). bessey.de/en-gb/bessey-tool/company/standorte
- BESSEY — Sash clamps TB (official product page, 14 kN clamping force, T-profile 40×40×5 mm). bessey.de/en-gb/bessey-tool/products/clamping-tools/mobile-glue-presses/sash-clamps-tb
- Allied Tools — Bessey TB250 specs (confirmation of 14 kN across the series). alliedtoolsinc.com
- BESSEY — Sash clamp TL (official product page, I-profile, 9.9 kN). bessey.de/en-gb/bessey-tool/products/clamping-tools/mobile-glue-presses/sash-clamp-tl
- TME — TL60 specs (3.8 kg weight verified). tme.com/us/en-us/details/tl60/vices-and-clamps/bessey
- BESSEY — K-Body REVO (KRE) (official product page, 1,700 lbs clamping force, parallel jaws). bessey.de/en-gb/bessey-tool/products/clamping-tools/parallel-clamps-and-area-pressure-clamps/k-body-revo-kre
- BESSEY Tools North America — K-Body REVOlution KRE (confirms 2,200 lbs working load and 17 Nm hex option). besseytools.com
- Festool Owners Group — KR vs KRE discussion (third generation, improved locking vs old KR). festoolownersgroup.com/threads/bessey-revo-kr-vs-new-kre.55930
- BESSEY — UniKlamp UK (official product page, 1,500 N clamping force). bessey.de/en-gb/bessey-tool/products/clamping-tools/parallel-clamps-and-area-pressure-clamps/uniklamp-uk
- BESSEY — KliKlamp KLI (official product page, 1,200 N, magnesium jaws). bessey.de/en-gb/bessey-tool/products/clamping-tools/lever-clamps/high-tech-lever-clamp-kliklamp-kli
- Lee Valley — Bessey KliKlamp specs (third-party verification). leevalley.com
- Infinity Tools — Bessey EZ/EZS specs (445 lbs confirmed, 1.7× KliKlamp). infinitytools.com
- BESSEY — Band clamp BAN700 (official product page, 7 m band, 60–180°). bessey.de/en-gb/bessey-tool/products/clamping-tools/band-clamps/band-clamp-ban700
- BESSEY — Screw clamp TG (official product page, 6 kN, malleable cast iron). bessey.de/en-gb/bessey-tool/products/clamping-tools/malleable-cast-iron-screw-clamps/screw-clamp-with-wooden-handle-tg
- BESSEY Tools NA — classiX GSM Series (11.8 kN all-steel, 2,660 lbs verified). besseytools.com
- Bessey WSM Welder's Angle Clamp (90° welding clamp, specs via retailer). amazon.com/Bessey-WSM-9-7-Inch-Welders-Angle/dp/B0006694FA
Vanliga frågor
Which is Bessey's strongest sash clamp?
The TB series has the highest clamping force in the sash clamp range: 14 kN (roughly 1,400 kg of pressure) across the whole series (TB100 to TB250). The only difference between sizes is the reach — not the strength. For genuinely heavy industrial clamping the classiX GSM series in all-steel delivers up to ~11.8 kN per spindle, but with a shorter reach.
Is Bessey made in Germany?
Yes — Bessey is a German family-owned company founded in 1889 in Stuttgart by Max Bessey. Clamp production began in 1936 with a patent on malleable cast-iron clamps. Since 1944 the head office and the bulk of manufacturing has been in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany. Today Bessey has around 1,600 products in its range and sells in over 100 countries.
K-Body REVO or a standard TB sash clamp — which should I buy?
For edge gluing of panels where the joint must be perfectly flat — K-Body REVO. Its fully parallel jaws stop the panel from bowing under clamping pressure. For general woodworking glue-ups the TB (14 kN) or TL (9.9 kN) is plenty. Rule of thumb: 4× K-Body for edge gluing plus 6–8× TB/TL for everything else.
KliKlamp or EZS one-handed clamp?
The EZS is 1.7× stronger (2 kN vs the KliKlamp's 1.2 kN) and has a more robust all-steel construction. The KliKlamp is lighter (magnesium jaws) and uses a ratchet lock. Choose the KliKlamp for quick fixturing where clamping force is not critical (mouldings, jigs), and the EZS when you need serious force with a single hand.
Does the Bessey WSM work for gluing 90° corners in wood?
The WSM is primarily a welding clamp — cast iron with copper-coated spindles that welding spatter doesn't stick to. For gluing 90° corners in wood Bessey's WS series (WS-3, WS-3+2K) or the MCX mitre clamping system are often better choices.
Which Bessey series should a beginner start with?
Starter pack for a hobby workshop: 2× TG16-2K screw clamps (160 mm), 2× KliKlamp KLI30 (300 mm) for quick fixturing, 2× K-Body REVO KRE30 (300 mm) for edge gluing. Around 3,000–4,000 SEK in total for a set that will last a lifetime.
