The Story of BESSEY Tools: A Legacy in Clamps & Cutting

The story of BESSEY Tools begins in 1889, when Max Bessey founded a bright steel drawing mill in Stuttgart, Germany.

What started as a small operation dedicated to producing precision steel quickly evolved into something much greater. 

By 1936, BESSEY had patented a revolutionary cast-iron screw clamp, marking the start of their journey into the world of clamping and holding tools. Over the following decades, BESSEY expanded production, refined its steel-making process, and established new facilities in Bietigheim, setting the foundation for the brand’s reputation in precision and quality.

As the years went on, BESSEY’s expertise in bright steel became the backbone of its clamping technology. What sets BESSEY apart from the rest? Unlike many other toolmakers, BESSEY controls the entire process—from steel production to tool assembly—ensuring consistent quality in every component. This vertical integration is one of the reasons professionals and serious hobbyists trust BESSEY products to perform flawlessly, project after project. Today, more than a century after its founding, BESSEY has grown into a global brand with a strong presence in North America and a product line that serves woodworkers, metalworkers, and craftsmen worldwide.

Why do woodworkers in particular have a deep affection for BESSEY. Their clamps are known for reliability, precision, and a design philosophy that emphasizes ergonomics and usability. The brand’s slogan, “To stop improving is to stop being good,” perfectly captures its continuous innovation.

In workshops across the world, you’ll hear woodworkers praise BESSEY for its durability—clamps that hold firm without slipping, bending, or losing pressure even after years of use. Whether you’re gluing up panels, assembling furniture, or securing delicate pieces for carving, BESSEY clamps deliver steady, even force that makes the process easier and the results more accurate.

What sets BESSEY apart from the rest is its commitment to material quality and innovation. Because the company manufactures its own steel, it can guarantee unmatched strength and precision in every bar and spindle. BESSEY has also led the industry with countless patents and design improvements—from one-handed quick clamps to adjustable pressure mechanisms—that enhance productivity without sacrificing safety. Their dedication to professional-grade performance ensures that each clamp, spreader, or cutter lives up to the highest expectations.

Among their many products, several items have become favorites among professionals and woodworkers alike. The BESSEY K Body REVO Parallel Clamp is a top-seller, known for its large, parallel clamping surface that keeps projects square and evenly pressured—ideal for cabinetry and furniture making. The TG Series Heavy-Duty Bar Clamps are another classic, built to handle high-pressure applications with precision-machined rails and durable cast jaws. For quick, one-handed operation, the EZS One-Handed Clamp/Spreader stands out, offering ease of use without compromising on holding power. And for cutting, the Tin Snips are trusted by professionals who value clean, accurate cuts and comfortable ergonomics.

More than just a tool company, BESSEY represents a tradition of German engineering, innovation, and reliability. Its legacy—spanning over 135 years—is built on the principle that precision starts with the material and ends with the craftsman’s touch. For woodworkers who demand accuracy, strength, and longevity in their tools, BESSEY remains a name synonymous with excellence. Whether you’re clamping, cutting, or holding, BESSEY ensures your work stays as solid as the steel it’s made from.