Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamping apparatus that is designed to be modular to facilitate use in numerous applications. In particular the modularity is fast and easy to manually perform without the need of tools. This modularity is facilitated by elongated elements which are configured to resist undesired removal, but facilitate desired removal. The modularity of the clamping apparatus is facilitated with the use of many interchangeable shoes and a variety of structural jaws. The clamping apparatus may be operated with the option of using a power tool, hand tool, or handle elongated element and may be configured to facilitate single hand operation.