Klein Locking C Clamp 38620: A Third Hand That Actually Holds

Introduction

Most people who work with their hands have improvised a third hand at some point: a pair of locking pliers wedged against something, rubber bands wrapped around plier tips, a homemade jig to hold a workpiece while gluing, soldering, grinding, or welding. The Klein Locking C Clamp 38620 aims to replace those improvisations with something simple and reliable.

This is the 6-inch size in Klein’s lineup, though it actually measures a bit over 7 inches long. Klein also makes a larger version, plus a variant without the swivel jaws. The part number 38620 model has become a favorite as a portable hand vice, and at roughly 16 dollars at Lowe’s and on Amazon, it is an easy experiment to justify.

Why a Good Third Hand Matters

Anyone who solders, welds, glues, or modifies small parts knows the struggle: the workpiece moves at exactly the wrong moment. Common workarounds include locking pliers, which offer limited control over clamping force and tend to shoot off if they slip out, and various homemade holding fixtures that are often overkill for small jobs.

What makes a good third hand is the ability to snap onto a workpiece, hold it without any fighting, and let you get on with the actual work. That is exactly where this clamp earns its place in the tool bag.

Swivel Jaws Make the Difference

The standout feature of the 38620 is the pair of swivel jaws on the ends. Unlike a standard C clamp or a basic locking plier, the swivel pads let the jaws conform to irregular or thin workpieces. A razor blade, for example, can be lined up and held securely in the jaws, and stacking washers on the screw adds extra lock-down pressure when needed.

This is the main difference from cheaper alternatives like the Malco locking C clamp, which does not have the swivel jaws. The swivels also let the clamp hang onto a magnetic pad, which in turn sticks to a work surface, creating a simple, effective holding station.

Big Jaw Opening, Simple Design

Despite the 6-inch label, the clamp opens surprisingly wide. Once you spin the screw free past a certain point, the jaws open to grab material from essentially zero thickness up to about an inch without trouble.

The jaws themselves are rigid and do not bend or angle, so very large or oddly shaped pieces may be better served by the larger Klein model. As a small hand vice for wood, metal, and everything in between, though, the capacity is generous for the size.

What to Consider Before Buying

The main downside worth knowing is that the clamp is made in China, which is likely part of why it stays around 16 dollars. For a tool this small, that trade-off is easy to accept given how well it performs.

It shines as a portable third hand: snap it onto a workpiece in the tool bag, adjust easily, lock it down, and work on small pieces of wood or metal without the usual struggle. Anyone who has fought with locking pliers while soldering or grinding will appreciate how much calmer the work becomes.

Buying Advice

If you regularly need a third hand for soldering, gluing, grinding, or light fabrication, the Klein 38620 is a low-risk purchase at its typical price of about 16 dollars. Choose the swivel jaw version over the plain version, and consider the larger model if you often need to hold bigger workpieces. Check current availability and pricing at Lowe’s or Amazon before buying, as both have carried it at a similar price.

Conclusion

The Klein Locking C Clamp 38620 is a simple idea executed well: a portable hand vice with swivel jaws that holds thin, small, and awkward workpieces without drama. It is not flawless, and its country of manufacture may give some buyers pause, but for a third hand that lives in the tool bag, it is a wonderful little tool.