With side clamps GN 9190, workpieces are clamped with a pivoted clamping jaw. The clamping force acts laterally and from above to pull down on the workpiece and clamp it against fixed stops and the supporting surface. The clamping stroke of the clamping jaw results from the swivel movement of the eccentrical cam lever. When the lever is released, the clamping jaw is returned by spring force. The low overall height of the side clamps allow full-surface machining of the workpiece.