I thought I would add a couple of Brit clamping tools that are more universal than a dedicated main spring clamp. On the left of the picture are a couple of hand vices small and large, they did manufacture many sizes in between. The late Jack Rowe was a keen user of hand vices and I did see him recommend their use in one of his videos. On the right are what we call toolmakers clamps or sometimes known as steel fingers, these are made in sizes from a foot to an inch and they all have a smooth clamping area so leave no marks on your work. Toolmakers clamps are so shaped so they can be used in confined situations and you will be surprised how much clamping force can be given by one of these.
Unfortunately, these tools are considered old fashioned these days and not many tool merchants stock them here now. These are a lot more stable than trying to use pliers!!
