Get a grip

When I first saw the Irwin Quick-Grip clamps several years ago, I thought they looked interesting. I think I was working at Radio Shack at the time and we got some in that were the right size for electronics. Now, of course, I have access to many additional sizes.

Truly one-handed operation
When I try the standard clamps, I find that I can't really use them all that well while positioning large material. The Quick-Grip is very usable with one hand, so it's no problem holding some material in place while I tighten the clamp.

Doesn't mark up the material
What I really hate about standard C-clamps is that the metal surfaces can mark up what I'm working on. The Quick-Grip clamps have rubber coated clamping surfaces to prevent this from happening. That's a big improvement in my book.

Reasonable pressure
Sometimes a standard C-clamp will allow you to put so much pressure on the material that you can actually break it. I don't think that's the intention, but it can be pretty easy to do. The Quick-Grip clamps haven't ever done this for me.

I still have some C-clamps
I still have a few old-fashioned C-clamps around, but I don't use them much. The built-in clamp on my Miter saw is the older style, so I use them there quite often. If I really need to hold something tight and can't allow it to move, then I get out the C-clamp. For most jobs, I use the Quick-Grip. Nailing or screwing pieces together is handled just fine by this easier to use variety. Cutting is normally fine with the one-handed model as well. If I am trying to cut a couple layers of 2x4 or plywood at the same time, I'll get out the C-clamps, but I find myself holding them together with a Quick-Grip while I position the other.